How Do I Find the Derivative of a Complex Function in Calculus?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter m0286
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of a complex function in calculus, specifically focusing on the expression involving a square root and a linear term. Participants explore various methods and rules for differentiation, including the chain rule and simplification techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about finding the derivative of the function and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant provides the derivative rule for square roots and suggests that the function can be simplified before differentiation.
  • A different participant recommends using the chain rule by substituting a variable for the inner function.
  • Another suggestion involves pulling out constants to simplify the differentiation process.
  • One participant proposes rewriting the square root in terms of a power to facilitate differentiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to finding the derivative, indicating that there is no single agreed-upon method. The discussion remains unresolved as various techniques are suggested without consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific rules and methods for differentiation, but there is no consensus on the application of these methods to the given function. The discussion includes various assumptions about the function's form and the differentiation process.

m0286
Messages
63
Reaction score
0
I am trying to do a question for calculus. I am supposed to find a minimum time for something.. I know how to do the question but I am stuck on how to find the derivative of this function it really confuses me.

(sq. root 1^2+x^2)/3 + 3-x/5
I need to find dt/dx... and I am clueless on how to find this?
THANKS TONS!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
[tex]d\sqrt{Y}=\frac{dY}{2\sqrt{Y}}[/tex] Now for Y = A+B, the rule is:

Y'=A'+B'. In the case of a form such as S/T, you can employ the rule:

d(S/T) =[tex]\frac{S'T-ST'}{T^2}[/tex]

However, in the problem above we don't need to use that since: d(X/3) is just X'/3. Again in the case

[tex]\sqrt{\frac{1+x^2}{3}}=\frac{\sqrt{1+x^2}}{\sqrt3}[/tex] which is simpler to work with.
 
Last edited:
To differentiate

[tex]t= \frac{\sqrt{1 + x^2}}{3}[/tex]

put [itex]u=1 + x^2[/itex], then use the chain rule:

[tex]\frac{dt}{dx} = \frac{dt}{du} \frac{du}{dx}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Or pulling out constants might make it seem simpler.

[tex]\frac{1}{3}*\frac{d\sqrt{1+x^2}}{dx}[/tex] etc...
 
Most people find it easier to think of "square root" as "1/2 power". That is,
To find the derivative of [tex]\frac{\sqrt{1+x^2}}{3} + 3- \frac{x}{5}[/itex], write it as [tex]\frac{1}{3}(1+ x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}+ 3- \frac{x}{5}[/itex]<br /> <br /> Then the derivative is [itex]\frac{1}{3}\frac{1}{2}(1+ x^2)^{-\frac{1}{2}}{2x}- \frac{1}{5}[/itex][/tex][itex][/itex][/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You Guys Are Awesome Thanks Sooo Much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K