A simple equation to differentation, having trouble

  • Thread starter EeLoOd
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation is about differentiating the equation f(t) = [(e^(-t/4))(-t+4)] / 4 using the product and chain rules. The simplified derivative is 1/4 multiplied by the derivative of e^(-t/4) multiplied by (4-t), plus 1/4 multiplied by e^(-t/4) multiplied by the derivative of (4-t).
  • #1
EeLoOd
4
0

Homework Statement


Differentiate the following:

f(t) = [(e^(-t/4))(-t+4)] / 4


Homework Equations


None. Just an equation to differentiate.


The Attempt at a Solution


I'd type it, but it is a mess.

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What are you having trouble with? This differentiation is simply a combination of the product and chain rules. Let me see if I can simplify it for you. The derivative would be:

[tex]\frac{1}{4} \left [\frac{d}{dt}(e^{-t/4}) \right ](4-t)+\frac{1}{4}e^{-t/4}\left [ \frac{d}{dt}(4-t) \right ][/tex]

See if you can compute this, now that you know what must be differentiated at a given time.
 

1. What is differentiation?

Differentiation is a mathematical process of finding the rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable. It is used to calculate the slope of a curve at a specific point, or to find the maximum or minimum values of a function.

2. What is the purpose of differentiation?

The main purpose of differentiation is to analyze the behavior of a function and understand how it changes. It is also used to solve optimization problems and to find the slope of a curve, which can be useful in physics and engineering applications.

3. How is differentiation performed?

Differentiation is performed by using the rules of differentiation, which involve taking the derivative of a function. The derivative of a function is the slope of the tangent line at any given point on the curve. There are various methods for finding derivatives, such as the power rule, product rule, and chain rule.

4. What is a simple equation for differentiation?

The simplest equation for differentiation is the power rule, which states that the derivative of a function raised to a power is equal to the power multiplied by the function raised to the power minus one. For example, the derivative of x^2 is 2x.

5. Why might someone have trouble with differentiation?

There are a few reasons why someone might have trouble with differentiation. One reason could be a lack of understanding of the basic concepts and rules of differentiation. Another reason could be difficulty in identifying which rule to use in a given problem. Practice and understanding of the concepts are key to mastering differentiation.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
207
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
687
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
242
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
284
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
127
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
550
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
520
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
397
Back
Top