Power rule — 42 discussions

  1. M

    How does line 3 to line 4 work in the power rule proof?

    For this proof, I am unsure how they got from line 3 to line 4. If I simplify and collect like terms for line 3 I get ##f'(a) = 4a^{n-1}## Would some please be able to help? Many thanks!
  2. karush

    S8.2.6.3 differenciate by separation and power rule

    $\tiny{s8.2.6.3}$ Find y' $\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{y}=1$ \begin{array}{lll} \textit{isolate }y &\sqrt{y}=1-\sqrt{x} &(1)\\ \\ \textit{square both sides} &y=(1-\sqrt{x})^2 &(2)\\ \\ \textit{differentiate both sides} &y'=2\left(1-\sqrt{x}\right)\left(-\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}\right)&...
  3. karush

    215 AP Calculus Exam Problem Power Rule

    If $y=(x^3-cos x)^5$, then $y'=$(A) $\quad 5(x^3-\cos x)^4$(B) $\quad 5(3x^2+\sin x)^4$(C) $\quad 5(3x^2+\sin x)^4$(D) $\quad 5(x^3+\sin x)^4(6x+\cos x)$(E) $\quad 5(x^3+\cos x)^4(3x+\sin x)$ ok I am sure this could be worded better. but I think many students take these tests and are not used...
  4. YoungPhysicist

    How to find the derivative of (5x+6)^10

    Homework Statement ##f(x) = (5x+6)^{10} , f'(x)=?## Homework Equations ##\frac{d}{dx}x^n = nx^{n-1}##? 3. The Attempt at a Solution [/B] I do know the solution ##f'(x) = 50(5x+6)^9##,but I don't know how this solution came to be.I downloaded this problem from the web and it only comes with...
  5. YoungPhysicist

    Undergrad Integral power rule explanation

    I am new to the world of calculus and the first thing that I learned is how to calculate the area under the range of a polynomial function, like: $$\int_1^3 x^2 \,dx$$ when I take the intergal of ##x^2##, I get ##\frac{x^3}{3}##due to the power rule, but it doesn’t make sense to me,why would...
  6. C

    Integration: Can't understand when to use Power rule.

    Homework Statement Hi I have a really hard time understanding when and how to use the Power rule when integratingMy book states that if u is a function of x, then the power rule is given by: ∫urdu = (ur+1)/(r+1)+c First: I do understand that if u=2x Then the differential du=u'(x)dx =2 So...
  7. BiGyElLoWhAt

    Undergrad Excellent video series raises good question:

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW4jM0smS_E That's the video I'm referencing in particular, but 1 and 3 are necessary prereqs if you're new to the matter (as I am). He goes through and derives the product rule and power rule for polynomials using algebra. [FONT=Times New Roman]My question is this...
  8. J

    High School Power rule for integrating 1/x^4

    So I stumbled upon ∫1/(x^4) , and by applying the power rule , the answer is: -1/(3x^3) Why's that? Sorry for bothering you guys with such a beginner question!
  9. Greg Bernhardt

    Undergrad What is the power rule for taking derivatives of polynomial functions?

    [SIZE="4"]Definition/Summary A method used to take the derivative of a polynomial function. [SIZE="4"]Equations \frac{d}{dx} x^{n} = nx^{n-1} [SIZE="4"]Extended explanation Power rule applies to a function of the form x^{n}, where x is the variable and n is a constant. Used in...
  10. A

    Undergrad Proof of integration power rule

    Hey, I was just wondering if there was a way to prove the power rule for integration using the definition of a definite integral. And I don't mean using the proof for the differentiation power rule, I mean is it possible to derive \displaystyle\large\int_a^b x^c=\frac{b^{c+1}-a^{c+1}} {c+1}...
  11. D

    Can I Use the Power Rule to Get the Derivative Here?

    can i use the power rule to get the derivative here? f ' (x) = 3x^2 - 2(2x^1) + 1
  12. R

    Does the general power rule require x to be positive?

    Hi all, regarding the proof of the general power rule, If we let y = x^r, then \ln y = r\ln x, and then by implicit differentiation \frac{y'}{y} = \frac{r}{x}, and thus it follows that y' = \frac{ry}{x} = \frac{rx^r}{r} = rx^{r-1}. But the statement \ln y = r\ln x also requires x>0, so...
  13. Mandelbroth

    Graduate Integration by Parts versus the Power Rule

    Recently, a friend of mine asked for help on their calculus homework. The problem was to find \int cos(ln \ x) \ dx. However, I've never gotten around to memorizing the derivatives and integrals of the trig functions. I know that you can do it using integration by parts, with \int cos(ln \...
  14. Astrum

