Arithmetic Question for Finding Derivative using Quotient Rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function y = (11 - cos(x)) / (2 + cos(x)) using the Quotient Rule. The user correctly applies the Quotient Rule formula, resulting in y' = ((2 + cos(x))(sin(x)) - (11 - cos(x))(-sin(x))) / ((2 + cos(x))^2). The final simplified answer is confirmed to be (13sin(x)) / (cos(x) + 2)^2, with advice given to expand and collect like terms for simplification.

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  • Basic algebraic skills for simplifying expressions
  • Knowledge of derivatives and differentiation techniques
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Homework Statement



Find dy/dx for the following function:

y = (11-cos(x))/(2+cos(x))


Homework Equations



Quotient Rule:

y'= ((g(x))(f'(x)) - (f(x))(g'(x)))/ (g(x)^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



I used the quotient rule to come up with this:

y'= ((2+cos(x))(sin(x)) - (11-cos(x))(-sin(x))) / ((2+cos(x))^2)


Now, the trouble that I am having is simplifying this.

The final answer should turn out to be :

(13sin(x))/(cos(x)+2)^2

I am overlooking some basic arithmetic here, but I can't seem to find out what I am missing. Am I supposed to multiply out the expressions first and then combine like terms? Basically, how do I go from the expanded version to the simplified version? Thank you
 
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Yes try expanding it; simplifying it to the required expression is just a matter of collecting like terms
 
Your denominator looks to be in the same form as the desired answer.

Play around with the numerator.
 

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