Solving f(x) Substitution: 1/x +1-(1/x)/h

[yoleven]

Homework Statement

f(h+1)-f(h)/h. If f(x)=1/x, simplify.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

1/x+1-(1/x)/h

is the answer 1/h? I am not sure if i substituted this correctly or if I solved this right.
I put 1/x in everywhere there was a f(h).

 

[Dick]

If f(x)=1/x, then f(h+1)=1/(h+1), f(5)=1/5. Etc. x is only a dummy variable.

 

[rocomath]

Incorrect.

f(h+1)=1/(h+1)

f(h)=1/h

[f(h+1)-f(h)]/h

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

Continue.

 

[yoleven]

so it should have been (1/x+1 -1/x)/h
dealing with the numerator first, I bring the terms to a common denominator..
(x-x+1/x^2+x)/h.
i multiply the numerator by 1/h and get..
1/hx^2+hx
is that right?

 

[Dick]

You aren't listening. There are NO x's in (f(h+1)-f(h))/h. Reread the previous posts. By the way, are you sure the problem isn't (f(h+1)-f(1))/h??

 

[yoleven]

Okay, I can see that now. Thanks.