    Proving the power rule using the binomial theorem and limits

    Homework Statement Prove that the following f'(x)=nx^{n-1} if f(x)=x^{n}Homework Equations Binomial theorem, definition of the derivative The Attempt at a Solution f'(x)=lim_{h\rightarrow0}\frac{f((x+h)^{n})-f(x)}{h} We need to expand the (x+h)^2 term now \sum^{n}_{k=0}{n\choose k}...
  15. T

    Proof by Induction of the Power Rule of Differentiation

    Homework Statement Okay, the concept here is to use induction to prove that for n, (f1 x f2 x ... x fn-1 x fn)' = (f'1 x f2 x ... x fn) + (f1 x f'2 x ... x fn) + ... + (f1 x f2 x ... x f'n). 2. Homework Equations / 3. The Attempt at a Solution I solved the initial step, which was quite...
  16. T

    Graduate Prove the case r= -n (n is a positive integer)of the general power rule

    Prove that: d/dx x^-n = -nx^-n-1 Use the factorization of a difference of nth powers given in this section (not using quotient rule) My attempt gets me from the definition of the derivative to (1/n^(n-1)) n times... I need the negative. I get nx^(-n-1) instead of -nx^(n-1).
  17. L

    What is the uncertainty in a squared quantity?

    Homework Statement D= A +/-ΔA D= 5.160 +/- 0.01 cm D^2= 26.6 +/- 0.1 cm^2 Homework Equations for the power rule uncertainty : A ((ΔA/A) + (ΔA/A) ) So then its (5.160)( (0.01/5.16)(2)) = 0.004 The Attempt at a Solution im getting 0.004 as the absolute uncertainty but the...
  18. C

    The power rule and the chains rule

    Homework Statement How do I know for sure when to use the power rule instead of the chain rule and vice versa? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  19. B

    Partial derivatives and power rule

    Homework Statement ∂f/∂x (xy -1)2 = 2y(xy-1) The Attempt at a Solution I would think the answer would be 2(xy-1) I don't understand where the y comes from in 2y
  20. P

    Derivative of Fraction using power rule

    The problem: f(x)=3-3/5x So I'm perfectly fine with finding the derivatives with stuff but I wasn't sure about this one. Would this be 0 because there is a three in the numerator and no x? Or would it be 3-1/51-1=3-1=2?
  21. N

    Undergrad Why does the power rule work? [answer is probably :/ obvious]

    Can someone explain to me in intuitive terms why the trick of bringing the the exponent out front and then reducing the power by 1 works? Solving problems using the Limit definition of a derivative (where we take a secant line closer and closer to a point) makes great intuitive sense, but I...
  22. 5

    Prove Power Rule by Math Induction and Product Rule

    Homework Statement Use the Principle of Mathematical Induction and the Product Rule to prove the Power Rule when n is a positive integer. Homework Equations Dxxn = nxn-1 Dx(fg) = fDxg + Dxfg The Attempt at a Solution In summary, Dxxn = nxn-1 Dxxk = kxk-1 Dxxk+1 = (k+1)x(k+1)-1 Dx(xkx) =...
  23. B

    Mathematical Induction: Power Rule for Differentiation

    Homework Statement Prove that \frac{d}{dz}z^n = nz^{n-1}\;\;\; \forall n\in\mathbb{N} using the Product Rule for differentiation and mathematical induction. Homework Equations \frac{d}{dz} f(z) = \lim_{\Delta z\to 0} \frac{f(z+\Delta z) - f(z)}{\Delta z} \frac{d}{dz}[f(z)g(z)] = f\,'(z)g(z) +...
  24. Femme_physics

    Skipping the proof of the power rule how inadvisable?

    It just seems too complicate to bother to comprehend. I know you guys are math/physics fundies, but I'm really just trying to get the hang of the material and be able to solve problems, I'm not looking for some sort of cosmic math super-understanding. Should I really bother with the proof of the...
  25. D

    Undergrad Interpretation of power rule for integration applied to 1/x

    We all know \int \frac{1}{x} dx = ln(x) + c but if you try to apply the power rule for integration: \int x^n dx = \frac{x^{n+1}}{n+1} + c you get \int x^{-1} dx = \frac{x^0}{0} What can you learn from this/what does this mean? David
  26. M

    A problem with a power rule proof

    Homework Statement y=xn <=> ln(y)=nln(x) <=>d/dx ln(y) = d/dx n ln(x) <=> y'/y=n/x <=> y'=y*n/x=x^n*x/x=nx^(n-1) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution but doesn't this proof only hold for positive x? because ln a negative number is undefined or am I missing something?
  27. C

    Trigonometric derivative: power rule + product rule

    Homework Statement Derive the following: y = (cosxsin2x)-2 2. The attempt at a solution Basically I saw this as a power rule with two products in the middle. So y = -2 (cos2cos2x-sinxsin2x)-1 But the correct answer is completely different, it's: 4(3sin2x - 1) all over...
  28. X

