Chapter 2.3, Problem 94AYU

Problems 87-94 require the following discussion of a secant line. The slope of the secant line containing the two points $(x,f(x))$ and $(x\text{ + }h,f(x\text{ + }h))$ on the graph of a function $y\text{ = }f\left(x\right)$ may be given as

In calculus, this expression is called the difference quotient of f

(a) Express the slope of the secant line of each function in terms of x and h. Be sure to simplify your answer.

(b) Find m_sec for $h=0.5$, 0.1, and 0.01 at $x\text{ = 1}$. What value does m_sec approach as h approaches 0?

(c) Find an equation for the secant line at $x\text{ = 1}$ with $h\text{ = 0}\text{.01}$.

(d) Use a graphing utility to graph f and the secant line found in part (c) in the same viewing window.

94. $f\left(x\right)\text{ = }\frac{1}{x^2}$