SOLUTION: The entire question reads: Given P(x)=x^2-5x, find and simplify P(a+h)-P(a) Nothing else, no h denominator or anything. Thanks!

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: The entire question reads: Given P(x)=x^2-5x, find and simplify P(a+h)-P(a) Nothing else, no h denominator or anything. Thanks!       Log On


   

Question 883891: The entire question reads: Given P(x)=x^2-5x, find and simplify P(a+h)-P(a)
Nothing else, no h denominator or anything. Thanks!
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, Alan3354:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First we need to find P(a+h)


P%28x%29=x%5E2-5x


P%28a%2Bh%29=%28a%2Bh%29%5E2-5%28a%2Bh%29


P%28a%2Bh%29=a%5E2%2B2ah%2Bh%5E2-5a-5h


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Then we need to find P(h)


P%28x%29=x%5E2-5x


P%28h%29=h%5E2-5h


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Now subtract the two


P%28a%2Bh%29-P%28h%29=%28a%5E2%2B2ah%2Bh%5E2-5a-5h%29+-+%28h%5E2-5h%29


P%28a%2Bh%29-P%28h%29=a%5E2%2B2ah%2Bh%5E2-5a-5h+-h%5E2%2B5h


P%28a%2Bh%29-P%28h%29=a%5E2%2B2ah-5a

Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Given P(x)=x^2-5x, find and simplify P(a+h)-P(a)
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To find P(a+h) sub (a+h) for x.
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Then find P(a) the same way.
Then subtract.