SOLUTION: find (f(x+h)-f(x))/(h) for f(x)=-5/(x+2). I just don't know where to start.

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Question 900234: find (f(x+h)-f(x))/(h) for f(x)=-5/(x+2). I just don't know where to start.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39621) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the definition of your function f in the difference quotient. One of your function inputs is x, and the other function input is x+h. This is a process of substitution and then simplification. You just need to track carefully what you are substituting and the grouping levels.

The general difference quotient is %28f%28x%2Bh%29-f%28x%29%29%2F%28h%29.

YOUR function is f%28x%29=-5%2F%28x%2B2%29.

USING that definition for f,
f%28x%2Bh%29=-5%2F%28x%2Bh%2B2%29.

Form the difference quotient based on your f(x).
%28%28-5%2F%28x%2Bh%2B2%29%29-%28-5%2F%28x%2B2%29%29%29%2Fh
the rest is just some algebra arithmetic steps.