    Derivative of x/√(x²+1) using quotient and power rules

    Hi everyone, I have been trying to do this problem in both ways but I can't get the same answer the book says. This is the problem: x/ sqrt (x^2 +1) With quotient rule I got until the point I have [(x^2 +1)^1/2 - x^2/(x^2 +1)^1/2]/(x^2 +1) And with power rule I have [1/sqrt(x^2 +1)] -...
  29. D

    Proof of Power Rule (Definite Integral) for Negative Integers

    This is not actually a homework problem. Rather, it is a problem from Courant and Robbins' What is Mathematics?, Chapter 8: "The Calculus", page 409-410. Homework Statement Prove that for any rational k =/= -1 the same limit formula, N → k+1, and therefore the result: ∫a to b xk dx =...
  30. D

    How can the power rule be used to differentiate fractions in a simpler way?

    Its more a simplifying problem... I was trying to differentiate this using definition principal 1-x^1/2 But I got stuck here : (1-(x+h)^1/2 - (1-x^1/2))/h I mean how do you explan something to the power of half or infact any fraction? I know I can change it to 1/sqrt(x+h)... but...
  31. L

    Graduate Power rule valid for any complex exponents?

    Is the power rule in calculus true for any complex exponents? i.e. does d/dz z^c = cz^(c-1) true for any c, even when c is something like i or 3i-2?
  32. H

    Proving the power rule by induction

    Homework Statement If a is a natural number, prove by induction that y = [g(x)]^a => y' = a[g(x)]^(a-1) * g'(x) Homework Equations Let a = 2 y' = (2)[g(x)]^(2-1) g(x) = 2g(x)g'(x) Let a = 3 y' = (3)[g(x)]^(3-1) g(x) = 3g(x)^2 * g'(x) Let k be any natural...
  33. B

    Proof of power rule of limit laws

    Homework Statement Power Rule: If r and s are integers with no common factor and s=/=0, then lim(f(x))r/s = Lr/s x\rightarrowc provided that Lr/s is a real number. (If s is even, we assume that L>0) How can I prove it? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I heard that...
  34. A

    Proof of Power Rule for 2 variables

    Homework Statement u^n (x,y)=nu^(n-1) (x,y) u' (x,y) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution can i set f (x,y)=u^n (x,y) lnf =lnu^n lnf=nlnU f'/f=n/U f'=fn/U -(U(^n) )(n/U) after that i don't know how to continue and is there a better way to prove it
  35. B

    Can the Power Rule be applied to all rational numbers in logarithms?

    All information, including the problem, is attached. So far I think I've proven by induction that log (a^r) = r log (a) whenever r is an integer, but I need to prove this for all rational numbers r = p/q . We're working with the functional equation that has the property that f(xy) = f(x)...
  36. F

    Power Rule Question: Why Did 1-2x Become 2x-1?

    I just did a problem that made use of the power rule. Here is the final step: (1-2x) ------------- -(x-x^2)^5/4 = (2x-1) ------------- -(x-x^2)^5/4 Why did 1-2x become 2x-1 (2x-1 is the answer according to my book)??
  37. S

    Solving a Derivative Problem Using the Power Rule

    I tried this derivative problem, but the back of the book shows a different answer then what I got. Can someone explain what I'm doing wrong. 3T^5 -5T^.5 + \frac{7}{T} So I did this: 15T^4 - 2.5T^-.5 - 7T^-8 It's the last part I got wrong I'm not sure why. I converted 7/T to T^-7. Is that...
  38. P

    Power rule for antiderivatives

    I am taking an Architectural Geometry class, and have only had Precal. We just started antiderivatives (I understand regular derivatives), and had a question: I have to find the antiderivative of (-5/12 x^4) + (10/3 x^3) - (103/12 x^2) + (23/3 x) I think I use the power rule for...
  39. M

    Prove the Power Rule (calculus)

    Ok guys, I'm new here and I need some help with a math problem... The problem asks me to prove the power rule ---> d/dx[x^n] = nx^(n-1) for the case in which n is a ratioinal number... the one stipulation is that I have to prove it using this method: write y=x^(p/q) in the form y^q = x^p...
  40. M

    Undergrad Prove Power Rule: Implicit Differentiation w/ Rational Exponents

    Ok guys, I'm new here and I need some help with a math problem... The problem asks me to prove the power rule ---> d/dx[x^n] = nx^(n-1) for the case in which n is a ratioinal number... the one stipulation is that I have to prove it using this method: write y=x^(p/q) in the form y^q = x^p...
  41. F

    Power rule and product rule problem

    (2x+3)^3(x-4) How do I differentiate this?
  42. P

    High School Finding Derivatives: Power Rule vs Chain Rule

    In finding a derivative of a value, how do you know whether when to use the power rule or the chain rule? can anyone please tell me?