Math Is Fun Forum

nycguitarguy

Member

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 523

Difference Quotient of f

The slope of the secant line containing the two points
(x, f(x)) and (x + h, f(x + h)) on the graph of a function y = f(x) may be given as

m_sec = [f(x + h) - f(x)]/[(x + h) - x] which leads to [f(x + h) - f(x)]/h, where h cannot = 0.

Express the slope of the secant line for the function f(x) = -3x + 2 in terms of x and h. Be sure to simplify.

Let me see.

f (x) = [-3(x + h) + 2 - (-3x + 2)]/h

f(x) = (-3x - 3h + 2 + 3x - 2)/h

f(x) = -3h/h

f(x) = -3

You say?

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,184

Re: Difference Quotient of f

correct.

B

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nycguitarguy

Member

Registered: 2024-02-24

Posts: 523

Re: Difference Quotient of f

correct.

B

Very good. Thank you.