Find f'(x) of f(x) = 1/sqrt(x-3)

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SUMMARY

The derivative of the function f(x) = 1/sqrt(x-3) is calculated using the formal definition of a derivative. The limit is set up as f'(x) = lim ((1/sqrt(x + h - 3)) - (1/sqrt(x - 3)))/h. By multiplying the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor and the conjugate of the numerator, the expression simplifies, allowing for the cancellation of h. The final result is f'(x) = -1/[2*(x-3)^(3/2)].

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JohnnyPhysics
I need to find f'(x) of f(x) = 1/sqrt(x-3) using the formal definition. I set the equation up as:
f'(x) = lim ((1/ sqrt(x + h -3)) - (1/sqrt(x-3)))/h and I am not sure what the next step is...
 
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To solve the limit, multiply the top and bottom of the fraction by the GCF [sqrt(x-3)*sqrt(x-3+h)]. Then multiply the top and bottom of the fraction by the conjugate of the new numerator
[sqrt(x-3)+ sqrt(x-3+h)]. The radicals on the numerator will disappear, and the h's will cancel. Then you can substitute h=0 to find the limit. The answer is f'(x)= -1/[2*(x-3)^(3/2)].
 

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