Simplifying dy/dx for y = e^-2x / x^2 using quotient rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y = e^(-2x) / x^2 using the quotient rule. Participants are focused on the simplification process of the resulting expression.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to simplify the derivative obtained from the quotient rule and questions why the final expression is over x^3. Other participants suggest factoring out terms and keeping track of signs during simplification.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in clarifying the simplification steps. Some have provided guidance on factoring and sign management, while others express their realizations about the simplification process. There is an ongoing exploration of the reasoning behind the steps taken.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the handling of signs and the simplification of fractions, which are being discussed without resolution.

Schrodinger's Dog
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dy/dx, where [tex]y=\frac{e^{-2x}}{x^2}[/tex]Using the quotient rule I get

[tex]\frac {-2e^{-2x}(x^2) - e^{-2x}(2x)}{x^4}[/tex]

Simplified I get:-

[tex]\frac{e^{-2x}(-2x^2-2x)}{x^4}[/tex]

The answer is [tex]-\frac{2e^{-2x}(x+1)}{x^3}[/tex]

Simple question can someone run me through the simplification, I'm not quite getting why it's over x^3 here. I'm sure it's just a simple fraction deal, but if someone could break it down nice and simply it would help.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: sorry I corrected my second step. I accidently added an extra minus sign.
 
Last edited:
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Simple question can someone run me through the simplification, I'm not quite getting why it's over x^3 here. I'm sure it's just a simple fraction deal, but if someone could break it down nice and simply it would help.

You're pulling a 2x out from (2x2+ 2x).

You need to keep track of the minus signs, though.
 
neutrino said:
You're pulling a 2x out from (2x2+ 2x).

You need to keep track of the minus signs, though.

Ah I see if I divide [tex]\frac{e^{-2x}(-2x^2-2x)}{x^4}[/tex] by -2x. I get [tex]-1/2x^3 (e^{-2x}(x+1))[/tex] which is [tex]-\frac {2e^{-2x}(x+1)}{x^3}[/tex] I'm wondering what my problem was here. Thanks there. Simple really.
 
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Schrödinger's Dog said:
Ah I see if I divide [tex]\frac{e^{-2x}(-2x^2-2x)}{x^4}[/tex] by -2x.

Actually, you divide AND multiply by -2x. :smile:
 
neutrino said:
Actually, you divide AND multiply by -2x. :smile:

Sure that's what I meant, thanks.:smile:
 

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