Calculus 8th Edition

Published by Cengage
ISBN 10: 1285740629
ISBN 13: 978-1-28574-062-1

Chapter 2 - Derivatives - 2.1 Derivatives and Rates of Change - 2.1 Exercises - Page 114: 34

Answer

$f'(a) = -\dfrac{2}{a^3}$

Work Step by Step

Given $f(x)=x^{-2}$ $f'(a) = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{x^{-2} - a^{-2}}{x - a} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{\frac{1}{x^2} - \frac{1}{a^2}}{x - a} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{\frac{a^2 - x^2}{a^2x^2}}{x - a} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{a^2-x^2}{a^2x^2(x - a)} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{-(x^2-a^2)}{a^2x^2(x - a)} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{-(x+a)(x-a)}{a^2x^2(x - a)} = \lim\limits_{x \to a} \dfrac{-(x+a)}{a^2x^2} = \dfrac{-(a+a)}{a^2a^2} = \dfrac{-(2a)}{a^{2+2}} = -\dfrac{2a}{a^4} = -\dfrac{2}{a^3} \longrightarrow f'(a) = -\dfrac{2}{a^3}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.