Limit Definitions and Finding the Unknown Quick Question

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ardentmed
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Definitions Limit
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the derivative of the function f(x) = x^5 at the point c = 2 using the limit definition of the derivative. The user correctly identifies that the limit expression $$\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(2+h)^5-32}{h}$$ leads to the derivative f'(2) = 80. The user also confirms that the derivative of f(x) = x^5 is f'(x) = 5x^4, which is consistent with their calculations. Overall, the user is on the right track in their approach to solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the definition of the derivative
  • Knowledge of polynomial functions, specifically f(x) = x^5
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations with limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the limit definition of the derivative in various contexts
  • Explore higher-order derivatives and their significance
  • Learn about Taylor series expansions for polynomial functions
  • Investigate the implications of the Mean Value Theorem in calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching derivative concepts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of polynomial functions and limits.

ardentmed
Messages
158
Reaction score
0
Hey guys,

Here's another quick question this time from a problem set I'm having trouble with at the moment.

Question:
08b1167bae0c33982682_11.jpg


So, for a, I computed f(x) = x^5
This is because of the numberator's right side. If 2+h is raised to the 5, this must be the function.

Moreover, a=2 because 2 is already on the right side of the numerator. 2 is added to "x" which confirms 2^5 = 32, also seen in the numerator.

Also, for 1b, I used the definition of the derivative, where
$\lim_{{h}\to{0}}$ (x+h)^5 - x^5 ) / h.

This ultimately gave me 4x^4 as the answer.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ardentmed said:
Hey guys,

Here's another quick question this time from a problem set I'm having trouble with at the moment.

Question:So, for a, I computed f(x) = x^5
This is because of the numberator's right side. If 2+h is raised to the 5, this must be the function.

Moreover, a=2 because 2 is already on the right side of the numerator. 2 is added to "x" which confirms 2^5 = 32, also seen in the numerator.

Also, for 1b, I used the definition of the derivative, where
$\lim_{{h}\to{0}}$ (x+h)^5 - x^5 ) / h.

This ultimately gave me 4x^4 as the answer.

Am I on the right track?

Thanks in advance.

The definition of the derivative at the point $c$ is
$$\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(c+h)-f(c)}{h}=f'(c)$$

So comparing this formula with $$\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(2+h)^5-32}{h}=f'(c) \Rightarrow \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(2+h)^5-2^5}{h}=f'(c)$$ we see that $f(x)=x^5$ and $c=2$.

To find the limit by evaluating only the derivative we do the following:
$f'(x)=(x^5)'=5x^4$
$$\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(2+h)^5-2^5}{h}=f'(2)=5 \cdot 2^4=5 \cdot 16=80$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
6K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K