1.3 find dx of (7+9x-6\sqrt{x})/x

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function \( y = \frac{7 + 9x - 6\sqrt{x}}{x} \). Participants explore different methods for differentiation, including expansion and the quotient rule, while considering the simplification of the expression.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest expanding the function before differentiating, leading to \( y = \frac{7}{x} + 9 - 6\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x} \).
  • Others argue that using the quotient rule might be more efficient, although it appears more complex.
  • A participant calculates the derivative using the quotient rule and provides the result as \( y' = \frac{3\sqrt{x} - 7}{x^2} \).
  • Another participant proposes rewriting the function as \( y = 7x^{-1} + 9 - 6x^{-1/2} \) and finds the derivative as \( \frac{dy}{dx} = -7x^{-2} - 3x^{-3/2} \), which can be expressed in the original form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing preferences for methods of differentiation, with no consensus on a single best approach. Multiple valid methods are presented, and while some participants affirm the correctness of the derivatives calculated, others suggest alternative forms without resolving which is superior.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the choice of method may depend on the desired form of the answer, indicating that different approaches may yield equivalent results under certain conditions.

karush
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Find $\dfrac{dy}{dx}$ for:$y=\dfrac{7+9x-6\sqrt{x}}{x}$

ok several ways to solve this but thot the best might be to expand it first so

$y=\dfrac{7}{x} +9 -6\dfrac{\sqrt{x}}{x}$

or is there a better way
 
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karush said:
Find $\dfrac{dy}{dx}$ for:$y=\dfrac{7+9x-6\sqrt{x}}{x}$

ok several ways to solve this but thot the best might be to expand it first so

$y=\dfrac{7}{x} +9 -6\dfrac{\sqrt{x}}{x}$

or is there a better way
It depends on what form you want for your answer. If you want to do it fast I'd recommend dividing through first. If you want it simplified (ie. as a fraction) it would be faster to use the quotient rule. But it's really a matter of taste.

-Dan
 
$\left(\dfrac{f}{g}\right)'=\dfrac{f'\cdot g-g'\cdot f}{g^2}$
quotient rule looks kinda busy since
$f'=-\frac{3}{\sqrt{x}}+9$

but expansion wasn't easy either
$\left(\dfrac{7}{x}\right)'=-\dfrac{7}{x^2}$
$\quad 9'=0$
$\quad\left(-6\cdot \dfrac{\sqrt{x}}{x}\right)'
=\dfrac{3}{x^{\dfrac{3}{2}}}$
$\implies -\dfrac{7}{x^2}+\dfrac{3}{x^{\dfrac{3}{2}}}$

hence $y'=\dfrac{3\sqrt{x}-7}{x^2}$

hopefully
 
karush said:
hence $y'=\dfrac{3\sqrt{x}-7}{x^2}$

hopefully
You've been doing much more involved problems over the years. You don't need the "hopefully." If you doubt your answer, check it by integration!

Yes. that's the derivative.

-Dan
 
This is, I think, simpler- write the function as $y= 7x^{-1}+ 9- 6x^{-1/2}$. Now use the fact that the derivative of $x^n$ is $nx^{n- 1}$

$\frac{dy}{dx}= -7x^{-2}- 3x^{-3/2}$ which can be written in the original form as $\frac{dy}{dx}= \frac{7-3\sqrt{x}}{x^2}$​
 

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