Mastering Exponents: Simplifying and Applying Rules for Derivative Homework

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    Derivative Hard
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying and applying exponent rules in the context of differentiation, specifically involving a function expressed with multiple layers of exponents and roots.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of a complex expression involving cube roots and exponents. Questions arise about the correct interpretation of the expression and the steps needed to apply differentiation rules.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the simplification of the expression and have identified a potential simplification. Some guidance has been provided regarding the differentiation process, and there is an acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the exponents.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the correct handling of exponents and roots, with participants questioning their assumptions about the expression's structure. No explicit consensus has been reached, but there is progress in understanding the simplification process.

Torshi
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Homework Statement



([3√(x^2+4)^4]^2

Homework Equations



None needed.
Chain rule
product rule etc

The Attempt at a Solution


I stopped at:

[((x^2+4)^4)^1/3]^2

So I have 3 exponents. I don't know how to simplify this in order to move on to do the chain rule or whatever rule that comes next. The exponents are killing me
 
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Torshi said:

Homework Statement



([3√(x^2+4)^4]^2
Although you can't tell from the above, from your work below, it appears that the radical is a cube root.

Is this what you're trying to differentiate?
## (\sqrt[3]{(x^2 + 4)^4})^2##
Torshi said:

Homework Equations



None needed.
Chain rule
product rule etc

The Attempt at a Solution


I stopped at:

[((x^2+4)^4)^1/3]^2

So I have 3 exponents. I don't know how to simplify this in order to move on to do the chain rule or whatever rule that comes next. The exponents are killing me

What does (ar)s simplify to?
 
Mark44 said:
Although you can't tell from the above, from your work below, it appears that the radical is a cube root.

Is this what you're trying to differentiate?
## (\sqrt[3]{(x^2 + 4)^4})^2##What does (ar)s simplify to?

I think it simplified down to (x^2+4)^8/3
I multiplied the exponents: 1/3 * 4/1 * 2/1 = 8/3
 
OK, that's the first step.

Now, what is d/dx[(x2 + 4)8/3]?
 
Mark44 said:
OK, that's the first step.

Now, what is d/dx[(x2 + 4)8/3]?

I figured it out. Thank you. My main issue was with the exponents in regards to if I had to multiply all of them together which was true.
 

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