For each function below find the best linear approximation (linearization) at the given value.

Question

f(x) = x^-1 at x = 2

y = 1/2

f ' (x) = -1x^-2 at x = 2 : -1/4

y - 1/2 = -1/4 (x-2)
y - 1/2 = -1/4x + 1/2
y = -1/4x + 1

Use the appropriate linearization above to find approximate values for the following, then use your calculator to find the exact values and compute the error in your approximation.

1/2.04

The error is 0.0001961 but I'm not sure how to get it. Can someone please help me?

Answer 1

well, the error is the approximate value minus the real value.