Find f'(2) for Composite Functions

In summary, finding f'(2) for composite functions means finding the derivative of the composite function at the specific value of 2. This involves using the chain rule to find the derivative of the outer function and then substituting the value of 2 into the derivative of the inner function. To find f'(2) for composite functions, you first need to identify the outer and inner functions, use the chain rule, and then substitute the value of 2 into the resulting expression. This process can help us understand the rate of change of a composite function at a specific point, which can be useful in various applications. There are two special cases to consider when finding f'(2) for composite functions - when the inner function is a constant and
  • #1
fiziksfun
78
0
Let f(x)=g(h(x))

where h(2)=3
h'(2)=4
g(3)=5
g'(3)=5

find f'(2)

Attempt at a solution

I tried to used the product rule, but I don't think composite function are the same as multiplying. Does anyone have any suggestions??
 
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  • #2
The product ruile? Why in the world would you use the product rule when there is no product here? How about the chain rule?
 

1. What does it mean to find f'(2) for composite functions?

Finding f'(2) for composite functions means finding the derivative of the composite function at the specific value of 2. This involves using the chain rule to find the derivative of the outer function and then substituting the value of 2 into the derivative of the inner function.

2. How do you find f'(2) for composite functions?

To find f'(2) for composite functions, you first need to identify the outer and inner functions. Then, use the chain rule to find the derivative of the outer function and substitute the inner function into the derivative of the inner function. Finally, substitute the value of 2 into the resulting expression to find the derivative at that specific value.

3. Can you provide an example of finding f'(2) for composite functions?

For example, if f(x) = (x^2 + 1)^3, and g(x) = x^2 + 1, then f(g(x)) = (x^2 + 1)^3. To find f'(2), we first find g'(x) = 2x, and then f'(x) = 3(x^2 + 1)^2 * 2x = 6x(x^2 + 1)^2. Substituting g(x) = x^2 + 1 into g'(x), we get g'(x) = 2(x^2 + 1). Finally, substituting x = 2 into f'(x), we get f'(2) = 6(2)(2^2 + 1)^2 = 240.

4. What is the significance of finding f'(2) for composite functions?

Finding f'(2) for composite functions can help us understand the rate of change of a composite function at a specific point. This can be useful in many applications, such as physics, economics, and engineering, where we need to understand how a system changes over time.

5. Are there any special cases when finding f'(2) for composite functions?

Yes, there are two special cases to consider when finding f'(2) for composite functions. The first is when the inner function is a constant, in which case the derivative of the inner function is 0, making the calculation simpler. The second is when the outer function is a polynomial, in which case we can use the power rule to simplify the calculation of the derivative.

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