
    Dismiss Notice
Dismiss Notice
Join Physics Forums Today!

Lost learning derivatives

  1. Feb 22, 2006 #1
    Hello, today my teacher presented us with the concept of derivatives. I was okay in class, but when I got home, I was completly lost. Using the definition (f(x+h) - f(x))/h, we have to fine the derivative of y=2x^2 - 5. I know the answer is 4x from the back of the book, but I cant understand how to get it. Am I factoring something wrong? I get to a point of simplification that everything just cancels out. Your help is greatly appriciated!
  2. jcsd
  3. Feb 22, 2006 #2
    The definition you want to use is this:


    Now, set [itex]f(x)=2x^2-5[/itex] and insert this in the expression, simplify and take the limit.
  4. Feb 22, 2006 #3
    Quick check: When you expand the numerator, f(x+h)-f(x), you should get an expression that cancels the h in the denominator.

  5. Feb 22, 2006 #4
    my problem is when i simplify, i get 0 over 0....i dont know why....i cant get the h to go away in the denominator
  6. Feb 22, 2006 #5
    [tex] f(x+h)=2(x+h)^2-5=2x^2+4xh+2h^2-5 [/tex]
    [tex] f(x)=2x^2-5 [/tex]
    So when you subtract the two you get...

    Last edited: Feb 22, 2006
  7. Feb 22, 2006 #6
    Then you must be doing something wrong. Remember this: If [itex]f(x)=2x^2-5[/itex], what is then [itex]f(x+h)[/itex]? Check your calculations again.
  8. Feb 22, 2006 #7
    Thank you so much guys!!! Wow i feel dumb....turns out i was just plugging the functions in wrong. Thank you so much!!!!
  9. Feb 22, 2006 #8
    Hey, as I always tell my students: it's only a dumb question when you DON'T ask it! :biggrin:


Have something to add?

Similar Discussions: Lost learning derivatives
  1. Lost on an Integral (Replies: 3)

  2. Totaly lost (Replies: 1)

  3. Derivative of (Replies: 2)