Factoring Derivatives Using Limits: 4/x^2

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the derivative of the function f(x) = 4/x using the limit definition of a derivative. The user correctly substituted the function into the limit formula, resulting in the expression {4/(x+h) - (4/x)}/h. The final answer, -4/x^2, was confirmed by a TI-89 calculator. The key to solving this problem lies in combining the fractions into a single expression and simplifying as h approaches 0.

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Homework Statement



lim {f(x+h)-f(x)}/h
f(x)=4/x







So far, i have plugged in the function, and got
{4/(x+h)-(4/x)}/h

I have a Ti-89, my brother no longer needed for college, and when i factored this, it gave me -4/x^2. This is also the answer supplied in the back of the book. With that being said, i have the answer for this worksheet, but i really want to know HOW to factor this. I know it is going to be showing up a whole heck of a lot, with this being the definition of a derivative using limits, so i want to know how this factors. I have tried a few times, but due to the difficulty of writing math by typing, i will just say that all attempts ended in indeterminant answers, so obviously, something hasn't worked.
 
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What have you done so far? You plugged in the function correctly. Now just combine everything into 1 common fraction and simplify it. Then note that (x+h) approaches x when h approaches 0.
 

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