Derivative of a function with only variables

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function \(f(x) = \frac{A}{B + Ce^x}\) using the quotient rule and chain rule. Participants clarify that \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) are constants, and the correct application of differentiation rules is essential. The final derivative expression involves applying both the chain rule and the power rule correctly, leading to the simplified form of the derivative. The key takeaway is the importance of treating constants as fixed values during differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with the quotient rule for derivatives
  • Knowledge of the chain rule in calculus
  • Ability to manipulate exponential functions, particularly \(e^x\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the quotient rule in more complex functions
  • Learn about the chain rule in depth, including its applications
  • Explore differentiation of exponential functions, focusing on \(e^x\)
  • Practice simplifying derivatives of functions involving constants and variables
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus, as well as educators teaching differentiation techniques.

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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