Find Derivative: dp/dq if p = 1/(√q+1)

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The discussion centers on finding the derivative dp/dq for the function p = 1/(√(q+1)). The user initially arrives at the derivative as -1/[(q+1)(2√(q+1))], which is confirmed to be equivalent to the book's answer of -1/[2(q+1)(√(q+1))]. The conversation highlights the importance of proper notation and clarity in mathematical expressions, particularly in distinguishing between p = 1/√(q+1) and p = 1/(√q + 1).

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TommG
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find the indicated derivative
dp/dq if p = 1/(√q+1)

I apologize ahead of time if you can't read my work.

my work

[(1/(√(q+h+1))) - (1/(√(q+1))] \divh

[((√(q+1)) - (√(q+h+1)))/((√(q+h+1))(√(q+1)))] \divh

[(q+1-q-h-1)/(((√q+h+1)(√q+1))((√q+1)+(√q+h+1)))]\div h

[-h//(((√(q+h+1))(√(q+1)))((√(q+1))+(√(q+h+1))))]\div h

-1//(((√(q+h+1))(√(q+1)))((√(q+1))+(√(q+h+1))))

-1/[((√(q+1))(√(q+1)))((√(q+1))+(√(q+1)))]

-1/[(q+1)(2√(q+1))] this was my answerthe answer in the book is -1/[2(q+1)(√(q+1))]

is my answer the same as the book or is there something else I still need to do?
 
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TommG said:
find the indicated derivative
dp/dq if p = 1/(√q+1)

I apologize ahead of time if you can't read my work.

my work

[1/(√q+h+1) - 1/(√q+1)] \divh

[((√q+1) - (√q+h+1))/((√q+h+1)(√q+1))] \divh

[(q+1-q-h-1)/(((√q+h+1)(√q+1))((√q+1)+(√q+h+1)))]\div h

[-h//(((√q+h+1)(√q+1))((√q+1)+(√q+h+1)))]\div h

-1//(((√q+h+1)(√q+1))((√q+1)+(√q+h+1)))

-1/[((√q+1)(√q+1))((√q+1)+(√q+1))]

-1/[(q+1)(2√q+1)] this was my answer


the answer in the book is -1/[2(q+1)(√q+1)]

is my answer the same as the book or is there something else I still need to do?

Do you mean
p = \frac{1}{\sqrt{q+1}} \text{ or } p = \frac{1}{\sqrt{q} + 1}?
In text you should write the first as p = 1/√(q+1) and the second as p = 1/(1+√p) or 1/((√p)+1).
 
Ray Vickson said:
Do you mean
p = \frac{1}{\sqrt{q+1}} \text{ or } p = \frac{1}{\sqrt{q} + 1}?
In text you should write the first as p = 1/√(q+1) and the second as p = 1/(1+√p) or 1/((√p)+1).

I am sorry it is the first one p = \frac{1}{\sqrt{q+1}}
 
TommG said:
-1/[(q+1)(2√(q+1))] this was my answer


the answer in the book is -1/[2(q+1)(√(q+1))]

So your answer was $$-\frac{1}{(q+1)(2\sqrt{q+1})}$$ and the book's was $$-\frac{1}{2(q+1)(\sqrt{q+1})}?$$

If so, yes they are the same. q is just a variable. It is the norm to see, for example, 2x rather than x2. And the latter becomes problematic when dealing with a product of different variables.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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