Difference Quotient...4

Discussion in 'Calculus' started by nycmathguy, Mar 27, 2022.

  1. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2021
    Messages:
    5,386
    Likes Received:
    422
    Chapter 1
    Calculus 1

    Screenshot_20220326-180257_Samsung Notes.jpg

    Question 29

    I know that f(a) = 1/a.

    On the numerator we have:

    (1/x) - (1/a)

    LCD = ax

    Our numerator now becomes:

    (a - x)/ax

    The original problem becomes

    [(a - x)/(ax)]/(x - a)

    Multiply (a - x) by -1 to get x - a.

    We now have (x - a)/(ax) ÷ (x - a).


    (x - a)/(ax) • 1/(x - a)

    Answer: 1/(ax).

    What does the answer mean?
     
    nycmathguy, Mar 27, 2022
    #1
  2. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2021
    Messages:
    2,989
    Likes Received:
    2,884
    Answer should be: -1/(ax)

    reason:
    upload_2022-3-27_15-4-40.gif

    upload_2022-3-27_15-6-3.gif

    since numerator is (a-x)/xa, we factor out 1- to make -(x-a)/xa so we can cancel denominator

    upload_2022-3-27_15-9-0.gif

    upload_2022-3-27_15-9-33.gif -> your answer
     
    MathLover1, Mar 27, 2022
    #2
    nycmathguy likes this.
  3. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2021
    Messages:
    5,386
    Likes Received:
    422
    nycmathguy, Mar 27, 2022
    #3
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.