Rate of change from 0 to x 2x^2 + 3x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the rate of change of the function 2x^2 + 3x from 0 to x. Participants are exploring the appropriate mathematical approach to derive this rate of change, particularly in the context of derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of different forms for calculating the derivative, with some expressing uncertainty about the original poster's approach. There is mention of the limit process and its relevance to the problem. Others question the necessity of taking limits in this context.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the simplification of the expression, with a suggestion to clarify the mathematical notation. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations about the problem's requirements, particularly concerning the limit and the definition of the derivative.

Contextual Notes

There is a playful exchange regarding the factorial notation, which appears to be a misunderstanding rather than a relevant mathematical point. The participants are navigating through the nuances of the problem setup and its implications.

Rusho
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2x^2 + 3x

I'm not really sure what to do with the "X"
Form: f(x) - f(c)/ x-c

-2(x)^2 +3(x) - (-2(0)^2 + 3 (0) / x-0

I get
= -2x^2 + 3x + 0 / x - 0

= -2x^2 + 3x / x

that doesn't seem right


I'm taking a break
 
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Rusho said:
2x^2 + 3x

I'm not really sure what to do with the "X"
Form: f(x) - f(c)/ x-c

-2(x)^2 +3(x) - (-2(0)^2 + 3 (0) / x-0

I get
= -2x^2 + 3x + 0 / x - 0

= -2x^2 + 3x / x

that doesn't seem right


I'm taking a break

You forgot to take the limit as x -> 0.

Personally, I've never been too keen on that form for the derivative. I think it's more transparent to use:
\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}

That might show you a bit better what happens to everything.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
You forgot to take the limit as x -> 0.

Personally, I've never been too keen on that form for the derivative. I think it's more transparent to use:
\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}

That might show you a bit better what happens to everything.

-Dan
topsquark, you don't need to take the limit as x -> 0. The problem does not ask for the slope of the tangent line at x = 0. It just ask for the rate of change from 0 to x.
Rusho said:
I get
= -2x^2 + 3x + 0 / x - 0

= -2x^2 + 3x / x
There should be no minus sign in front of the 2x2, and you seem to be missing some parentheses. :)
It should read:
\frac{2x ^ 2 + 3x}{x} or (2x ^ 2 + 3x) / x
Now, you can simplify that expression a little bit further, right?
Can you go from here? :)
 
Ok, so I just do this:

=2x^2 + 3x/x

=x(2x + 3) / x

=2x + 3
 
Last edited:
As long as x is not 0!
 
Well 0! = 1, so I don't think that would be a problem ;)
 
ksinclair13 said:
Well 0! = 1, so I don't think that would be a problem ;)
Err, I don't understand, why is factorial involved in here? :confused:
 
It was joke, son, a joke! (The ;) was a give-away)

ksinclair13, you can get the actual :wink: by typing ": w i n k :" without the spaces or by going to "advanced" and clicking on the icon.
 
Okay, thank you. :wink:

I always use the quick reply, but now I know how to do it with that as well :smile:
 

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