# Simple derivative

1. Oct 3, 2007

### Cmunro

Hi,

I am just starting out in calculus, and I'm not sure how to work through this type of question:

f' $$\frac{3x-6}{x}$$

So I have:

(3x-6)(x$$^{-1}$$)
then (3x -6)(-x$$^{-2}$$)

Now what?

(3)(-x$$^{-2}$$)?

The book gives an answer of 6(x$$^{-2}$$)

2. Oct 3, 2007

### danago

The first thing id probably do is break down that fraction into $$3-\frac{6}{x} = 3 - 6x^{-1}$$ and then work from there.

3. Oct 3, 2007

### Cmunro

Aha, got it, thank you!

4. Oct 3, 2007

### dynamicsolo

I'm guessing you haven't gotten to the Quotient Rule yet. When you have, you'll see that you could also work this out using that (and you'll get the same answer), but you won't get the result you have on your last line here...

You could also use the Product Rule on your expression
(3x-6)(x$$^{-1}$$), which would give you two terms, the one you found:

(3x -6)(-x$$^{-2}$$)

plus a second term

(3x-6)' · (x$$^{-1}$$) = 3 · (x$$^{-1}$$) ,

adding up to (3x -6-3x)(-x$$^{-2}$$) = 6/(x$$^{-2}$$) .

All three methods, the one you ultimately used and these two, give the same answer.

Last edited: Oct 3, 2007