What is the correct derivative for the quotient \frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}?

In summary, The question was about finding the derivative of \frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1} and the incorrect attempt was \frac{x^3+3x^{5/2}+1}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}. After noticing the mistake, the correct answer was found to be \frac{1-5x^2}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}.
  • #1
Nano-Passion
1,291
0
EDIT: I found the mistake, question is answered! Its funny because I spent 40+ minutes trying to get the right answer and looking for the mistake but typing it all out in latex helped me to find it!



Homework Statement



[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d/dx (x^{1/2}(x^3+1))-d/dx(x^{3}+1)x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\frac{1/2x^{-1/2}(3x+1)3x^2(x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\frac{x^3+1}{2\sqrt{x}}3x^{5/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{x^3+3x^{5/2}+1}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]

But the correct answer is:

[tex]\frac{1-5x^2}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Nano-Passion said:

Homework Statement



[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d/dx (x^{1/2}(x^3+1))-d/dx(x^{3}+1)x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
The line above is wrong.

You should have this:
[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}[/tex]
[tex]=\frac{(x^3+1)\cdot d/dx (x^{1/2})- x^{1/2}d/dx(x^{3}+1)}{(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
Can you continue?
Nano-Passion said:
[tex]\frac{\frac{1/2x^{-1/2}(3x+1)3x^2(x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\frac{x^3+1}{2\sqrt{x}}3x^{5/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{x^3+3x^{5/2}+1}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]

But the correct answer is:

[tex]\frac{1-5x^2}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}[/tex]
 

Related to What is the correct derivative for the quotient \frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}?

What is a Simple Quotient Derivative?

A Simple Quotient Derivative is a mathematical concept used in calculus to find the rate of change of a function expressed as a quotient. It involves finding the derivative of the numerator and denominator separately and then dividing the two derivatives.

How do you calculate a Simple Quotient Derivative?

To calculate a Simple Quotient Derivative, you first find the derivative of the numerator and denominator separately using the power rule, product rule, or chain rule. Then, you divide the two derivatives and simplify the resulting expression.

What is the purpose of using a Simple Quotient Derivative?

The purpose of using a Simple Quotient Derivative is to find the instantaneous rate of change of a function. This is useful in many real-world applications, such as calculating velocities, accelerations, and other rates of change.

Can a Simple Quotient Derivative be negative?

Yes, a Simple Quotient Derivative can be negative. This occurs when the derivative of the numerator is negative and the derivative of the denominator is positive, or vice versa. The resulting negative value indicates a decreasing rate of change.

Are there any limitations to using a Simple Quotient Derivative?

Yes, there are some limitations to using a Simple Quotient Derivative. It cannot be used if the denominator is equal to zero, as this would result in a division by zero error. Additionally, the quotient rule only applies to functions that can be written as a quotient, and cannot be used for more complex functions.

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