Derivative of a function with only variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function \( f(x) = \frac{A}{B} + Ce^x \) using the quotient rule and exploring the application of the chain and power rules in differentiation. Participants seek clarification on the correct application of these rules and how to simplify the resulting expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the quotient rule to differentiate the function \( f(x) = \frac{A}{B} + Ce^x \), while others suggest rewriting it in a different form for easier differentiation.
  • There is a discussion about whether to apply the power rule or the chain rule first when differentiating the rewritten function.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how to treat constants \( A, B, \) and \( C \) during differentiation, questioning if they should be treated like variables.
  • Another participant clarifies that \( A, B, \) and \( C \) are constants and should be treated as such, similar to numerical constants.
  • There is a mention of the correct application of the chain rule, emphasizing that it involves multiplication rather than addition.
  • Participants discuss the implications of multiplying constants by variables in the context of differentiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to clarify the roles of constants and variables in differentiation. However, there is some disagreement about the order of applying the power and chain rules, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to simplify the derivative.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the most effective method for differentiating the function, and there are unresolved questions about the simplification of the derivative expression.

coolbeans33
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I need to find the f'(x) when f(x)= A/B+C (ex)

so I used the quotient rule to get:

(B+Cex)(1) - A(B+Cex)/(B+Cex)2

is this right so far? and if it is, how do I simplify it more?
 
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coolbeans33 said:
I need to find the f'(x) when f(x)= A/B+C (ex)

so I used the quotient rule to get:

(B+Cex)(1) - A(B+Cex)/(B+Cex)2

is this right so far? and if it is, how do I simplify it more?

Hi coolbeans, :)

First we shall clarify a few doubts about your question. Are \(A,\, B\mbox{ and } C\) constants? Is your function the following?

\[f(x)=\frac{A}{B}+Ce^x\]
 
Sudharaka said:
Hi coolbeans, :)

First we shall clarify a few doubts about your question. Are \(A,\, B\mbox{ and } C\) constants? Is your function the following?

\[f(x)=\frac{A}{B}+Ce^x\]

A, B, and C are all constants, and the function is A/(B + C*ex)
 
I would write the function as:

$$f(x)=A\left(B+Ce^x \right)^{-1}$$

Now apply the power and chain rules. :D
 
MarkFL said:
I would write the function as:

$$f(x)=A\left(B+Ce^x \right)^{-1}$$

Now apply the power and chain rules. :D

do I use the power rule or the chain rule first?
 
coolbeans33 said:
do I use the power rule or the chain rule first?

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\left(u(x) \right)^n \right)=n\cdot\left(u(x) \right)^{n-1}\cdot\frac{du}{dx}$$
 
MarkFL said:
$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\left(u(x) \right)^n \right)=n\cdot\left(u(x) \right)^{n-1}\cdot\frac{du}{dx}$$

Which is just the Chain Rule...
 
coolbeans33 said:
do I use the power rule or the chain rule first?

Your choice, it doesn't matter as long as you do both
 
this still makes no sense! after I applied the chain rule I got

-1A(B+Cex)-2 + d/dx (AB+ACex)

the part I don't get is how I'm supposed to take the derivative of the variables. do I just treat them like x and say they're equal to one?
 
  • #10
coolbeans33 said:
this still makes no sense! after I applied the chain rule I got

-1A(B+Cex)-2 + d/dx (AB+ACex)

the part I don't get is how I'm supposed to take the derivative of the variables. do I just treat them like x and say they're equal to one?

First off, you're applying the chain rule, which has multiplication instead of addition.
So you should have:

-1A(B+Cex)-2 * d/dx (AB+ACex)

Then you have these A, B, and C, which are constants, not variables.
You should treat them the same as if they would read for instance 2, 3, respectively 4.

What would be d/dx (2*3+2*4*ex)?
When you have that, you should replace any occurrences of 2, 3, and 4 again by A, B, and C respectively.
 
  • #11
I like Serena said:
First off, you're applying the chain rule, which has multiplication instead of addition.
So you should have:

-1A(B+Cex)-2 * d/dx (AB+ACex)

Then you have these A, B, and C, which are constants, not variables.
You should treat them the same as if they would read for instance 2, 3, respectively 4.

What would be d/dx (2*3+2*4*ex)?
When you have that, you should replace any occurrences of 2, 3, and 4 again by A, B, and C respectively.
ok I just figured it out. just to make sure, if you multiply a constant (c) by x or ex, you're left with Cx or Cex right?
 
Last edited:
  • #12
coolbeans33 said:
ok I just figured it out. just to make sure, if you multiply a constant (c) by x or ex, you're left with Cx or Cex right?

If your constant is named C, then yes, you get Cx or Cex.
But if your constant is named c, then you would get cx or cex.
 

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