derivatives in my logics class?

[lizabethhayes]

Derivatives confuse me so much! I've asked various people for help and still can't figure this equation out: Using the definition of derivative, i need to find : f(x)=(3x^2)÷2

 

[tkhunny]

Please show us the defintion of hte derivative. There are a couple of versions. Show us which one you have. It's pobably something like this:

$\displaystyle \lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}$

 

[lizabethhayes]

yes! that is the definition that I have been using

 

[tkhunny]

Well, then do it!

f(x) = (3x^2)/2

f(x+h) = (3(x+h)^2)/2

$\displaystyle \frac{3(x+h)^{2}/2 - (3x^{2})/2}{h} = \frac{3(x+h)^{2} - 3x^{2}}{2h}$

Okay, use your best algebra skills to simplify.