Solving f(x) and Finding A and B

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding constants A and B in the context of the function f(x) = 1/(5x+7) and its derivative, as well as addressing a second problem involving the function f(x) = 2x^2 + 9x + 4. Participants are exploring the manipulation of expressions to fit specific forms required by their homework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to simplify the expression for the derivative of f(x) to match the form 1/(A+Bh). There are attempts to identify the correct values for A and B, with some questioning the method of simplification. In the second problem, there is confusion regarding the value of C when trying to express the derivative in the form Ah^2 + Bh + C.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing suggestions and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the manipulation of expressions, but there is no consensus on the correct values for A, B, or C in the second problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of an online homework system that may provide feedback on their inputs, which has led to confusion regarding the correctness of their answers. There is also mention of using first principles versus the quotient rule for derivatives.

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Homework Statement


This problem is not hard at all its just that this stupid online homework program is a problem. Anyways,

f(x)=1/(5x+7)

The quotient:
f(7+h)+f(7)\h

This can be simplified to:
1\(A+Bh)

What is A & B
What is f'(7)?

Homework Equations



[tex]lim_{h\rightarrow0}\frac{\f(7+h)-f(7)}{h}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



The derivative is easy to get.
The final form is [tex]\frac{-5}{210h+1764}[/tex]
How do I get it to:

[tex]\frac{1}{A+Bh}[\tex][/tex]
 
Last edited:
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Why not multiply top and bottom by -1/5?
 
but when I input B=210 and A=1764 it tells me I'm incorrect
 
Well, you haven't multiplied them by -1/5. In order to get [tex]\frac{-5}{210h+1764}[/tex] into the required form, you need to multiply top and bottom by -1/5 (to get unity in the numerator).
 
Ah..of coarse.
There is another problem that requires the form Ah^2 + B h + C.
f(x) = 2x^2 + 9 x + 4, find f'(2).

Now I got :
2h+17, A is 0, B is 2 but
when i input 17 for c it is incorrect. Why?
 
Last edited:
Umm do you have to do it by first principles? It seems the quotient rule would work fine here.

For your 2nd problem, f'(2)=17, I don't see what the problem is.
 
Gib Z said:
Umm do you have to do it by first principles? It seems the quotient rule would work fine here.

For your 2nd problem, f'(2)=17, I don't see what the problem is.

Well the question wants the form Ah^2+Bh+C
I know that
A=0
B=2
Shouldnt C=17? When i input that it is wrong.
 
If not c=17, I don't understand what else it could be!
 

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