Finding the Derivative of a Function Given an Equation and Initial Condition

In summary, to find f'(1) when given the equation f(x) + x^{2}[f(x)]^{3} = 10 and f(1) = 2, the steps are to take the derivative of both sides, use the product rule on the second term, plug in x=1 and f(1)=2, and solve for f'(1). This results in f'(1) = -16/13. Alternatively, you can use implicit differentiation by setting f(x) as y, using the product rule and chain rule, and solving for y', then substituting back in f(x). Both methods result in f'(1) = -16/13.
  • #1
momogiri
52
0
Question:
If [tex]f(x) + x^{2}[f(x)]^{3} = 10[/tex] and f(1) = 2, find f '(1).

Attempt:
I wish I could say I tried, but I don't know how to approach this problem..
All I did was double check the formula worked by inputting 2 for f(x) and 1 for x

Can someone tell me how to start this? And I'll go from there :)
 
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  • #2
Take the derivative of both sides of the equation.
 
  • #3
And don't forget to use the chain rule on the second part. You'll end up with an equation that involves both f(x) and f'(x). At this point, sub in x=1 and f(1)=2 and solve for f'(x).
 
  • #4
Ok, so what I've done is:
take derivative of both sides
original = [tex]f(x) + x^{2}(f(x))^{3} = 10[/tex]
so d/dx of f(x) is f'(x)
now [tex]x^{2}(f(x))^{3}[/tex]'s derivative I'm a bit unsure of..

What I did was use the product rule, so..
[tex]x^{2}((f(x))^{3})' + (f(x))^{3}(x^{2})'[/tex]
and [tex](f(x)^{3})' = 3(f(x))^{2}*f'(x)[/tex] right?
So...
it's [tex]x^{2}(3(f(x))^{2}*f'(x)) + f(x)^{3}(2x)[/tex]
Then that means the whole equation becomes
[tex]f'(x) + x^{2}(3(f(x))^{2}*f'(x)) + f(x)^{3}(2x) = 0[/tex]
In which I plugged in the numbers
so..
[tex]f'(1) + (1)^{2}(3(2)^{2}*f'(1)) + (2)^{3}(2(1)) = 0[/tex]
then
[tex]f'(1) + 12*f'(1)) + 16 = 0[/tex]
which means
[tex](13)f'(1)) = -16[/tex]
making
[tex]f'(1) = -16/13[/tex]?
Does that make sense? Is it wrong? i have a feeling it is :/
 
  • #5
looks right.

if you wanted to not deal with f(x) you could change f(x)=y and do implicit differentiation like you've been doing before and solve for y' and then change y to f(x).
 
  • #6
f(x)+x^(2)*f(x)^(3)//use product rule for the second term along with the chain rule
f'(x)+x^(2)*3f(x)^(2)f'(x)+2xf(x)^(3)
f'(x)[1+3x^(2)]=-2xf(x)^(3)//moved 2xf(x)^(3) to other side and factored a f'(x)
f'(x)=[-2xf(x)^(3)]/[1+3x^(2)]
f'(1)=[-2(1)f(1)^3]/[1+3(1)^(2)}
f'(1)=-16/13
OWNED!
 
Last edited:

1. What is the definition of a derivative?

The derivative of a function is a measure of the rate at which the output of the function changes with respect to the change in its input. It is essentially the slope of the function at a specific point.

2. How is the derivative of a function calculated?

The derivative of a function can be calculated using the limit definition, which involves finding the slope of the function at two points that are infinitesimally close together. Alternatively, it can also be calculated using differentiation rules, such as the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule.

3. What is the relationship between a derivative and a tangent line?

The derivative of a function at a specific point represents the slope of the tangent line to the function at that point. This means that the tangent line is the best linear approximation of the function at that point.

4. Can a function have multiple derivatives?

Yes, a function can have multiple derivatives. The first derivative represents the slope of the original function, the second derivative represents the concavity of the function, and so on.

5. How are derivatives used in real life applications?

Derivatives have a wide range of applications in various fields, such as physics, engineering, economics, and statistics. They are used to model and analyze rates of change, optimize functions, and solve differential equations, among other things.

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