Determine the slope of the secant line through the given x values.
f(x)=5x^4-9x^2+2x-7, x=4, x=11

Question

Determine the slope of the secant line through the given x values.
f(x)=5x^4-9x^2+2x-7, x=4, x=11

anonymous · Answer

f'(x) for each x gives u the slope on that point so u have : 
20x^3-18x+2 
so put the x in the equation  : 
20(4)^3-18(4)+2  
and do the same for x=11

anonymous · Answer

thanks dear , hope u be successful in the exams .

paxpolaris · Answer

find f(4) & f(11)

anonymous · Answer

thanks. Also, how would you find an equation of the secant line through the given values of x?

paxpolaris · Answer

find the line that passes through (4,f(4)) & (11,f(11))

anonymous · Answer

as i remember  u should inverse the slope and multiple it with -1 and then with this new slope put the point in this order ; 
y=mx+a 
u should put the new slope instead m and u will find a by putting the point in equation .

anonymous · Answer

Thanks for your help guys :)

anonymous · Answer

ur welcome dear

paxpolaris · Answer

the secant passes through: $\Large \left( 4,\ 1137 \right)$ & $\Large \left( 11,\ 72131 \right)$ so the equation is $$\Large y= 10142x-39431$$ http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=y%3D5x^4-9x^2%2B2x-7%2C+y%3D+10142x-39431%2C+%28x+%3D+4+to+11%29 http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=real+solutions+y%3D5x^4-9x^2%2B2x-7%2C+y%3D+10142x-39431