Differentiation - Product Rule

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves differentiating the function y = ((1/x)-1)*(1-x)^2, with a focus on applying the product rule for differentiation. The original poster expresses confusion over their attempts and the results obtained from an online differentiation solver.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the product rule but encounters difficulties in simplification and achieving the expected result. Some participants point out a mistake in the derivative of one of the functions involved. Others suggest reconsidering the necessity of using the product rule.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts and identifying errors in their calculations. There is a suggestion to explore alternative methods, such as expanding the expression before differentiation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential misunderstandings regarding the differentiation rules and the setup of the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about whether their expected answer is correct, indicating a possible misalignment in understanding the problem requirements.

quacky
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Homework Statement


In general I havn't had problems using the differentiation rules until I came on this question, I'm probably doing something stupid any help is handy. Plugged it into an online differentiation solver and it comes up with (x^2-1)/(x^2) which I am getting nowhere near to in my attempts.

Differentiate y = ((1/x)-1)*(1-x)2. The attempt at a solution

Using product rule

f(x)= x^-1 - 1
f'(x)= -x^-2
g(x)= 1-x
g'(x)= 1

f(x)*g'(x) = (x^-1 -1)(1) = x^-1 - 1
g(x)*f'(x) = (1-x)(-x^-2) = -x^-2 + x^-1

Adding them together = -x^-2 + 2x^-1 - 1

Simplifying slightly = -1 / (-x^2 + 2x)

And that's where I'm stuck, really not sure what I'm doing wrong here if its in the differentiation or messing up simplifying etc with algebra (been a long time since I've done math)

Help much appreciated
Thanks
 
Last edited:
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quacky said:
f(x)= x^-1 - 1
f'(x)= -x^-2
g(x)= 1-x
g'(x)= 1
A little slip here, which unfortunately carries through: [itex]g^\prime(x)=-1[/itex].
 
Ah yep silly mistake. Just gave it another go, still not getting the answer I'm expecting though, can anyone confirm if the answer I think I should be getting (x^2 - 1)/(x^2) is correct or not as I might be chasing something that is wrong to begin with (although its much more likely it's me doing something wrong).

Attempt 2

f(x) = x^-1 - 1
f'(x) = -x^-2
g(x) = (1 - x)
g'(x) = -1

f(x)*g'(x) = -x^-1 + 1
g(x)*f'(x) = -x^-2 + x

Adding together

-x^-2 - x^-1 + x + 1

Simplifying

(x + 1)/(-x^2 - x)
 
quacky said:
can anyone confirm if the answer I think I should be getting (x^2 - 1)/(x^2) is correct or not
Yes, that is correct.
quacky said:
Attempt 2

f(x) = x^-1 - 1
f'(x) = -x^-2
g(x) = (1 - x)
g'(x) = -1

f(x)*g'(x) = -x^-1 + 1
g(x)*f'(x) = -x^-2 + x
These final two lines are incorrect.

Do you have to use the product rule? If not, you may find it easier to multiply out the brackets before differentiating.
 

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