SOLUTION: Please help me with the following: Find the indicated difference quotient and simplify answer: Given f(x) = 5x + 3 find f(x) f(2) over x-2 what I tried: 1. f(x) = 5x

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: Please help me with the following: Find the indicated difference quotient and simplify answer: Given f(x) = 5x + 3 find f(x) f(2) over x-2 what I tried: 1. f(x) = 5x      Log On


   

Question 16720: Please help me with the following:
Find the indicated difference quotient and simplify answer:
Given f(x) = 5x + 3
find f(x) f(2) over x-2
what I tried:
1. f(x) = 5x+3
2. f(x) - f(2) = 5x + 3 - 5x + 3(2) = 9
3. f(x) - f(2) over x-2 = 9 over 5x + 3-2 = 9 over 5x + 1
Unfortunately this does not come close to the teacher's answer of 5.
Can you please tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Thanks
Sandy
Answer by bam878s(77) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
we know f(x) = 5x + 3
also, f(2) = 5(2) + 3 = 13
f(x) - f(2) = 5x + 3 - 13 = 5x -10
now %28f%28x%29+-+f%282%29%29%2F%28x+-+2%29 = %285x-10%29%2F%28x-2%29 = %28%285%29%28x-2%29%29%2F%28x-2%29
now cancel x - 2 in both the numberator and denominator to get 5.
Hope this helps Sandy.