Calculus: Derivative

1. Oct 8, 2011

MarcAlexander

1) f(x)=3x2-7x+5
2) $\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}$

What is the value of equation 2?

NOTE: I'm new to Calculus. I'm trying to self teach by using the internet.

Thanks in advance. ;)

Last edited: Oct 8, 2011
2. Oct 8, 2011

LCKurtz

No, it isn't. It will have x's and h's in the expression.

3. Oct 8, 2011

MarcAlexander

May I inquire what the answer is?

4. Oct 8, 2011

Ray Vickson

2) will contain both x and h. If you mean the LIMIT as h --> 0, then that would contain only x. Even so, its value would depend on what value of x you choose.

If you show us your work we can make more meaningful comments.

RGV

5. Oct 8, 2011

iRaid

The answer is 6x-7 to help you, but show what you did so people can tell you what is wrong.

6. Oct 9, 2011

MarcAlexander

Would another form of 6x-7 be ?

That number is the result myalgebra.com calculated.

7. Oct 9, 2011

Ray Vickson

Obviously not: one expression has x alone, while the other has both x and h.

Rather than trying to teach yourself using on-line sources, you would probably do better to read a book on the subject. Some people praise the Schaums Outlines books, but, really, most introductory books could be very helpful to you. There even several free ones available as PDF files; you can find them by doing a Google search for 'free calculus books'.

RGV