Use this definition to compute the derivative of the function at the given value. f(x) = 6x² − x, x = 2 f'(2) =

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2.3 Q4) Hey, I need help with the following calc problem, states to use the definition below. Thank you!

### Understanding the Derivative of a Function

In calculus, the derivative of a function at a point provides information about the rate at which the function's value changes at that point. The formal definition of the derivative is given by the following limit:

\[ f'(a) = \lim_{{x \to a}} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \]

#### Explanation:

- **\(f'(a)\)**: Represents the derivative of the function \(f(x)\) at the point \(x = a\).
- **\(\lim_{{x \to a}}\)**: Indicates that we are taking the limit as \(x\) approaches \(a\).

- **\(\frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a}\)**: 
  - The numerator \( f(x) - f(a) \) represents the change in the function's value as \( x \) changes from \( a \) to \( x \).
  - The denominator \( x - a \) represents the change in the input value from \( a \) to \( x \).
  - Together, the fraction \( \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \) represents the average rate of change of the function over the interval from \( a \) to \( x \).
  
As \( x \) gets arbitrarily close to \( a \), this average rate of change approaches the instantaneous rate of change at the point \( a \), which is the value of the derivative at that point.

This formula is fundamental in calculus and is used to find the slopes of tangent lines to the graph of a function, velocities in physics, and rates of change in various scientific disciplines.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding the Derivative of a Function In calculus, the derivative of a function at a point provides information about the rate at which the function's value changes at that point. The formal definition of the derivative is given by the following limit: \[ f'(a) = \lim_{{x \to a}} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \] #### Explanation: - **\(f'(a)\)**: Represents the derivative of the function \(f(x)\) at the point \(x = a\). - **\(\lim_{{x \to a}}\)**: Indicates that we are taking the limit as \(x\) approaches \(a\). - **\(\frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a}\)**: - The numerator \( f(x) - f(a) \) represents the change in the function's value as \( x \) changes from \( a \) to \( x \). - The denominator \( x - a \) represents the change in the input value from \( a \) to \( x \). - Together, the fraction \( \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} \) represents the average rate of change of the function over the interval from \( a \) to \( x \). As \( x \) gets arbitrarily close to \( a \), this average rate of change approaches the instantaneous rate of change at the point \( a \), which is the value of the derivative at that point. This formula is fundamental in calculus and is used to find the slopes of tangent lines to the graph of a function, velocities in physics, and rates of change in various scientific disciplines.
### Calculating Derivatives Using the Definition

In this exercise, we will use the definition of the derivative to compute the derivative of the given function at a specific value.

**Function and Value:**
\[ f(x) = 6x^2 - x \]
\[ x = 2 \]

**Derivative:**
\[ f'(2) = \]

**Steps to Compute:**
1. **Definition of the Derivative:**
   The derivative of a function \( f(x) \) at a point \( x = a \) is given by:
   \[
   f'(a) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}
   \]

2. **Substitute Given Values:**
   Substitute \( a = 2 \) into the definition of the derivative:
   \[
   f'(2) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{f(2 + h) - f(2)}{h}
   \]

3. **Function Evaluation:**
   - \( f(2 + h) \) can be found by substituting \( 2 + h \) into the function \( f(x) \):
     \[
     f(2 + h) = 6(2 + h)^2 - (2 + h)
     \]

   - \( f(2) \) can be computed directly from the function:
     \[
     f(2) = 6(2)^2 - 2
     \]

4. **Simplify Expression:**
   Simplify the expression obtained and apply the limit as \( h \) approaches 0.

Place your solution in the blank provided:
\[ f'(2) = \boxed{} \]
   
Be sure to simplify your calculations and provide the final numerical value.
Transcribed Image Text:### Calculating Derivatives Using the Definition In this exercise, we will use the definition of the derivative to compute the derivative of the given function at a specific value. **Function and Value:** \[ f(x) = 6x^2 - x \] \[ x = 2 \] **Derivative:** \[ f'(2) = \] **Steps to Compute:** 1. **Definition of the Derivative:** The derivative of a function \( f(x) \) at a point \( x = a \) is given by: \[ f'(a) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h} \] 2. **Substitute Given Values:** Substitute \( a = 2 \) into the definition of the derivative: \[ f'(2) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{f(2 + h) - f(2)}{h} \] 3. **Function Evaluation:** - \( f(2 + h) \) can be found by substituting \( 2 + h \) into the function \( f(x) \): \[ f(2 + h) = 6(2 + h)^2 - (2 + h) \] - \( f(2) \) can be computed directly from the function: \[ f(2) = 6(2)^2 - 2 \] 4. **Simplify Expression:** Simplify the expression obtained and apply the limit as \( h \) approaches 0. Place your solution in the blank provided: \[ f'(2) = \boxed{} \] Be sure to simplify your calculations and provide the final numerical value.
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