How do I apply the chain rule in division rule for this calculus problem?

In summary, the conversation is about someone struggling with the chain rule in a calculus problem and requesting help with setting it up. The solution provided includes the steps to solve the problem and clarifies a mistake in the algebra.
  • #1
ETuten
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Homework Statement



y = (2x-3)/(x^2+4)^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am trying to relearn the calculus that I forgot from many moons ago. I am struggling with the chain rule in the above example. I tried to set it up as follows:

This is what I know u=x^2+4 u'=2x

[(x^2+4)^2*Dx (2x-3)-(2x-3) ?? ]/(x^2+4)^4

I am confused when it comes to setting up the second half. Any help would be much obliged. I just can't seem to understand how to set up the problem


Thanks
 
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  • #2
[tex]y=\frac{2x-3}{(x^2+4)^2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(2x-3)(2(x^2+4)(2x))}{(x^2+4)^4}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(4x^2-12x)(x^2+4)}{(x^2+4)^4}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{2(x^2+4)-(4x^2-12x)}{(x^2+4)^3}[/tex]

How do I make a new line? \\ doesn't seem to work.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Noober said:
How do I make a new line? \\ doesn't seem to work.

I would imagine just breaking up the tex tags works

[tex]y=\frac{2x-3}{(x^2+4)^2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(2x-3)(2(x^2+4)(2x))}{(x^2+4)^4}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(4x^2-12x)(x^2+4)}{(x^2+4)^4}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{2(x^2+4)-(4x^2-12x)}{(x^2+4)^3}[/tex]
 
  • #4
Thanks for the reply with setting up the Calculus part. Now I know that my algebra is a little rusty, but is there a mistake in the change from the following two lines? Shouldn't it be
(8x^2-12x)(x^2+4) not (4x^2-12x)(x^2_4)


[tex]=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(4x^2-12x)(x^2+4)}{(x^2+4)^4}[/tex]

[tex]=\frac{2(x^2+4)-(4x^2-12x)}{(x^2+4)^3}[/tex]
 
  • #5
Yes it should be 8x^2-12x.
 
  • #6
Bad algebra, sorry.
 
  • #7
well my algebra is very rusty to say the least... I have been out of math class a few years, and am working towards going back. If I was sure I was right I wouldn't have asked if it was wrong. Thanks again for all the help.
 

1. What is the chain rule in division rule?

The chain rule in division rule is a mathematical formula used to find the derivative of a quotient function, where the numerator and denominator are both functions of the independent variable. It states that the derivative of a quotient function is equal to the denominator multiplied by the derivative of the numerator, minus the numerator multiplied by the derivative of the denominator, all divided by the square of the denominator.

2. How is the chain rule used in division rule?

The chain rule in division rule is used to simplify the process of finding the derivative of a quotient function. Instead of applying the quotient rule, which can be more complicated and time-consuming, the chain rule in division rule allows us to break down the function into smaller parts and apply the basic derivative rules to each part.

3. What are the steps for using the chain rule in division rule?

The steps for using the chain rule in division rule are as follows:

  1. Identify the numerator and denominator functions of the quotient function.
  2. Apply the basic derivative rules to each function separately.
  3. Multiply the denominator by the derivative of the numerator.
  4. Subtract the numerator multiplied by the derivative of the denominator.
  5. Divide the result by the square of the denominator.

4. When should the chain rule in division rule be used?

The chain rule in division rule should be used when finding the derivative of a quotient function, where both the numerator and denominator are functions of the independent variable. It is especially useful when the quotient function involves multiple nested functions, making it difficult to use the quotient rule.

5. Can the chain rule in division rule be applied to any quotient function?

Yes, the chain rule in division rule can be applied to any quotient function, as long as the numerator and denominator are both functions of the independent variable. However, it is important to note that in some cases, it may be easier to use the quotient rule instead of the chain rule in division rule.

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