What is the equation of the tangent line for f(x) = \frac {2x-5}{x+1} at x = 0?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of the tangent line for the function f(x) = (2x - 5) / (x + 1) at the point where x = 0. Participants are exploring the application of the quotient rule for differentiation to determine the slope of the tangent line.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the quotient rule for finding the derivative and question the correctness of the application of this rule. There is also a debate about different forms of the quotient rule and their implications for the derivative calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the derivative calculations, with one confirming the correctness of earlier steps while others suggest reconsidering the application of the quotient rule. Multiple interpretations of the derivative are being explored, but there is no explicit consensus on the final slope value.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the correct application of the quotient rule, with participants referencing different formulations of the rule. The original poster's calculations are being scrutinized for accuracy, particularly regarding the derivative and subsequent slope determination.

swears
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Can someone check if I did this right:

Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of [tex]f(x) = \frac {2x-5}{x+1}[/tex] at the point at which x = 0.

[tex]f(x) = \frac {2(0) - 5}{(0) + 1} = -5[/tex]

So I got y = -5

Then I wanted to find the derivative of the original using the quotient rule to find the slope.

[tex]f'(x) = \frac{(2x-5)(1) - (2)(x+1)}{(x+1)^2}<br /> <br /> = \frac{2x-5 - 2x -2}{(x+1)^2}[/tex]

Is the slope -7? I plugged in 0 for x.

If so, I get :

y -y1 = m(x-x1)

y - -5 = m(x-0)

y + 5 = -7x + 0

y = -7x -5
 
Last edited:
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I think you got the quotient rule wrong. It's low dee high minus high dee low.
 
Not sure what you mean. I was told you can do it either of these two ways:

[tex]F'(\frac{f}{g}) = \frac{fg' - f'g}{g^2} or \frac {f'g - fg'}{g^2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
They can't both be right: one is the negative of the other. You want the second one.
 
Ok so now I get: [tex]\frac{2x+1 - 2x+5}{(x+1)^2}[/tex]

Do I plug x = 0 into that to find my slope? Which would give me m = 6
 
Yes, everything else you did in the first post looks right.
 

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