Finding f'(x) for Logarithm Derivatives Homework with Product and Quotient Rules

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the derivative of a function defined as the absolute value of a quotient that includes polynomial and root expressions. The subject area pertains to calculus, specifically the application of the product and quotient rules for differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss splitting the function into parts for differentiation but question the validity of this approach. There are attempts to apply the product and quotient rules, with some expressing confusion over handling negative fractional exponents. Others raise questions about the implications of the absolute value in the differentiation process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct application of differentiation rules, while others are reconsidering their initial approaches. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity involved in the problem, particularly regarding the absolute value and the differentiation of composite functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly formatting exponents in LaTeX and express uncertainty about how to simplify their expressions without making errors. There is also a mention of the need to address the absolute value aspect of the derivative.

Justabeginner
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Homework Statement


Find f'(x): (abs(((x^2)*((3x+2) ^(1/3)))/((2x-3)^3)) <- Not sure why it''s not showing up but the 1/3 is an exponent to just the (3x+2).

Homework Equations


Product Rule and Quotient Rule for Differentiating

The Attempt at a Solution


So I thought I should split it into two parts: A and B.

A) (x^2)/((2x-3)^2)
B) ((3x+2)^1/3)/(2x-3)

My plan was to differentiate each part and then multiply them together, since multiplying their denominators together gives me the original denominator power (4).

I end up getting for A) (-12x^2 + 18x)/((2x-3)^4)

For B, I have something which seems much more complex, because of the negative fractional exponents, and this is where I'm stuck. I want to simplify, but I'm not sure how to without screwing everything up. This is my last step for B:

((3x+2)^(-2/3)*(2x-3) - 4(x-3)*((3x+2)^(1/3)))/((2x-3)^2) <- The -2/3 is the exponent

I really appreciate the help. And also, as for the absolute value part of the question, well I haven't even thought about that- I'm stuck on the easy part itself. -_-

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
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Justabeginner said:

Homework Statement


Find f'(x): (abs(((x^2)*((3x+2) ^(1/3)))/((2x-3)^3)) <- Not sure why it''s not showing up but the 1/3 is an exponent to just the (3x+2).
In LaTeX, if an exponent is more than one character, you have to put braces around the entire expression of the exponent. If your exponent expression includes parentheses, they need to go inside the braces as well.

So (3x + 2)1/3 would be written as (3x + 2)^{1/3}.
Justabeginner said:

Homework Equations


Product Rule and Quotient Rule for Differentiating


The Attempt at a Solution


So I thought I should split it into two parts: A and B.
No, you can't do this. It's not true that d/dx( f(x) * g(x)) = f'(x) * g'(x). That seems to be what you're trying to do, from what you're saying below.
Justabeginner said:
A) (x^2)/((2x-3)^2)
B) ((3x+2)^1/3)/(2x-3)

My plan was to differentiate each part and then multiply them together, since multiplying their denominators together gives me the original denominator power (4).

I end up getting for A) (-12x^2 + 18x)/((2x-3)^4)

For B, I have something which seems much more complex, because of the negative fractional exponents, and this is where I'm stuck. I want to simplify, but I'm not sure how to without screwing everything up. This is my last step for B:

((3x+2)^(-2/3)*(2x-3) - 4(x-3)*((3x+2)^(1/3)))/((2x-3)^2) <- The -2/3 is the exponent

I really appreciate the help. And also, as for the absolute value part of the question, well I haven't even thought about that- I'm stuck on the easy part itself. -_-
d/dx |x| = x/|x|, and
d/dx |u| = u/|u| * du/dx
Justabeginner said:
Thank you!
 
Oh wow, that was the rule that we learned in school- I should have known I'm not supposed to do that! I'll redo the problem, and see what I get. Thanks!
 
If d/dx [x] = x/|x| ,

then would the correct expression be d/dx |x| = (f(x))/|((x^2)((3x+2)^{1/3}))/((2x-3)^3)| ?

meaning, in simplified form would it be: ((f(x)) * ((2x-3)^3)/((x^2)(3x+2)^{1/3})

Thank you.
 

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