Problem:
Numerically, investigate the behavior of the Newton quotient of the function

f(x) = x2 + 4 x - 3

near x = 3

Visualization:
Using Microcalc:

  1. Choose Beginning Calculus from the initial menu and press .
  2. Use the arrow keys to move to the menu item Difference Quot's, press and .
  3. At the prompt F(x) =, enter the formula
    x^2+4x-3
  4. At the prompt a = , type 3 .
  5. At the prompt h = , type 1 .
  6. At Tabulate, press and on the screen you will see values for the Newton quotients
  7. (*) Press , at h <<-- 1/2 h, press and, at Tabulate, press again. If you keep repeating from (*) then you will see the following table: