How to find f'(0) from a left handed limit? (multiple questions)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of derivatives using limits, specifically focusing on finding f'(0) from a piecewise function and addressing several related derivative problems. Participants express confusion and seek clarification on the steps involved in calculating limits and derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a piecewise function and attempts to compute f'(0) using left and right hand limits, concluding that f'(0) does not exist (DNE) based on their calculations.
  • Another participant challenges the first by asking for more detailed steps in the limit calculations, suggesting that there are missing steps in the reasoning.
  • There is a request for clarification on the arithmetic involved in evaluating the limits, particularly in the right-hand limit expression.
  • Participants express frustration over the lack of clarity in the steps taken to arrive at the derivative values, particularly for the left-hand limit.
  • Additional derivative problems are presented, including a table of values for a function and a separate function involving a limit as t approaches x, with participants questioning the derivation of expressions used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct steps to compute the derivatives, and multiple viewpoints regarding the necessary calculations and interpretations of the limits remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight missing steps in the limit calculations and express uncertainty about the arithmetic involved in evaluating the derivatives. There are unresolved questions about the simplification of expressions and the application of the limit definition of the derivative.

arbrelibre
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My homework is due really soon.
Here are all the questions I have absolutely NO idea how to do.


1.
Let:
f(X) = -6x^2+6x for x<0 and 7x^2-3 for x≥ 0

According to the definition of derivative, to computer f'(0), we need to compute the left hand limit
lim x-->0- =
and the right hand limit
lim x--> 0+
We conclude that f'(0)=

So...
I've figured out that the right hand limit is
[7x^2-3-(7(0)^2-3)]/(x-0)
and that f'(0)=DNE

My answer for the left hand limit is
[-6x^2+6x-(-6(0)^2+6(0))]/(x-0)
but the website won't accept my answer.

2.
Given the following table:

x----- 0.0097 ------- 0.0098 -------- 0.0099 -------- 0.01---- 0.0101 ----- 0.0101
f(x)-- 0.54783494--0.99814343 -- 0.46101272-- (-0.50636564)---- (-.9987636)

Calculate the value of f'(0.0099) to two place of accuracy.

3.
Let f(x) = 2/(x-8)
According to the definition of derivative, f'(x)= lim t-->x (2(x-8)-2(t-8))/((t-x)(t-8)(x-8))
The expression inside the limit simplifies to: 2/[-(x-8)/(t-8)]
Taking the limit of this fractional expression gives us
f′(x)= ?

Please, please, please help me. I am SO frustrated.

Thanks!
 
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arbrelibre said:
My homework is due really soon.
Here are all the questions I have absolutely NO idea how to do.


1.
Let:
f(X) = -6x^2+6x for x<0 and 7x^2-3 for x≥ 0

According to the definition of derivative, to computer f'(0), we need to compute the left hand limit
lim x-->0- =
and the right hand limit
lim x--> 0+
We conclude that f'(0)=

So...
I've figured out that the right hand limit is
[7x^2-3-(7(0)^2-3)]/(x-0)
and that f'(0)=DNE
Wrong. Fill in the missing steps.
 
haruspex said:
Wrong. Fill in the missing steps.

What do you mean 'missing steps'?
 
arbrelibre said:
Let:
f(X) = -6x^2+6x for x<0 and 7x^2-3 for x≥ 0

According to the definition of derivative, to computer f'(0), we need to compute the left hand limit
lim x-->0- =
and the right hand limit
lim x--> 0+
We conclude that f'(0)=

So...
I've figured out that the right hand limit is
[7x^2-3-(7(0)^2-3)]/(x-0)
and that f'(0)=DNE
Pleae write out the steps between those last two statements so that I can see where you are going wrong.
 
arbrelibre said:
My homework is due really soon.
Here are all the questions I have absolutely NO idea how to do.


1.
Let:
f(X) = -6x^2+6x for x<0 and 7x^2-3 for x≥ 0

According to the definition of derivative, to computer f'(0), we need to compute the left hand limit
lim x-->0- =
and the right hand limit
lim x--> 0+
We conclude that f'(0)=

So...
I've figured out that the right hand limit is
[7x^2-3-(7(0)^2-3)]/(x-0)
and that f'(0)=DNE
You are being far too "casual". What is "7x^2- 3- (7(0)^2- 3)" Actually write that out in detail.

My answer for the left hand limit is
[-6x^2+6x-(-6(0)^2+6(0))]/(x-0)
but the website won't accept my answer.
I don't see an answer! You haven't yet taken the limit.

2.
Given the following table:

x----- 0.0097 ------- 0.0098 -------- 0.0099 -------- 0.01---- 0.0101 ----- 0.0101
f(x)-- 0.54783494--0.99814343 -- 0.46101272-- (-0.50636564)---- (-.9987636)

Calculate the value of f'(0.0099) to two place of accuracy.
Okay, what have you done? Since you clearly know the formula, it's just a matter of arithmetic.

3.
Let f(x) = 2/(x-8)
According to the definition of derivative, f'(x)= lim t-->x (2(x-8)-2(t-8))/((t-x)(t-8)(x-8))
Where did you get that?

If f(x)=
The expression inside the limit simplifies to: 2/[-(x-8)/(t-8)]
Taking the limit of this fractional expression gives us
f′(x)= ?
As t goes to x, what is \frac{x- 8}{t- 8}?

Please, please, please help me. I am SO frustrated.

Thanks!
 

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