SOLUTION: For f(x)= 1/x^2 find (f(x+h)-f(x))/h I don't understand how to even begin to work the problem and how I can separate h, thank you in advance.

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Question 773878: For f(x)= 1/x^2 find (f(x+h)-f(x))/h
I don't understand how to even begin to work the problem and how I can separate h, thank you in advance.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Just substitute the express and do the necessary algebra steps.

f%28x%2Bh%29=1%2F%28x%2Bh%29%5E2

Use that expression in the expression for the difference quotient.
%28%281%2F%28x%2Bh%29%5E2%29-1%2Fx%5E2%29%2Fh

%28%281%2F%28x%5E2%2B2hx%2Bh%5E2%29%29-1%2Fx%5E2%29%2Fh



%28%28x%5E2-%28x%5E2%2B2hx%2Bh%5E2%29%29%2F%28x%5E2%2A%28x%5E2%2B2hx%2Bh%5E2%29%29%29%2Fh

%28-2hx-h%5E2%29%2F%28x%5E2%2Ah%2A%28x%5E2%2B2hx%2Bh%5E2%29%29

highlight%28%28-2x-h%29%2F%28%28x%5E2%2B2hx%2Bh%5E2%29x%5E2%29%29