Deriving a Function Without Quotient Rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the function f(x) = (2x + x^3) / sqrt(x) without using the quotient rule, as requested by the original poster. Participants explore various methods to approach this problem, including rewriting the function to facilitate the use of other differentiation rules.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest rewriting the function to use the product rule instead of the quotient rule. There are discussions about simplifying the expression and applying properties of exponents. Some participants express confusion about the correct approach and the algebra involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and suggestions for rewriting the function. There is a mix of attempts to clarify the problem and explore different methods, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their progress. A few have indicated misunderstandings regarding the rules they are allowed to use.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention a misunderstanding about the constraints of the problem, initially believing they could not use the product or quotient rule, which later changes as they clarify their approach. There are also references to basic algebra concepts that may need review for some participants.

Arnoldjavs3
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Homework Statement


derive this function

f(x) = (2x + x^3) / sqrt(x)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


how can i derive this without using quotient rule? my prof is asking to do so without using it.

I
 
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Can you rewrite it in a way that would allow you to use the product rule?
 
Arnoldjavs3 said:

Homework Statement


derive this function

f(x) = (2x + x^3) / sqrt(x)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


how can i derive this without using quotient rule? my prof is asking to do so without using it.

I
Write ##\ \sqrt{x} \ ## as ##\displaystyle \ x^{1/2} \ ## .By the way, the word in English is differentiate, not derive.
 
Can this be done without product / quotient rule?

Just to remind myself of how quotient rule works...

I got to this point after using quotient rule:
((2x + 7x^3) / (2(x^1/2))) / x

How do i simplify this? Sorry I don't know how to use latex code.
 
OK, here's a hint for how to do it without the product rule either: ##x^m / x^n = x^{(m-n)} ##.
 
Okay using that I got something like x^5/2 + x^1/2. It doesn't seem correct, how would i account for the binomial on the numerator? would I write another expression for x such as x^h?
\
edit: I just misunderstood the question... I am allowed to use both the quotient and product rule.
 
Arnoldjavs3 said:
Okay using that I got something like x^5/2 + x^1/2. It doesn't seem correct, how would i account for the binomial on the numerator?
It's not correct, but you're not too far off. And you should end up with two terms, so I don't understand what you're asking about accounting for the binomial.
Arnoldjavs3 said:
would I write another expression for x such as x^h?
What do you get if you carry out the division below?
(2x + x^3) / sqrt(x)
Arnoldjavs3 said:
edit: I just misunderstood the question... I am allowed to use both the quotient and product rule.
 
alright... I got it.

I simply just subtract the exponents from the numerator and denominator so it became (2 + 5x^2) / 2x^1/2
 
Arnoldjavs3 said:
alright... I got it.

I simply just subtract the exponents from the numerator and denominator so it became (2 + 5x^2) / 2x^1/2
No, that's not even close. There's some very basic algebra that you need to review. If you don't, you absolutely won't be able to do calculus.

##\frac{(a + b)} c = (a + b) \cdot \frac 1 c = a \cdot \frac 1 c + b \cdot \frac 1 c## . Use the distributive property to multiply each term of a + b by 1/c. Can you apply this idea to your problem, ##\frac{2x + x^3}{\sqrt{x}}##?
 

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