# Chain Rule

## Homework Statement

Find g'(x)
a(x)=x(18-x^2)^1/2

## Homework Equations

a'(x)=(18-x^2)^1/2 - x^2/(18-x^2)^1/2

## The Attempt at a Solution

Having trouble with this solution. The chain rule states that f(x)g(x) = f'(x)g(x)+g'(x)f(x) so the first term in the solution is obviously (18-x^2)^1/2.

Where I run into problems is the second term with the numerator being x^2 when I thought it should only be x. Simplifying the problem into f(x)=(18-x^2)^1/2 the chain rule states it the derivative should be 1/2(18-x^2)(0-2x)=-x/(18-x^2)^1/2. Am I wrong or is the stated solution wrong?

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Doc Al
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Having trouble with this solution. The chain rule states that f(x)g(x) = f'(x)g(x)+g'(x)f(x) so the first term in the solution is obviously (18-x^2)^1/2.

Where I run into problems is the second term with the numerator being x^2 when I thought it should only be x.
You forgot about f(x) = x, which gives you the second x.

Ugh, that is so... dirty. Thanks, that was pretty simple.

Mark44
Mentor

## Homework Statement

Find g'(x)
a(x)=x(18-x^2)^1/2

## Homework Equations

a'(x)=(18-x^2)^1/2 - x^2/(18-x^2)^1/2

## The Attempt at a Solution

Having trouble with this solution. The chain rule states that f(x)g(x) = f'(x)g(x)+g'(x)f(x) so the first term in the solution is obviously (18-x^2)^1/2.
That's not the chain rule; it's the product rule. The chain rule is used to find the derivative of a composite function, f(g(x)).
Where I run into problems is the second term with the numerator being x^2 when I thought it should only be x. Simplifying the problem into f(x)=(18-x^2)^1/2 the chain rule states it the derivative should be 1/2(18-x^2)(0-2x)=-x/(18-x^2)^1/2. Am I wrong or is the stated solution wrong?