Derivative Homework: y=x4(2x-5)6

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y = x^4(2x-5)^6, utilizing the Product Rule and the Power of a Function Rule. Participants are exploring the steps involved in differentiating the expression and factoring the result.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate the function and expresses confusion regarding the factors in the final answer provided by another participant. They question the derivation of specific terms in the factored form.
  • Subsequent posts involve participants discussing how to factor the derivative correctly and the process of pulling out common factors from the terms.
  • Another participant presents a new derivative problem and contemplates various approaches to simplifying the expression, questioning how to handle the powers of the terms involved.
  • There is a discussion about the mechanics of factoring and the implications of changing powers in the context of the derivative.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework assignments, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is an emphasis on understanding the differentiation process and the importance of correctly factoring the results.

polak333
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Homework Statement



y =x4(2x-5)6

Homework Equations



Product Rule & Power of a Function Rule

The Attempt at a Solution



y = x4(2x-5)6
y' = 4(x)3(1)(2x-5)6 + x4(6)(2x-5)5(2)
y' = 4x3(2x-5)6 + 12x4(2x-5)5

The answer is:
20x3(2x-5)5(x-1)

No idea where they get the 20x3 or the (x-1). If I were to factor my answer, I still wouldn't get that, I think.
 
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Your answer is correct but unfactored. Pull the greatest common factor (GCF) out of the two separate terms, as shown below.
4x3(2x - 5)6 + 12x4(2x - 5)5
= 4x3(2x - 5)5(2x - 5 + 3x)
= 4x3(2x - 5)5(5x - 5)
= 5*4x3(2x - 5)5(x - 1)
= 20x3(2x - 5)5(x - 1)
 
Thanks!

Can you help me out with one more?

y = (1-x2)3 (6+2x)-3
y' = 3 (1-x2)2 (-2x)(6+2x)-3 + (1-x2)3(-3)(6+2x)-4(2)
y' = -6x (1-x2)2(6+2x)-3 - 6(1-x2)3(6+2x)-4

Not exactly sure what to do with this.

I could possibly:
y' = -6 (1-x2)(6+2x)-3[x-(1-x2)(6+2x)-1]

or should I put the (6+2x) on the bottom:
y' = -6x(1-x2)2 - 6(1-x2)3
...---------- .. ----------
...(6+2x)3 ... (6+2x)4


The answer is:

-6(1-x2)2(x2+6x+1)
-------------------
...(6+2x)4
 
The common factor is 6(1 - x2)2(6 + 2x)-4. Pull that out and then combine what's left.
 
y = (1-x2)3 (6+2x)-3
y' = 3 (1-x2)2 (-2x)(6+2x)-3 + (1-x2)3(-3)(6+2x)-4(2)
y' = -6x (1-x2)2(6+2x)-3 - 6(1-x2)3(6+2x)-4

That's kind of the problem. I'm not sure how to take out < -6(1 - x2)2(6 + 2x)-4 >.

In the 3rd line, there is a (6+2x)-3, how do you take out (6+2x)-4? Does the power become a positive, and therefore: (6+2x)1 which is just (6+2x)?
 
Nevermind. I got it.

Thanks for the help!
 

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