Need help with basic dervivative problem

  • Thread starter TheKracken
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In summary, the conversation is about a person trying to find the derivative of a function using the definition of a derivative but getting the wrong answer. They receive help and realize their mistake in setting up the equation.
  • #1
TheKracken
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Homework Statement


they want f'(x)
of f(x)=2x^2 +x-1


Homework Equations


I know how to use the power rule and such and get that answer to be 4x+1...but I am practicing using the definition of a dervivative and I keep getting 4x-1
...so you need help

relevent equations: f'(x)= Lim h→0 of f(x+h) - f(x) all over h


The Attempt at a Solution


started out with
2(x+h)^2 +(x+h) -(2x^2 +x-1) all over h

then I got 2x^2 +2h^2 +2xh +x+h-1-2x^2 - x +1 all over h

and cancled out and got
2h^2 +4xh +h -1 all over h

then I factored out the h and got
h(2h+4x)-1 all over h

cancled out the h and got
2h+4x-1 all over 1

entered in 0 for h and i got 4x-1
so what the heck did I do wrong? haha, I think I had my set up wrong from the beginning? anyone willing to help me out here, just started self studying calculus so a little confused...
 
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  • #2
TheKracken said:
started out with
2(x+h)^2 +(x+h) -(2x^2 +x-1) all over h
This is wrong. It should be
[tex]\frac{2(x + h)^2 + (x + h) \textbf{ - 1} - (2x^2 + x - 1)}{h}[/tex]
TheKracken said:
then I got 2x^2 +2h^2 +2xh +x+h-1-2x^2 - x +1 all over h
This isn't right either. This should be
[tex]\frac{2x^2 + \textbf{4xh} + 2h^2 + x + h - 1 - 2x^2 - x + 1}{h}[/tex]
TheKracken said:
and cancled out and got
2h^2 +4xh +h -1 all over h
Nope. This should be
[tex]\frac{4xh + 2h^2 + h}{h}[/tex]
You should be able to figure out the rest from here.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
right i got it...wrong set up, thank you very much :) now I see how to set those up haha, thank you.
 

FAQ: Need help with basic dervivative problem

What is a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of one variable with respect to another variable. It is essentially the slope of a curve at a specific point.

How do I find the derivative of a function?

To find the derivative of a function, you can use the derivative rules and formulas that have been developed in calculus. These include the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule.

What is the purpose of finding the derivative?

The derivative is useful in many areas of science and engineering, as it allows us to analyze and predict the behavior of a function. It is also used to find the maximum and minimum values of a function, which has practical applications in optimization problems.

Can you provide an example of finding a derivative?

Sure, the derivative of the function f(x) = 2x^2 + 3x - 5 would be f'(x) = 4x + 3. This can be found using the power rule, as the derivative of x^n is nx^(n-1).

Are there any common mistakes when finding a derivative?

Yes, some common mistakes include forgetting to use the correct derivative rule, not simplifying the answer, and not considering the chain rule when the function involves multiple variables. It is important to carefully follow the steps and double check your work when finding derivatives.

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