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Multiple Choice
Use a linear approximation (or differentials) to estimate the value of . Which of the following is the best estimate?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Recall the formula for linear approximation: f(x) ≈ f(a) + f'(a)(x - a). This formula is used to approximate the value of a function near a point 'a'.
Step 2: Identify the function and the point of approximation. Here, the function is f(x) = e^x, and we are approximating e^{0.01} near a = 0, since e^0 = 1 is a simple value to work with.
Step 3: Compute f(a) and f'(a). For f(x) = e^x, we know f(0) = e^0 = 1 and f'(x) = e^x, so f'(0) = e^0 = 1.
Step 4: Substitute the values into the linear approximation formula: f(0.01) ≈ f(0) + f'(0)(0.01 - 0). This simplifies to e^{0.01} ≈ 1 + 1(0.01).
Step 5: Simplify the expression: e^{0.01} ≈ 1 + 0.01 = 1.01. This is the linear approximation for e^{0.01}.