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Mathematics 50 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

compute f'(a) for f(x)=4-x^2, a=-1

OpenStudy (agreene):

f'(x) = -2x f'(a) = -2(-1) f'(a) = 2 Where a = -1

OpenStudy (anonymous):

agreene has a good answer, which means this is also a "good answer" hint hint

OpenStudy (anonymous):

how do you get f'(x) = -2x ?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

It's a shortcut for derivatives

OpenStudy (agreene):

f'(x) is the derivative of f(x). This particular derivative can be done using the power rule. whereby you drop the power off the variables multiply them by their constants and for variables with powers of 1 they go away. constants go to 0. F(x) = 4 - x^2 4 is constant and goes to 0 -x^2 has power two, coeff 1. so you can drop power 2(1) =1 F'(x) = -2x

OpenStudy (agreene):

2(1) = 2 ... im dumb.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

If f(x) - x^5, the f'(x)= -5x^4.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

oh i get it.....somewhat. thanks a lot

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