MHB Derivative of a function with only variables

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function f(x) = A/(B + C*e^x) using the quotient rule. Participants clarify that A, B, and C are constants, and the function can be rewritten for easier differentiation. The chain rule is emphasized as necessary for applying the power rule correctly. There is confusion about treating constants as variables, which is resolved by confirming that constants should be treated as fixed values during differentiation. The conversation concludes with a confirmation of the correct multiplication of constants with variables.
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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