[ASK] Derivative of an Algebraic Fraction find f(0) + f'(0)

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    Derivative Fraction
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the value of f(0) + f'(0) for the function $$f(x)=\frac{3x^2-5}{x+6}$$. Participants explore the calculation of the derivative of an algebraic fraction and evaluate it at a specific point, focusing on the correctness of their computations and the provided answer options.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants calculate f(0) and f'(0) using the quotient rule for derivatives and arrive at a value of $$-\frac{25}{36}$$.
  • One participant expresses confusion as the calculated answer does not match any of the provided multiple-choice options.
  • Another participant confirms the calculation is correct and reiterates that the answer is indeed $$-\frac{25}{36}$$.
  • There is a suggestion to verify the reading of the question, implying potential misinterpretation of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculation leading to $$-\frac{25}{36}$$, but there is disagreement regarding the validity of the answer options provided in the question.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve whether the question was misread or if the options were incorrect, leaving the source of the discrepancy unclear.

Monoxdifly
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If $$f(x)=\frac{3x^2-5}{x+6}$$ then f(0) + f'(0) is ...
A. 2
B. 1
C. 0
D. -1
E. -2

What I did:
If $$f(x)=\frac{u}{v}$$ then:
u =$$3x^2-5$$ → u' = 6x
v = x + 6 → v' = 1
f'(x) =$$\frac{u'v-uv'}{v^2}$$=$$\frac{6x(x+6)-(3x^2-5)(1)}{(x+6)^2}$$
f(0) + f'(0) = $$\frac{3(0^2)-5}{0+6}$$ + $$\frac{6(0)(0+6)-(3(0^2)-5)(1)}{(0+6)^2}$$ = $$\frac{3(0)-5}{6}$$ + $$\frac{0(0+6)-(3(0)-5)}{6^2}$$= $$\frac{0-5}{6}$$ + $$\frac{0-(0-5)}{36}$$ = $$\frac{-5}{6}$$ + $$\frac{0-(-5)}{36}$$ = $$\frac{-30}{36}$$ + $$\frac{0+5}{36}$$ = $$\frac{-25}{36}$$
The answer isn't in any of the options. I did nothing wrong, right?
 
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Monoxdifly said:
If $$f(x)=\frac{3x^2-5}{x+6}$$ then f(0) + f'(0) is ...
A. 2
B. 1
C. 0
D. -1
E. -2

What I did:
If $$f(x)=\frac{u}{v}$$ then:
u =$$3x^2-5$$ → u' = 6x
v = x + 6 → v' = 1
f'(x) =$$\frac{u'v-uv'}{v^2}$$=$$\frac{6x(x+6)-(3x^2-5)(1)}{(x+6)^2}$$
f(0) + f'(0) = $$\frac{3(0^2)-5}{0+6}$$ + $$\frac{6(0)(0+6)-(3(0^2)-5)(1)}{(0+6)^2}$$ = $$\frac{3(0)-5}{6}$$ + $$\frac{0(0+6)-(3(0)-5)}{6^2}$$= $$\frac{0-5}{6}$$ + $$\frac{0-(0-5)}{36}$$ = $$\frac{-5}{6}$$ + $$\frac{0-(-5)}{36}$$ = $$\frac{-30}{36}$$ + $$\frac{0+5}{36}$$ = $$\frac{-25}{36}$$
The answer isn't in any of the options. I did nothing wrong, right?
Your calculation is correct, and the answer is not one of the listed options. Maybe you should check whether you read the question correctly.
 
Yes, the correct answer is -\frac{25}{36}.
 
OK, thanks for the clarifications...
 

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