Calculus Problem: Find Derivative of f(x)= (x+1)/(x+2)(3x^2 + 6x)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the derivative of the function f(x) = (x+1)/(x+2)(3x^2 + 6x), which combines a rational function and a polynomial. Participants are discussing the appropriate differentiation rules to apply in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering the use of the product rule and the quotient rule for differentiation. There is discussion about the order of applying these rules and whether one can start with the quotient rule before the product rule.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using the product rule followed by the quotient rule, while others have indicated that the order of operations is flexible. There is an acknowledgment of different approaches, but no consensus has been reached on a specific method.

Contextual Notes

One participant expresses uncertainty about which rules to apply, indicating a potential lack of confidence in their understanding of differentiation techniques. There is also a mention of avoiding unnecessary complexity in the differentiation process.

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Homework Statement



Find the derivative of:

[tex]f(x) = \frac{x+1}{x+2} (3x^2 + 6x)[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried but I don't know what rules should I apply here, so it's a waste of database space post here my wrong solution...

(Should I first to the derivative of the fraction and then to the product rule using the derivative of the fraction and the other thing in the parenthesis?)

Thank you,
Rafael Andreatta
 
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Use the product rule and then the quotient rule.

[tex] f(x) = \frac{x+1}{x+2} (3x^2 + 6x)[/tex]


u=(x+1)/(x+2) du/dx = quotient rule.

v=3x2 + 6x
 
rock.freak667 said:
Use the product rule and then the quotient rule.

[tex] f(x) = \frac{x+1}{x+2} (3x^2 + 6x)[/tex]


u=(x+1)/(x+2) du/dx = quotient rule.

v=3x2 + 6x

So I first use the product rule for [tex](x+1)(3x^2 + 6x)[/tex] and then the quotient rule between the result of the product rule and the (x+2)?

Why can't I do first eh quotient rule and then the product rule?
 
You can, it's your choice what you use. I might write:
[tex] \frac{x+1}{x+2} (3x^2 + 6x)=\frac{3x(x+1)(x+2)}{x+2}=3x^{2}+3x[/tex]
Then I don't need to apply the product rule or the quotient rule.
 
Taturana said:
So I first use the product rule for [tex](x+1)(3x^2 + 6x)[/tex] and then the quotient rule between the result of the product rule and the (x+2)?

Why can't I do first eh quotient rule and then the product rule?

You can do it however you wish!

hunt_mat said:
You can, it's your choice what you use. I might write:
[tex] \frac{x+1}{x+2} (3x^2 + 6x)=\frac{3x(x+1)(x+2)}{x+2}=3x^{2}+3x[/tex]
Then I don't need to apply the product rule or the quotient rule.

Like hunt_mat shows you.
 
Ok, thank you all
 

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