Possible Mistakes in Calculus Problems

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around verifying and simplifying solutions to various calculus problems, including derivatives and higher-order derivatives. Participants are seeking feedback on their calculations and whether simplifications can be made.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a double-check of their derivative calculations and simplifications for multiple functions.
  • Another participant asserts that the third derivative of a quadratic function does exist and is zero, challenging the initial claim that it does not exist.
  • A third participant points out a mistake in the derivative calculation of a rational function, providing corrected derivatives.
  • Further simplifications of derivatives are proposed for specific functions, with participants questioning the validity of these simplifications.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the simplifications for certain problems and seeks additional input.
  • There is a meta-discussion regarding the tone and expectations of the professor, with some participants reflecting on the nature of grading and mistakes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of the third derivative for the quadratic function, as one participant disagrees with the initial assertion. Additionally, there are differing views on the correctness of derivative calculations and potential simplifications.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations may depend on specific interpretations of the quotient rule and simplification techniques, which are not universally agreed upon. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the simplifications proposed by participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying calculus, particularly those interested in derivative calculations and simplification techniques, may find this discussion beneficial.

physicszman
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Please double check my work !

Hi, I basically did out all the poroblems. I just need someone to double check whether I made any mistakes in the answers or procedures. (My prof is a real dickhead and marks down for the smallest mistake) Also can I simplify any answers, just like obvious stuff?

Thanks for the help!





1)

f(x) = x / (400-x)

f'(x) = (400-x)(1) - (-1)(x) / (400-x)^2
f'(x) = (400-x+x) / (400-x)^2
f'(x) = 400 / (400-x)^2

2)

g(x) = (2x+3)/(x-5)

g'(x) = (x-5)(2)-(1)(2x+3) / (x-5)^2
g'(x) = (2x-10-2x-3) / (x-5)^2
g'(x) = -13 / (x-5)^2

3)

y = (3x-4)/(x^3+1)

y' = (x^3+1)(3x)-(3x^2)(3x-4) / (x^3+1)^2
y' = [(3x^4+3x)-9x^3+12x^2] / (x^3+1)^2
y' = (3x^4-9x^3+12x^2+3x) / (x^3+1)^2

4)

f(x) = (3x^2+2x) / x^5

f'(x) = (x^5)(6x+2)-(5x^4)(3x^2+2x) / (x^5)^2
f'(x) = (6x^6+2x^5-15x^6-10x^5) / (x^5)^2
f'(x) = (-9x^6-8x^5) / (x^5)^2

5)

h(x) = sqrt(3+2x)

h(x) = (3+2x)^(1/2)
h'(x) = 1/2(3+2x)^(-1/2)(2)

6)

y = (x^4-4x^2+x)^-5

y' = -5(x^4-4x^2+x)^-6(4x^3-8x+1)

7)

y = (x)sqrt(3x+4)

y' = (x)1/2(3x+4)^(-1/2)(3)(sqrt(3x+4))

8)

f(x) = x^3 + (100-x)^2

f'(x) = 3x^2 + 2(100-x)(-1)

9)

y = 1 / (x+2)^2

y = (1)(x+2)^-2
y'= -2(x+2)^-3(1)
y'= 1/(-2(x+2)^3)

10)

h(x) = 1 + sqrt(x) / (x^5+3)

h'(x) = (x^5+3)(1+1/2(x)^(-1/2))-5x^4(1 + sqrt(x)) / (x^5+3)^2

11)

g(x) = (x-4)^8 * (x+3)^9

g'(x) = (x-4)^8 * 9(x+3)^8 + 8(x-4)^7 * (x+3)^9

12)

f(x) = sqrt((3+x)/(2-x))

f'(x) = 1/2(((3+x)/(2-x))^-1/2 * (((2-x) + (3+x)) / (2-x)^2)

13) Find the 3rd derivative

y = 8x^2 - 4x + 7

3rd derivative does not exist because highest power is 2.

14) Find the 3rd derivative

f(x) = x^3 + 3/x
f'(x) = 3x^2 + (-3)
f'(x) = 6x

f'(x) = 6
 
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13) Find the 3rd derivative

y = 8x^2 - 4x + 7

3rd derivative does not exist because highest power is 2.


third derivative does exist - it's just 0
y'=16x-4
y''=16
y'''=0
 
Physiczman,

your answer to q14 contains a mistake.





f(x)=x^3 + 3/x
f'(x)=3x^2-3/(x^2)
f''(x)=6x + 6/(x^3)
f'''(x)=6 - 18/(x^4)

This because 3/x = 3x^(-1).
 
thansk guys.


Yea i tend to leave out the part where u square the denominator in the quotient rule. Thanks for the head up!
 
for #3) Can I do

y' = (3x^4-9x^3+12x^2+3x) / (x^3+1)^2
y' = 3x(x^3-3x^2+4x+1) / (x^3+1)^2

?


for #5) Can i do

h'(x) = 1/2(3+2x)^(-1/2)(2)
h'(x) = (3+2x)^(-1/2)

?

Im not sure about 10 and 12 it seems like something could be done or?


TRhanks again guys i really appreciate it
 
physicszman said:
Hi, I basically did out all the poroblems. I just need someone to double check whether I made any mistakes in the answers or procedures. (My prof is a real dickhead and marks down for the smallest mistake) Also can I simplify any answers, just like obvious stuff?

I'm sure your professor respects you just as much. (A mistake is a mistake is a mistake.) Sorry that you think you should get better marks even though you got it wrong; let's hope he (or she) doesn't make any silly mistakes when assigning your grade at the end of the course.
 
well i think i was exaggerating a bit when I said he was a dickhead. Hes a great guy but very picky. :cool:

When did I say or even imply that I want better marks even though I am getting it wrong?
 
Last edited:

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