document.write( "Question 823685: Let f(x) = 5x + 4. Find f(x) - f(a) / x-a, if x does not equal a. \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #495768 by math-vortex(648)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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document.write( "Hi, there--\r\n" );
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document.write( "YOUR PROBLEM:\r\n" );
document.write( "Let f(x) = 5x + 4. Find f(x) - f(a) / x-a, if x does not equal a.\r\n" );
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document.write( "SOLUTION:\r\n" );
document.write( "f(x) = 5x + 4\r\n" );
document.write( "f(a) = 5a + 4\r\n" );
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document.write( "Now we fill these values in to the expression you are asked to find\r\n" );
document.write( "[f(x) - f(a)]/(x-a) = [(5x-4) - (5a-4)] / (x-a)\r\n" );
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document.write( "Simplify.\r\n" );
document.write( "[f(x) - f(a)]/(x-a) = [5x - 4 - 5a + 4]/(x-a)\r\n" );
document.write( "[f(x) - f(a)]/(x-a) = [5x - 5a]/(x-a)\r\n" );
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document.write( "Factor a 5 from the expression in the numerator.\r\n" );
document.write( "[f(x) - f(a)]/(x-a) = [(5)(x - a]/(x-a)\r\n" );
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document.write( "Notice that the numerator and denominator both contain the factor x-a. They cancel out, and we are left with\r\n" );
document.write( "[f(x) - f(a)]/(x-a) = 5\r\n" );
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document.write( "Something interesting to notice and wonder about :: Look at your original function.\r\n" );
document.write( "f(x) = 5x - 4\r\n" );
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document.write( "Do you see why 5 is the correct answer to your problem? \r\n" );
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document.write( "Good luck,\r\n" );
document.write( "Mrs.Figgy\r\n" );
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