What does this mean f '(2)

  • Thread starter afcwestwarrior
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Mean
In summary, f'(2) is the derivative of the function f at the point x=2, representing the rate of change at that point. It can be calculated using the definition of a derivative or differentiation rules. The value of f'(2) provides information about the slope or rate of change of the function at x=2, and can be used in various real-world applications. A positive f'(2) indicates increasing, negative indicates decreasing, and zero may indicate a point of inflection.
  • #1
afcwestwarrior
457
0
is it the same as f(2)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No. It usually means the derivative of f evaluated at 2.
 
  • #3
[tex]f'(2) = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(2+h) - f(2)}{h}[/tex]
 
  • #4
thanks man
 
  • #5
one is height of graph at x=2, one is slope of graph at x=2.
 
  • #6
f is a function.

f' is a function: it's the derivative of f.

f'(2) is the result of plugging 2 into the function f'
 

1. What is f'(2)?

f'(2) represents the derivative of the function f at the point x=2. It is the rate of change of the function at that specific point.

2. How is f'(2) calculated?

To calculate f'(2), we use the definition of a derivative, which is the limit of the change in y over the change in x as the change in x approaches 0. This can also be done using differentiation rules and formulas depending on the complexity of the function.

3. What does f'(2) tell us about the function?

f'(2) gives us information about the slope or rate of change of the function at x=2. It tells us how fast the function is changing at that specific point.

4. How can f'(2) be used in real-world applications?

f'(2) can be used to solve optimization problems, calculate velocities and accelerations, and analyze data in various fields such as physics, economics, and engineering.

5. What does it mean if f'(2) is positive/negative/zero?

If f'(2) is positive, it means that the function is increasing at x=2. If it is negative, the function is decreasing at x=2. And if it is zero, it means that the function is neither increasing nor decreasing at x=2, indicating a possible point of inflection.

Similar threads

  • Calculus
Replies
12
Views
503
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
955
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
31
Views
916
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
795
  • Calculus
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top