How to find the derivative using the chain rule?

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In summary, the chain rule is used to find the derivative of y with respect to x when y is a function of u, and u is a function of x. The final simplified answer for this problem is \frac{-60x^2}{(3x+1)^3\sqrt{5(2x)^2 - 3}}.
  • #1
chaosblack
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Homework Statement



Find [tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] if y = [tex]\sqrt{5u^2 -3}[/tex] and u = [tex]\frac{2x}{3x+1}[/tex]


Homework Equations



Chain Rule
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{dy}{du}[/tex] x [tex]\frac{du}{dx}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{dy}{du}[/tex] = 5u(5u^2 - 3)^-1/2

[tex]\frac{du}{dx}[/tex] = -6x(3x+1)^-2

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/tex] = 5u(5u^2 - 3)^-1/2 x -6x(3x+1)^-2
= -30xu(5u^2 - 3)^-1/2 x (3x+1)^-2
= [tex]\frac{-60x^2}{3x+1}[/tex](5([tex]\frac{2x}{3x+1}[/tex])^2 - 3)^-1/2 x (3x+1)^-2

Is that the final simplified answer?
 
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  • #2
Check your work for du/dx. I think you may have an error. You should have a 2 in the numerator, not a -6x.
 
  • #3
u = [tex]\frac{2x}{3x+1}[/tex]
u = (2x)(3x+1)^-1
u' = -2x(3x+1)^-2 x (3)
u' = -6x(3x+1)^-2

Did I do something wrong?
 
  • #4
[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(f(x) g(x)) = \frac{df(x)}{dx} g(x) + f(x) \frac{dg(x)}{dx}[/tex]
You have a term missing.
 
  • #5
u = (2x)(3x+1)^-1
u' = 2(3x+1)^-1 + (2x)(-1)(3x+1)^2(3)
= 2(3x+1)^-1 - 6x(3x+1)^-2

This?
 
  • #6
Yes, that's the correct du/dx.
 
  • #7
dy/dx = 5u(5u^2 - 3)^-1/2 x (2(3x+1)^-1 - 6x(3x+1)^-2)

From here do I just sub in for u?
 
  • #8
Yep. You got it.
 

What is a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function. It measures how much a function changes when its input changes.

Why is finding the derivative important?

Finding the derivative is important because it allows us to analyze the behavior of a function and make predictions about its future values. It is also a fundamental tool in calculus and is used in many areas of science and engineering.

How do you find the derivative of a function?

To find the derivative of a function, you can use the rules of differentiation, which involve taking the limit of the change in the function divided by the change in the input as the change in the input approaches zero. Alternatively, you can use the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, or chain rule, depending on the form of the function.

What is the relationship between the derivative and the graph of a function?

The derivative of a function represents the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at a given point. This means that the derivative can tell us the rate of change of the function at that point and the direction in which the function is increasing or decreasing.

Can you find the derivative of any function?

Yes, the derivative can be found for any function, as long as the function is continuous and differentiable. However, some functions may require more advanced techniques to find their derivatives.

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