Differentiation quotient rule question, am i wrong or is my book wrong?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differentiation of the function \( \frac{3}{2x-1} \) using the quotient rule. The correct derivative is calculated as \( \frac{dy}{dx} = -\frac{6}{(2x-1)^2} \), while the book incorrectly states the derivative as \( -\frac{2}{(2x-1)^2} \). The user Elucidus confirms that the differentiation process was executed correctly, highlighting a likely oversight by the book's author regarding the constant factor of 3.

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Differentiate with respect to x; (using the quotient rule)
3/2x-1 (3 over 2x minus 1)
dy/dx = (2x-1)(0) - (3)(2) / (2x-1)^2
dy/dx = -6/(2x-1)^2

but my book gives -2/(2x-1)^2

now,
y = u/v and i take
u = 3 and
v = 2x-1.

dy/dx = v(du/dx) - u(dv/dx) / (v)^2

hmm...
 
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Assuming the question is to find

\frac{d}{dx} \; \frac{3}{2x-1}

then your answer is correct. Whoever wrote the solutions probably forgot all about the 3.

--Elucidus
 
Last edited:

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