Derivative of 5x + (3x + √2x)^½: Step-by-Step Guide

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function involving a combination of polynomial and square root terms, specifically \(5x + (3x + \sqrt{2x})^{1/2}\). Participants are attempting to clarify their approaches and identify errors in their derivative calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the chain rule and the importance of proper bracket placement in derivative calculations. There are requests for step-by-step breakdowns to identify mistakes, and some participants express confusion about the notation and terminology used.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts and questioning the correctness of bracket placements in the original poster's calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the structure of the expression, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the difficulty in expressing derivatives involving square roots, and participants are encouraged to share their work for better assistance. The original poster's edits indicate attempts to clarify their method, but confusion remains regarding the notation and steps taken.

ussjt
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Question:

Find the derivative of the function: https://webwork2.math.ohio-state.edu/courses/math151wi06sm/tmp/png/Hmwk4/126384/kopko.4-prob16image1.png

My answer:
9ebc755a.jpg


Can please someone tell me where I messed up.

Edit: i used that chain rule or something like that

So first I changed the equation into [5x+(3x+sqrt(2x))^.5]^.5

then I found the first derivative, so it was .5[5x+(3x+sqrt(2x))^.5]^-.5

Next I did it for 5x and the 1/2 power-> 5+.5(3x+sqrt(2x))^-.5

I did the same for the following 2 steps. I hope that helps.
 
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If you can show us what you did step-by-step (i know, that's hard with square roots unfortunately), we can help you determine where you went wrong.
 
your brackets are messed up. The last (third) bracketed factor does not multiply everything, just the part that starts with 3x.
 
krab said:
your brackets are messed up. The last (third) bracketed factor does not multiply everything, just the part that starts with 3x.
which brackets?
 
sorry to bump the topic

but could someone please explain what bracket krab means.
 
ussjt said:
sorry to bump the topic

but could someone please explain what bracket krab means.
It may be quite impossible for us to guess your approach, and thus, we don't know where you went wrong. Now, may I ask you to post step by step solution, so that we can check it for you. :)
You don't have to LaTeX, or use MS Equation Editor, just jot down your steps in a paper, then use a scanner and post it here. :)
You can also learn how to LaTeX. There are three PDFs on the first post of that thread. The thread is a sticky in the Math & Science Tutorials board.
 
He means that the "inner derivatives" do not multiply the entire expression. The last bracket - which by the way is not correct - is not supposed to be multiplied with the entire expression. It has to be inside the second bracket.


EDIT: Explained better hopefully, without giving out too much of the solution.
 
Last edited:
ussjt said:
sorry to bump the topic

but could someone please explain what bracket krab means.

What is meant is that the grouping (where the parentheses are) is incorrect.

Hint:
[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\sqrt{3x+\sqrt{2x}} \neq \left(3+\frac{.5}{\sqrt{2x}}\right)*2[/tex]
 
The 3rd big bracketed factor has to be INSIDE the bracket just ahead of it. IOW, it does not multiply the 5+ of the second big bracketed factor.
 
  • #10
[tex]\frac{1}{2}(3x+(2x)^{1/2})^{1/2})^{-1/2}*(5+\frac{1}{2}(3x+(2x)^{1/2})^{-1/2}*(3+\frac{1}{2}(2x)^{-1/2}*2))[/tex] =

[tex] <br /> \frac{20*\sqrt{x}*\sqrt{\sqrt{x}*(3*\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{2})}+6*\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{2}}{8*\sqrt{x}*\sqrt{\sqrt{x}*(3*\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{2})}*\sqrt{\sqrt{\sqrt{x}*(3*\sqrt{x}+\sqrt{2})}+5*x}}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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