Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Difference Quotient
The difference quotient is a fundamental concept in calculus that represents the average rate of change of a function over an interval. It is defined as (f(x) - f(y)) / (x - y) for x ≠ y. This expression is crucial for understanding the derivative, as it approaches the instantaneous rate of change as y approaches x.
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Derivative
The derivative of a function at a point measures how the function's output changes as its input changes. It is denoted as f'(x) and can be interpreted as the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at that point. In this question, we need to show that the difference quotient equals the derivative of f at a specific point, which involves applying the definition of the derivative.
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Function Composition
Function composition involves combining two functions to create a new function, where the output of one function becomes the input of another. In this context, we need to evaluate f' at (x + y²), which requires understanding how to apply the derivative to a function that is itself a composition of variables. This concept is essential for manipulating and simplifying expressions involving derivatives.
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