Finding the Derivative of a Function Given an Equation and Initial Condition

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the derivative of a function defined implicitly by the equation f(x) + x²[f(x)]³ = 10, with the initial condition f(1) = 2. Participants are exploring the differentiation of this equation to determine f'(1).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking the derivative of both sides of the equation and applying the product and chain rules. There are questions about the correctness of the differentiation steps and the resulting expressions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using implicit differentiation and suggested substituting known values into the derived equation. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the differentiation process, with some expressing uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of implicit differentiation and are checking their understanding of the rules involved. There is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the differentiation process.

momogiri
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Question:
If [tex]f(x) + x^{2}[f(x)]^{3} = 10[/tex] and f(1) = 2, find f '(1).

Attempt:
I wish I could say I tried, but I don't know how to approach this problem..
All I did was double check the formula worked by inputting 2 for f(x) and 1 for x

Can someone tell me how to start this? And I'll go from there :)
 
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Take the derivative of both sides of the equation.
 
And don't forget to use the chain rule on the second part. You'll end up with an equation that involves both f(x) and f'(x). At this point, sub in x=1 and f(1)=2 and solve for f'(x).
 
Ok, so what I've done is:
take derivative of both sides
original = [tex]f(x) + x^{2}(f(x))^{3} = 10[/tex]
so d/dx of f(x) is f'(x)
now [tex]x^{2}(f(x))^{3}[/tex]'s derivative I'm a bit unsure of..

What I did was use the product rule, so..
[tex]x^{2}((f(x))^{3})' + (f(x))^{3}(x^{2})'[/tex]
and [tex](f(x)^{3})' = 3(f(x))^{2}*f'(x)[/tex] right?
So...
it's [tex]x^{2}(3(f(x))^{2}*f'(x)) + f(x)^{3}(2x)[/tex]
Then that means the whole equation becomes
[tex]f'(x) + x^{2}(3(f(x))^{2}*f'(x)) + f(x)^{3}(2x) = 0[/tex]
In which I plugged in the numbers
so..
[tex]f'(1) + (1)^{2}(3(2)^{2}*f'(1)) + (2)^{3}(2(1)) = 0[/tex]
then
[tex]f'(1) + 12*f'(1)) + 16 = 0[/tex]
which means
[tex](13)f'(1)) = -16[/tex]
making
[tex]f'(1) = -16/13[/tex]?
Does that make sense? Is it wrong? i have a feeling it is :/
 
looks right.

if you wanted to not deal with f(x) you could change f(x)=y and do implicit differentiation like you've been doing before and solve for y' and then change y to f(x).
 
f(x)+x^(2)*f(x)^(3)//use product rule for the second term along with the chain rule
f'(x)+x^(2)*3f(x)^(2)f'(x)+2xf(x)^(3)
f'(x)[1+3x^(2)]=-2xf(x)^(3)//moved 2xf(x)^(3) to other side and factored a f'(x)
f'(x)=[-2xf(x)^(3)]/[1+3x^(2)]
f'(1)=[-2(1)f(1)^3]/[1+3(1)^(2)}
f'(1)=-16/13
OWNED!
 
Last edited:

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