Calculus I Simplifying and Substitution

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying expressions in Calculus I, specifically using substitution techniques. The first problem involves evaluating the function \( f(x) = \frac{x+3}{x-1} \) at \( f(2+h) \) and simplifying the expression to \( \frac{-4}{h+1} \). The second problem requires rationalizing the numerator of the expression \( \frac{\sqrt{1-3x} - 2}{x+1} \) by multiplying by its conjugate. The participants confirm the correctness of the first simplification and provide guidance on the second.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of function evaluation and substitution in calculus.
  • Familiarity with simplifying rational expressions.
  • Knowledge of rationalizing numerators in algebra.
  • Basic proficiency in limits and derivatives concepts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of rationalizing expressions in algebra.
  • Learn about limits and derivatives in Calculus I.
  • Practice simplifying complex rational expressions.
  • Explore the concept of conjugates in algebraic expressions.
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Students in Calculus I, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to strengthen their skills in simplifying functions and expressions in calculus.

ardentmed
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Hey guys,

I have a couple more questions about this problem set I've been working on. I'm doubting some of my answers and I'd appreciate some help.

Question:
08b1167bae0c33982682_1.jpg

For the first one, I evaluated by replacing x for 2+h for f(x). Then I substituted into the givern expression and simplified to get (6h-5x)/(xh+h^2 -h)

For the second one, I replaced -1 for x in f(x) and got 2. Then I substituted into the given expression to get [√ (1-3x) - 2 ]/(x+1)

Any ideas on what to do?

Thanks in advance.
 
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1.) Given:

$$f(x)=\frac{x+3}{x-1}$$

then:

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

and

$$f(2)=\frac{2+3}{2-1}=\frac{5}{1}=5$$

and so:

$$\frac{f(2+h)-f(2)}{h}=\frac{\dfrac{h+5}{h+1}-5}{h}$$

Now, your task is to simplify...
 
MarkFL said:
1.) Given:

$$f(x)=\frac{x+3}{x-1}$$

then:

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

and

$$f(2)=\frac{2+3}{2-1}=\frac{5}{1}=5$$

and so:

$$\frac{f(2+h)-f(2)}{h}=\frac{\dfrac{h+5}{h+1}-5}{h}$$

Now, your task is to simplify...

Alright, I simplified the expression and crossed out the extra h in the nominator and denominator and ultimately computed:

-4 / (h+1)

Is that right? How about the second one?

Thanks again.
 
ardentmed said:
Alright, I simplified the expression and crossed out the extra h in the nominator and denominator and ultimately computed:

-4 / (h+1)

Is that right? How about the second one?

Thanks again.

Yes, that's correct.

For the second one, you need to rationalize the numerator, which means multiplying by the conjugate...can you state the conjugate?
 

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