Dx/x of quotient by def of derivative

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function \( f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 1}{2x - 3} \) using the definition of the derivative. Participants are exploring the implications of using this definition rather than applying the quotient rule directly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to use the limit definition of the derivative and express their initial thoughts on expanding the numerator and combining fractions. There are questions about the rendering of LaTeX in the forum and the implications of using different dollar sign delimiters.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the approach to take and the challenges faced with LaTeX formatting. Some guidance on the use of the derivative definition has been provided, but no consensus has been reached on the specific steps to follow.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention issues with LaTeX rendering in the forum, which may affect their ability to present mathematical expressions clearly. There is also a note about the complexity involved in using the definition of the derivative for this problem.

karush
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Homework Statement
ok I am retired just doing some review problems
Relevant Equations
definition of derivative
$f(x)=\dfrac{x^2-1}{2x-3}$
ok I just don't see any preview so don't want to add more...
 
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karush said:
Homework Statement: ok I am retired just doing some review problems
Relevant Equations: definition of derivative

$f(x)=\dfrac{x^2-1}{2x-3}$
ok I just don't see any preview so don't want to add more...
You need two dollar signs to delimit your Latex:$$f(x)=\dfrac{x^2-1}{2x-3}$$
 
double \$\$ centers the latex which I don;t want other forums only require one $ wrap $
besides it didm"t render in the preview with double \$\$

anyway this we are supposed to solve by means of def of a derivative which can get quite involved

$$f'( x)=\displaystyle\lim_{h \to 0} \dfrac{{f(x + h)-f(x)}}{h}$$
 
karush said:
anyway this we are supposed to solve by means of def of a derivative which can get quite involved
You need to take the derivative using the original definition, instead of just using the quotient rule for derivitaves?
 
$$f'(x)=\displaystyle\lim_{h \to 0}
\dfrac{\dfrac{(x+h)^2-1}{2(x+h)-3}-\dfrac{x^2-1}{2x-3}}{h}$$
my first inclination is to expand the numerator and combine the fractions
 
karush said:
$$f'(x)=\displaystyle\lim_{h \to 0}
\dfrac{\dfrac{(x+h)^2-1}{2(x+h)-3}-\dfrac{x^2-1}{2x-3}}{h}$$
my first inclination is to expand the numerator and combine the fractions
What else is there to do? Combine, simplify, cancel a factor of ##h## (hopefully) and get a simple limit to evaluate.
 
karush said:
double \$\$ centers the latex which I don;t want other forums only require one $ wrap $
besides it didm"t render in the preview with double \$\$

anyway this we are supposed to solve by means of def of a derivative which can get quite involved

$$f'( x)=\displaystyle\lim_{h \to 0} \dfrac{{f(x + h)-f(x)}}{h}$$
It's two hashes for inline Latex.

You can't preview Latex on the first post. It's just the developers showing who's boss.
 
karush said:
double $$ centers the latex which I don;t want other forums only require one $
One dollar sign is a bad choice for ##\LaTeX## delimiters in forums, because people quite frequently want to say things like "it was $2 for one and $3 for two" and you don't want that to render ##\LaTeX##. So, as others have noted, it's two # for inline maths and two $ for paragraph maths.

The parser here has three oddities, as far as I know because (as much as we love it here) it's a minority-interest add-on to standard forum software. First, it won't render unless there is already ##\LaTeX## on the page - a page refresh cures this. Second, it won't render in preview if there isn't already ##\LaTeX## on the page - a page refresh while in preview mode cures this (the wise poster takes a copy of their text before refreshing). Third, it won't render at all in the new thread preview - I just prepare a thread start as a reply to a random thread that uses ##\LaTeX## and copy-paste into the new thread page when I'm ready.
 
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