Precalculus Examples
Step 1
Consider the difference quotient formula.
Step 2
Evaluate the function at .
Replace the variable with in the expression.
Simplify the result.
Simplify each term.
Rewrite as .
Expand using the FOIL Method.
Apply the distributive property.
Apply the distributive property.
Apply the distributive property.
Simplify and combine like terms.
Simplify each term.
Multiply by .
Multiply by .
Add and .
Reorder and .
Add and .
The final answer is .
Reorder.
Move .
Reorder and .
Find the components of the definition.
Step 3
Plug in the components.
Step 4
Simplify the numerator.
Apply the distributive property.
Multiply by .
Subtract from .
Add and .
Subtract from .
Add and .
Factor out of .
Factor out of .
Factor out of .
Factor out of .
Reduce the expression by cancelling the common factors.
Cancel the common factor of .
Cancel the common factor.
Divide by .
Reorder and .
Step 5