How do I apply the chain rule in division rule for this calculus problem?

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Homework Statement



y = (2x-3)/(x^2+4)^2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am trying to relearn the calculus that I forgot from many moons ago. I am struggling with the chain rule in the above example. I tried to set it up as follows:

This is what I know u=x^2+4 u'=2x

[(x^2+4)^2*Dx (2x-3)-(2x-3) ?? ]/(x^2+4)^4

I am confused when it comes to setting up the second half. Any help would be much obliged. I just can't seem to understand how to set up the problem


Thanks
 
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y=\frac{2x-3}{(x^2+4)^2}
\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(2x-3)(2(x^2+4)(2x))}{(x^2+4)^4}
=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(4x^2-12x)(x^2+4)}{(x^2+4)^4}
=\frac{2(x^2+4)-(4x^2-12x)}{(x^2+4)^3}

How do I make a new line? \\ doesn't seem to work.
 
Last edited:
Noober said:
How do I make a new line? \\ doesn't seem to work.

I would imagine just breaking up the tex tags works

y=\frac{2x-3}{(x^2+4)^2}

\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(2x-3)(2(x^2+4)(2x))}{(x^2+4)^4}

=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(4x^2-12x)(x^2+4)}{(x^2+4)^4}

=\frac{2(x^2+4)-(4x^2-12x)}{(x^2+4)^3}
 
Thanks for the reply with setting up the Calculus part. Now I know that my algebra is a little rusty, but is there a mistake in the change from the following two lines? Shouldn't it be
(8x^2-12x)(x^2+4) not (4x^2-12x)(x^2_4)


=\frac{2(x^2+4)^2-(4x^2-12x)(x^2+4)}{(x^2+4)^4}

=\frac{2(x^2+4)-(4x^2-12x)}{(x^2+4)^3}
 
Yes it should be 8x^2-12x.
 
Bad algebra, sorry.
 
well my algebra is very rusty to say the least... I have been out of math class a few years, and am working towards going back. If I was sure I was right I wouldn't have asked if it was wrong. Thanks again for all the help.
 

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