Calculus I Simplifying and Substitution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying expressions in calculus, specifically focusing on substitution methods and simplification techniques for given functions. Participants are addressing problems related to evaluating limits and expressions involving rational functions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to evaluating a function by substituting \( x \) with \( 2+h \) and simplifying the resulting expression.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of the function \( f(x) = \frac{x+3}{x-1} \) and the evaluation of \( f(2+h) \) and \( f(2) \), leading to a limit expression that needs simplification.
  • A participant claims to have simplified the expression to \( -\frac{4}{h+1} \) after canceling terms, seeking confirmation on the correctness of their result.
  • For the second problem, a suggestion is made to rationalize the numerator by multiplying by the conjugate, although the specific conjugate is not stated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the simplification process for the first problem, with one participant confirming the correctness of the result. However, the second problem remains unresolved, with differing approaches suggested without consensus on the method or outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the steps for the second problem, particularly regarding the rationalization process and the identification of the conjugate. There may be assumptions about prior knowledge of these techniques that are not explicitly stated.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on calculus problems involving limits and simplification techniques, as well as those seeking clarification on substitution methods in mathematical expressions.

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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