Need help with basic dervivative problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the derivative f'(x) of the function f(x) = 2x² + x - 1 using the definition of a derivative. The user initially misapplied the limit definition, resulting in an incorrect derivative of 4x - 1 instead of the correct answer, 4x + 1. Key corrections included properly setting up the limit expression and ensuring accurate simplification of terms. The final resolution involved recognizing the errors in the setup and applying the correct algebraic manipulations.

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TheKracken
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Homework Statement


they want f'(x)
of f(x)=2x^2 +x-1


Homework Equations


I know how to use the power rule and such and get that answer to be 4x+1...but I am practicing using the definition of a dervivative and I keep getting 4x-1
...so you need help

relevant equations: f'(x)= Lim h→0 of f(x+h) - f(x) all over h


The Attempt at a Solution


started out with
2(x+h)^2 +(x+h) -(2x^2 +x-1) all over h

then I got 2x^2 +2h^2 +2xh +x+h-1-2x^2 - x +1 all over h

and cancled out and got
2h^2 +4xh +h -1 all over h

then I factored out the h and got
h(2h+4x)-1 all over h

cancled out the h and got
2h+4x-1 all over 1

entered in 0 for h and i got 4x-1
so what the heck did I do wrong? haha, I think I had my set up wrong from the beginning? anyone willing to help me out here, just started self studying calculus so a little confused...
 
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TheKracken said:
started out with
2(x+h)^2 +(x+h) -(2x^2 +x-1) all over h
This is wrong. It should be
[tex]\frac{2(x + h)^2 + (x + h) \textbf{ - 1} - (2x^2 + x - 1)}{h}[/tex]
TheKracken said:
then I got 2x^2 +2h^2 +2xh +x+h-1-2x^2 - x +1 all over h
This isn't right either. This should be
[tex]\frac{2x^2 + \textbf{4xh} + 2h^2 + x + h - 1 - 2x^2 - x + 1}{h}[/tex]
TheKracken said:
and cancled out and got
2h^2 +4xh +h -1 all over h
Nope. This should be
[tex]\frac{4xh + 2h^2 + h}{h}[/tex]
You should be able to figure out the rest from here.
 
Last edited:
right i got it...wrong set up, thank you very much :) now I see how to set those up haha, thank you.
 

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