What Did I Miss in My Derivative Calculation Using First Principles?

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In summary, the conversation was about finding the derivative of the function f(x) = x^2+2x+1 using the first principle definition. The attempt at a solution involved expanding the brackets and simplifying the equation, but a mistake was made in the process. The correct derivative is 2x+2.
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-Dragoon-
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Homework Statement


Find the derivative of f(x) = x^2+2x+1

Homework Equations


f(x + h) - f(x) / h
lim(h->0) f (x+h) - f(x) / h

The Attempt at a Solution


Hi everyone. I keep calculating the derivative for this function incorrectly. I haven't learned the rules of derivatives yet, I am only using first principle definition. So here's my mathematical attempt:
f (x+h) - f (x) / h = (x+h)^2 + 2(x+h)+1 - (x^2+2x+1) / h
First I expand the brackets
=> x^2+2xh+h^2+2x+1-(x^2+2x+1) / h
Now I open the brackets for f(x):
=> x^2+2xh+h^2+2x+1-x^2-2x-1) / h
Now I cancel some variables out and have left:
=> h^2+2xh / h
Now I factor out h and get rid of the fraction:
=> h(h + 2x) / h
Now I use the limit equation lim(h->0) f (x+h) - f(x) / h:
=> lim(h->0) h+2x = 2x is the derivative I calculated for. But checking my answers through online derivative calculators say the derivative is 2x+2? What have I done wrong in my calculations? I've checked them over more times than I can remember to count.
 
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  • #2
Retribution said:
f (x+h) - f (x) / h = (x+h)^2 + 2(x+h)+1 - (x^2+2x+1) / h
First I expand the brackets
=> x^2+2xh+h^2+2x+1-(x^2+2x+1) / h

You missed a 2h in the numerator coming from the bold term.
 

FAQ: What Did I Miss in My Derivative Calculation Using First Principles?

What is a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function at a specific point. It can be thought of as the slope of a tangent line to the curve of the function at that point.

Why do we need to use derivatives?

Derivatives are useful in many fields of science, particularly in physics and engineering. They allow us to analyze and understand how quantities are changing over time or in relation to other variables. They also help us to optimize functions and make predictions about future behavior.

What are some common applications of derivatives?

Derivatives are used in a wide range of applications, including in finance to calculate interest rates and in economics to analyze supply and demand curves. They are also used in physics to analyze motion and in biology to model population growth.

How do you find a derivative?

The process of finding a derivative is called differentiation. It involves using rules and formulas to determine the rate of change of a function at a specific point. The most common method is to use the power rule, which states that the derivative of a function raised to a power is equal to the power multiplied by the original function raised to the power minus one.

What are some common mistakes when working with derivatives?

One common mistake is forgetting to use the chain rule when differentiating composite functions. Another mistake is using the power rule incorrectly, such as forgetting to subtract one from the original power. It is also important to pay attention to the notation used for derivatives, as mixing up symbols can lead to errors in calculations.

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