Derivatives of a Quadratic Function with Step-by-Step Instructions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of a quadratic function defined as the product of two expressions: y = (3 - 2x - x^2)(x^2 + x - 2). The original poster seeks assistance in calculating dy/dx at a specific value of x, which is -2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the product rule for derivatives and the expansion of the function into a polynomial. There are questions about the steps involved in taking the derivative of a polynomial and clarifications on the correct application of the product rule.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to derive the function, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the derivative of polynomials. Guidance has been offered regarding the product rule and the structure of polynomial derivatives, although there is no explicit consensus on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate confusion regarding the derivative process and the notation used, highlighting a need for clearer communication of mathematical concepts. There is also a mention of the original poster's struggles with the middle steps of the derivative calculation.

mathaTon
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Hi
I need help with the Derivites please.


Find the value of dy/dx for the given value of x.

y= (3-2x-x^2) (x^2+x-2), x=-2

I have tried that I can't seem to understand the real steps to get the answer.
I know I have to take the deriviate of this actual function...
once i do that..I am not sure what to do next? please help!
 
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Once you have the derivative, just plug in x.

Or are you having trouble taking the derivative?
 
y is a product of two functions, 3- 2x- x2 and x2+ x- 2 so use the product rule: (fg)'= f 'g+ fg'. Or just go ahead and multiply it to get a single polynomial. Do you know how to find the derivative of a polynomial?
 
no i don't know how to take the derivative of a polynomial?

is that? let me try though.
first i expand this two terms:
i ended with some cubes nd quartics
then i took the derivative.(when u multiply the exponent with coffiencent and the subtract the exponent with 1)

thats wehre i get stuck. i need help here..

the middle step is difficult..
last part is easy when we plug x value..
 
[tex] y = (-x^2-2x+3)(x^2+x-2)[/tex]

let:
[tex] u = f(x) = (-x^2-2x+3)[/tex]
[tex] v = g(x) = (x^2+x-2)[/tex]
[tex] y = uv[/tex]

[tex] y + dy = (u + du)(v + dv) = uv + udv + vdu + dudv[/tex]

subtract y = uv
[tex] dy = udv + vdu[/tex]

this equates to:
[tex] \frac{dy}{dx} = (-x^2-2x+3)\frac{d}{dx}(x^2+x-2) + (x^2+x-2)\frac{d}{dx}(-x^2-2x+3)[/tex]
[tex] \frac{dy}{dx}=(-x^2-2x+3)(-2x-2) + (x^2+x-2)(2x+1)[/tex]

Thats my attempt :P

EDIT: Corrected
 
Last edited:
3trQN said:
[tex] \frac{dy}{dx} = (-x^2-2x+3)\frac{d}{dx}(-x^2-2x+3) + (x^2+x-2)\frac{d}{dx}(x^2+x-2)[/tex]
Uhmm, this line is wrong. What you have written in this line is udu + vdv, in stead of udv + vdu.
mathaTon said:
no i don't know how to take the derivative of a polynomial?
Uhmm, you know that:
[tex]\left( x ^ {\alpha} \right) ' = \alpha x ^ {\alpha - 1}[/tex], right?
And you should also know that the derivative of a sum, is the sum of derivatives, i.e:
(u + v + w + k) = u' + v' + w' + k'
And if k is a constant then:
[kf(x)]' = k f'(x)
A polynomial has the form:
[tex]n_m x ^ m + n_{m - 1} x ^ {m - 1} + ... + n_1 x + n_0[/tex]
This is a polynomial of degree m.
The derivative of that polynomial is:
[tex]\left( n_m x ^ m + n_{m - 1} x ^ {m - 1} + ... + n_1 x + n_0 \right)' = n_m \left( x ^ m \right)' + n_{m - 1} \left( x ^ {m - 1} \right)' + ... + n_1 (x)' + (n_0)'[/tex]
[tex]= mn_m \left( x ^ {m - 1} \right)' + (m - 1)n_{m - 1} \left( x ^ {m - 2} \right)' + ... + n_1[/tex].
first i expand this two terms:
i ended with some cubes nd quartics
then i took the derivative.(when u multiply the exponent with coffiencent and the subtract the exponent with 1)
Uhmm, not very sure what you mean though. Can you type it out?
--------------------
The problem ask you to find the derivative of a product. You can use the Product Rule:
(uv)' = u'v + uv'
By letting:
u = 3 - 2x - x2
and v = x2 + x - 2.
We have:
[(3 - 2x - x2) (x2 + x - 2.)]' = (3 - 2x - x2)' (x2 + x - 2.) + (3 - 2x - x2) (x2 + x - 2.)'.
Can you go from here? :)
 
Sorry, that because of my poor latex skills more than my maths
 

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