Question

Find and simplify the difference quotient {f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}, h =/= 0, for the function f(x) = 2 x^2 - x - 3.

Answer 1

I generally understand these types of problems, I just can't seem to find the right answer in this case.

Answer 2

Hello there.

Answer 3

Any ideas?

Answer 4

Oh, let me see. I'm not like a teacher or something lol

Answer 5

Lol. That's okay, so long as you think you can help.

Answer 6

Do you know how to plug it into the function?

Answer 7

Yeah. 2(x+h)^2-x-3- (2x^2-x-3.)

Answer 8

And you end up w/ 2x^2 + 4xh+2h^2-x-3-2x^2+x+3/h

Answer 9

Now, it seems to me the only logical outcome here is 4x+2h. But that's apparently wrong.

Answer 10

OKay, let me work this out.

Answer 11

Is it 2x+2h?

Answer 12

Um...

Answer 13

How did you come to that conclusion?

Answer 14

And...no, it isn't.

Answer 15

Damn, I always hated these

Answer 16

When I plugged it in I got

Answer 17

2(x+h)^2 -(x+h) + 3 - (2x^2-x+3) / h

Answer 18

@MBrecht92 Is it 4x+2h? I'm so sorry.