Solving Quick Derivative: Chain & Product Rules

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of a function involving a product and a fraction. The function is expressed as \(\frac{1}{32} \left( \frac{64}{x} + \frac{x}{50} \right) * 1.60\), prompting questions about the appropriate application of the chain rule and product rule in differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether to use the chain rule and product rule, and how to differentiate the terms inside the parentheses, particularly addressing the treatment of fractions in differentiation.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the expression as a sum to simplify the differentiation process and mentions using the derivatives of "x" and "1/x".
  • Further, a participant points out a property of derivatives involving constants, indicating a method to simplify the expression before differentiation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants exploring different approaches to differentiate the function. Some guidance has been provided regarding the properties of derivatives and simplification techniques, though no consensus has been reached on a specific method or final outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of differentiating a function that combines fractions and products, with some uncertainty about the rules applicable to the specific terms involved.

ziddy83
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hey guys,

I need to find the derivative of this function, do i use the chain rule and the product rule? and for the stuff inside the parenthesis, how do i differentiate that? the derivative of x is just 1...but since its a fraction, would it be as simple as that? please help, thanks.

[tex]\frac{1}{32} \left( \frac{64}{x} + \frac{x}{50} \right) * 1.60[/tex]
 
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ziddy83 said:
hey guys,

I need to find the derivative of this function, do i use the chain rule and the product rule? and for the stuff inside the parenthesis, how do i differentiate that? the derivative of x is just 1...but since its a fraction, would it be as simple as that? please help, thanks.

[tex]\frac{1}{32} \left( \frac{64}{x} + \frac{x}{50} \right) * 1.60[/tex]

Write it as a sum:[itex]3.2x+\frac{1}{1000x}[/itex] and use the derivatives of "x" and "1/x" to find your result.
 
mmh.. all you need is the property [ k*f(x) ]' = k*f '(x) for any constant k.

In your case,

[tex]\frac{1}{32} \left( \frac{64}{x} + \frac{x}{50} \right) * 1.60 = \frac{1.60}{32}\left( \frac{64}{x} + \frac{x}{50} \right) = \frac{1.60}{32}\left( \frac{64}{x} \right) + \frac{1.60}{32}\left(\frac{x}{50} \right) = \frac{1.60*64}{32}\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) + \frac{1.60}{32*50}\left(x \right)[/tex]

and 1/x is the same as [itex]x^{-1}[/itex]. And you know what the derivative rule is for [tex]x^k[/itex] where k is a constant.[/tex]
 
Great, thanks a lot guys, i appreciate it.
 

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