Simplifying Derivatives: Solving for Constants in f'(x) = [(x+c)/(mx+n)]p

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 2K views
Whiz
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Let f(x) = sqrt(4-x2) + 2cos-1(x/2)

Then f '(x) can be written in simplified form -[(x+c)/(mx+n)]p
NOTE: I'm not sure if that negative is supposed to be there since my book is smudged.

What are the values of c, m, n, and p?


Homework Equations



Derivative of cos-1(x) is -1/(sqrt(1-x2)

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the derivative to be -x/sqrt(4-x2) - 1/sqrt(1-(x/2)2)

My problem is that I have no idea how to simplify it into that form. Can anyone offer me some assistance on this question?

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try multiplying [tex]-\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-(\frac{x}{2})^{2}}}\cdot\frac{2}{2}[/tex]