Simplify the function and find the derivative

In summary: She has arrived at 1/7 - 3/2sec^2, but is not sure that this is correct. She asks for help from her classmate. They discuss the problem and he suggests that she use trigonometric identities to simplify the equation. She tries this, but gets confused and decides to use the quotient and quotient rule instead. He points out that she should use the product rule first, and she is grateful for his help. They finish the problem together and she is happy with the final result.
  • #1
tinytimtams
11
0

Homework Statement



Simplify the function and find the derivative;
(Attached)

Homework Equations



I've had a go at the question (see below) trying to use trigonometric identities.

The Attempt at a Solution



I somehow arrived at 1/7 - 3/2sec^2, but I'm not sure that this is correct!
 

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  • #2
Show what you did. I assume you know that [itex]e^{ln(x)}= x[/itex]. Do you know that [itex]cosh^2(x)- sinh^2(x)= 1[/itex]?
 
  • #3
Thanks for your reply. I've had another attempt and attached the working. I've tried to write neatly... :D
 

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  • #4
You are making it so much more difficult for yourself. Before differentiating, simplify the expression as much as possible. Also is that part at the end ##\sqrt{tan^3}## or ##\sqrt{tan3}##? I don't think the steps you wrote were correct.
 
  • #5
Sorry it should be the second one... no power... (sqrt(tan3)). I'll have a go at simplifying.
 
  • #6
Remember, the term in the square brackets is a function of x, and it's multiplied by another function of x. That mean you will have to use the product rule, which you didn't appear to do. Similarly, the multiplying function is a quotient of two functions of x, so you'll have to use the quotient rule there too. It look like you just replaced each individual function by it's derivative, which isn't correct.
 
  • #7
Thank you for your help! I've just read your post DimReg so I'm guessing my third attempt isn't correct either! *sigh*
 

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  • #8
You are differentiating the components of the expression individually which is not correct. You have to use product rule. Note also if you fully simplify the expression in the square brackets, this comes out very simple and you need only apply product rule once.
 
  • #9
Ahhhh, does that mean that within the brackets it will simplify to 27+1? Because of the rule that you previously posted?
 

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  • #10
tinytimtams said:
Ahhhh, does that mean that within the brackets it will simplify to 27+1?

Yes, so now simplify the quotient a bit further and then just apply product rule once. (or quotient rule). I say you can use either because you can apply quotient on the form ##f/g ## or product on the form ##fg^{-1}##
 
  • #11
I'm really grateful for your help, I'm terrible at Maths and this question is doing my head in!

So from the attached, if I figure out how to calculate the end result of the quotient rule (in red)... then I still apply the product rule for 4*(result from quotient rule)? I wasn't sure if the quotient rule applied if one of the functions wasn't a function of x.
 

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  • #12
CAF123 said:
Yes, so now simplify the quotient a bit further and then just apply product rule once. (or quotient rule). I say you can use either because you can apply quotient on the form ##f/g ## or product on the form ##fg^{-1}##

Thanks, I'll keep trying to evaluate the quotient rule... was I right to assume previously that the derivative of sqrt(tan3) =0?
 
  • #13
I'm stuck again... with the quotient rule, is any of this right?
 

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  • #14
tinytimtams said:
I'm stuck again... with the quotient rule, is any of this right?
Sorry, but I don't think so. You seem to be making the expression so much more complicated than what it should be with the right amount of simplification. Also, there is some algebra errors there too: $$\frac{a - b}{a} \neq -b\,\,\,\,\,\text{e.g}\,\,\,\,\,\frac{2-1}{2} \neq -1$$

You have the following: $$\frac{28 \cosh^2x}{7 \sinh 2x} - \sqrt{\tan 3}$$ As you said above, the derivative of the sqrt term is zero (since it is a constant) so simplify the quotient further.
 
  • #15
:( thanks. Is the way I wrote the rule out correct? I'll go back from there. Any other hints?
 
  • #16
tinytimtams said:
:( thanks. Is the way I wrote the rule out correct?

I don't think so - there appears to be constants missing and you have three terms on the numerator.


Any other hints?

Did you see the edit to my last post? Maybe try to start from there and simplify the quotient further using more hyperbolic identities.
 
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  • #17
Okay... pleaaaaaaase tell me I'm closer now?! I hadn't seen your edits before my last attempt so hopefully I might be on the right track?

**sorry it didn't rotate, I think I'm getting sleepy, 2.22am here!**
 

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  • #18
tinytimtams said:
Okay... pleaaaaaaase tell me I'm closer now?! I hadn't seen your edits before my last attempt so hopefully I might be on the right track?

**sorry it didn't rotate, I think I'm getting sleepy, 2.22am here!**
It's nearly perfect! - you can just make one more simplication: $$\frac{1}{\sinh^2x} = \csch ^2x$$ and you're done.

Goodnight.
 
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  • #19
YAY! Thank you so much! You've been so helpful.

Goodnight :)
Tam
 

1. What is the purpose of simplifying a function?

Simplifying a function helps to make it easier to understand and work with. It involves reducing the complexity of the function by combining like terms and reducing fractions.

2. How do you simplify a function?

To simplify a function, you should first look for any like terms that can be combined. Then, use the distributive property to remove any parentheses. Finally, reduce any fractions by finding a common denominator.

3. Why is finding the derivative important?

Finding the derivative of a function allows us to determine the rate of change of the function at any given point. It is also useful in calculating the slope of a tangent line to a curve, which has many real-world applications in physics, engineering, and economics.

4. How do you find the derivative of a function?

To find the derivative of a function, you can use the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, or chain rule, depending on the complexity of the function. It involves taking the limit of a small change in the function divided by a small change in the input variable.

5. Are there any shortcuts for finding the derivative?

Yes, there are some common derivatives that can be memorized to make the process faster. These include the derivatives of basic trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. However, it is important to understand the rules and concepts behind finding derivatives, rather than just relying on shortcuts.

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