Deriving Radicals: Tips for Finding the Correct Derivative - Physics Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of a function involving a radical, specifically f(x) = A [1 + 9x²(x - 4)²]^(1/2), where A is a constant. Participants are exploring the process of differentiation in the context of a physics problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the function but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their result. They mention using the chain rule and differentiating the inside of the radical. Some participants suggest expanding the expression before differentiating. Others question the need for help given the original poster's assertion of having followed the correct steps.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with the original poster initially unsure about their derivative. They later indicate that a mistake was made during the submission process rather than in the differentiation itself. This suggests that some productive guidance was provided, particularly regarding the expansion of the expression.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using a program for Physics to check the derivative, indicating a possible constraint related to how answers are entered or validated in that context.

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Homework Statement



It's been a while since I've done derivatives. I'm working on a physics problem and can't seem to get the correct derivate for a function of the following form:

f(x)= A [1+9x^2(x-4)^2]^1/2

A is a constant.


The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried various ways of deriving. Silly. But nothing works for the physics problem I am working with.
I derived the whole radical. Brought down the 1/2 and was left with the what's inside the radical raised to -1/2 and then deriving the inside.

I believe my final derivative is in terms of A and x.

Any tips on how to derive this function?
 
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expand 9x2(x-4)2, then differentiate the inside of the radical.

though I am not sure why you need help if you said you did it already as you did the correct steps.
 
Hm. I believe I am doing the derivative correctly.

This is what I get:
A*(36t^3-216t^2+288t) all over 2*(9t^4-72t^3+144t^2+1)^1/2

However, I am trying to enter the acquired derivative into a program I'm using for Physics and the deriv I entered (the one above) is "not correct."
Can someone let me know if the deriv is correct or not? Because if it is, then I'm doing something wrong when entering my answer... then that would be a whole other story.
 
Problem solved!
Silly mistake I made while submitting my correct derivative.
Thanks for your help though. Expanding the product made things easier.
 

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