52216712
Let \(f(x) = -1.5x + 3\).
1. Use the limit definition of the derivative to find \(f'(-2)\) and \(f'(4)\).
2. Interpret the results geometrically and explain why the two values are equal.
Hints
- Start with the limit definition of the derivative.
- Notice what happens to the constant terms in the numerator.
- What shape is the graph of a linear function?
- Does a line’s slope change from one point to another?
Solution
1. At \(x = -2\), \(\frac{f(-2+h)-f(-2)}{h} = \frac{-1.5(-2+h)+3-6}{h} = \frac{-1.5h}{h} = -1.5\) for \(h \ne 0\). Therefore, \(f'(-2) = \lim_{h\to 0}(-1.5) = -1.5\).
2. At \(x = 4\), \(\frac{f(4+h)-f(4)}{h} = \frac{-1.5(4+h)+3-(-3)}{h} = \frac{-1.5h}{h} = -1.5\) for \(h \ne 0\). Therefore, \(f'(4) = -1.5\).
3. The graph is a line with constant slope \(-1.5\). At every point, the tangent line is the same line, so its slope and the derivative are constant.
Answer
1. \(f'(-2) = -1.5\) and \(f'(4) = -1.5\)
2. Both equal the constant slope of the line. The tangent line has the same slope at every point.
