Solve derivative by using the definition of the derivative limit

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function h(x) = (x-1)^-2 using the definition of the derivative limit. Participants are exploring the steps involved in applying this definition and addressing the complexities that arise during the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial setup of the derivative limit and the manipulation of expressions involving fractions. There are attempts to simplify the expression and expand the numerator, with some participants questioning the correctness of their expansions and the handling of terms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the expansion of the numerator and addressing misunderstandings. There is recognition of mistakes made in earlier steps, and some participants are working to clarify their thought processes and correct their approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the algebraic manipulation required to apply the definition of the derivative, including the need to cancel terms and correctly expand expressions. There is a focus on ensuring that the setup aligns with the definition being used.

MrNeWBiE
Messages
75
Reaction score
0
solve derivative by using the definition of the derivative limit ,,,

hi alll


1. Homework Statement [/b]

find the derivative by using the definition of the derivative limit

h(x)= (x-1)^-2




3. The Attempt at a Solution


well ,,, first

f(x) = 1/(x-1)^2 ====> 1/(x^2-2x+1)

f(h+x) = 1/(x+h-1)^2 =====> 1/(x+h)^2-2hx+1 ===> 1/(x^2+2hx+h^2)-2hx+1


f(h+x)-f(x) = (1/x^2+h^2+1) - (1/x^2-2x+1) ===> x^2-2x+1-x^2+h^2+1/(x^2+h^2+1).(x^2-2x+1)


so it will be ,,,, -2x-h^2/x^4-2x^3+x^2 +(h^2.x^2)+2xh^2+h+x^2-2x+1


now adding the lim

lim(h=>0) (h^2+2x/x^4-2x^3+x^2 +(h^2.x^2)+2xh^2+h+x^2-2x+1)/h


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

can someone tell me what did i do wrong so i can't divide the H down and the one up ,,,

i been trying to solve it from 2days ,,, =,=
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Uhh... let's ignore where the mistake was (the hell I'm going to try read through that mess) and will simply guide you through it instead.

So this is what we have,

[tex]\frac{\frac{1}{(x+h-1)^2}-\frac{1}{(x-1)^2}}{h}[/tex]

Getting rid of the fractions within fractions by multiplying both by the highest common denominator:

[tex]\frac{(x-1)^2-(x+h-1)^2}{h(x-1)^2(x+h-1)^2}[/tex]

Did you understand how to get to this point? It's really easy from here, just expand the numerator and simplify.
 


expanding the numerator ,,,

how to multiply h(x^2-2x+1)(x^2+h^2+1)

start with which one ??
 


No no the numerator is the top part of the fractions, if you plug h=0 into the bottom, that h factor makes it all zero, but getting rid of that it won't be zero for h=0 anymore which means we must be able to cancel a factor of h from the numerator.
 


ohh,,,

so i will get -2x-h^2/h(x-1)^2 (x+h-1)^2 ,,,, yet there is "-2x- " so i can't take h with h ,,,

so should i divide all by -2x ?
 


Show me the steps on how you expanded the numerator please, then I can know where you went wrong.
 


it's (h+x-1)^2 -(x-1)^2 ====> h^2 -2xh +2xh +x^2 -1 - ( x^2 -2x+1)2xh will go with -2xh so it's going to be h^2 +2x
 


I don't know what your thought process was, because it's far from being right.
You can try expand this in a few different ways:

You already know that [tex](a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2[/tex] so if we let a=x+h and b=1 then [tex](x+h-1)^2=(x+h)^2-2(x+h)+1[/tex]

or

Expansions work as follows, given two factors [tex](a_1+a_2+...+a_n)(b_1+b_2+...+b_n)[/tex]
to expand them we simply do it in parts as such,
[tex]a_1(b_1+...+b_n)+a_2(b_1+...+b_n)+...+a_n(b_1+...+b_n)[/tex]

So for [tex](x+h-1)^2[/tex] we look at this as [tex](x+h-1)(x+h-1)[/tex] and then expand by multiplying the 1st term in the 1st factor by everything in the 2nd factor, the 2nd term in the 1st factor by everything in the 2nd factor... etc.

[tex]x(x+h-1)+h(x+h-1)-1(x+h-1)[/tex]
 


Mentallic said:
I don't know what your thought process was, because it's far from being right.
You can try expand this in a few different ways:

You already know that [tex](a-b)^2=a^2-2ab+b^2[/tex] so if we let a=x+h and b=1 then [tex](x+h-1)^2=(x+h)^2-2(x+h)+1[/tex]

or

i know that ,,, but i expand (x+h)^2 also ,,,

that why i got " h^2 -2xh +2xh +x^2 -1 - ( x^2 -2x+1) "
 
  • #10


i saw my mistake at last !
 
  • #11


Hah :smile:

Ok just one last thing, previously you said it's (h+x-1)^2 -(x-1)^2, but it's actually (x-1)^2 - (h+x-1)^2
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K