SOLUTION: can you help me calculate the difference quotient(simplify when possible): g(x)=x^2 i am really stuck

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: can you help me calculate the difference quotient(simplify when possible): g(x)=x^2 i am really stuck      Log On


   

Question 943835: can you help me calculate the difference quotient(simplify when possible):
g(x)=x^2
i am really stuck
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The difference quotient is defined by

Substituting we get



Note that as , we obtain the expression for the derivative of x^2 with respect to x, which is 2x.