Question

The approximate value of $ f(5.001) $, $\text{where} $ f(x) = x^3 - 7x^2 + 10 $

• A. -39.995
• B. -38.995
• C. -37.335
• D. -40.995

Hint:

To approximate function values for small changes in \( x \), use the linear approximation: \( f(x) \approx f(x_0) + f'(x_0)(x - x_0) \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

We are given the function \( f(x) = x^3 - 7x^2 + 10 \) and need to approximate \( f(5.001) \). 
The first step is to approximate the value of the function using a linear approximation. We use the fact that the linear approximation to a function around a point \( x_0 \) is given by:
\[ f(x) \approx f(x_0) + f'(x_0)(x - x_0) \] 
Step 1: Calculate \( f(5) \)
\[ f(5) = 5^3 - 7(5^2) + 10 = 125 - 7 \cdot 25 + 10 = 125 - 175 + 10 = -40 \] 
Step 2: Find the derivative \( f'(x) \)
\[ f'(x) = 3x^2 - 14x \] 
Step 3: Calculate \( f'(5) \)
\[ f'(5) = 3(5^2) - 14(5) = 3 \cdot 25 - 70 = 75 - 70 = 5 \] 
Step 4: Apply the linear approximation
Now, use the approximation formula to estimate \( f(5.001) \): \[ f(5.001) \approx f(5) + f'(5)(5.001 - 5) = -40 + 5 \cdot 0.001 = -40 + 0.005 = -39.995 \] Thus, the approximate value of \( f(5.001) \) is \( -39.995 \).