Solving Derivative Problem: Find f'(x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function f(x) = [(x^2)(x-3)]^(1/3), focusing on the application of the chain rule and polynomial simplification.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the simplification of the function by expanding the polynomial and applying the chain rule. There are questions about the correctness of the derivative obtained by the original poster, and some participants suggest alternative methods for differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, including suggestions to simplify the function before differentiation. Multiple interpretations of the derivative process are being discussed, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original poster's solution.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the notation used for the function and its derivative, with participants noting the importance of clarity in distinguishing between a function and its derivative.

camboguy
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Homework Equations


find
f'(x)= [(x^2)(x-3)]^(1/3)



The Attempt at a Solution



i got (3(x-2))/[x(x-3)^(2/3)]

is that correct? I am so confused if i got it right or not.

Thanks before hand
 
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Not quite. I'd start by making it simpler by multiplying out the polynomials. Then you'd have:

[tex](x^{3}-3x^{2})^{\frac{1}{3}}[/tex]

Then, use the chain rule:

If f(x)=g(h(x)), then f ' (x) = g ' (f(x))*f ' (x).

For example, look at f(x) = (sin(x))2.

So if g(x) = x2, and h(x) = sin(x), then f(x)=g(h(x)). Then to take the derivative, first, find the derivative of g and h.

So g(x)=x2, which means that g ' (x)=2x.
h(x) = sin(x), which means that h ' (x)= cos(x).

Then to take the derivative, you would remember that f ' (x) = g ' (f(x))*f ' (x). So first, look at g ' (x). That's 2x. So put f(x) in for x, to get 2(sin(x)). Then, multiply by f ' (x), which is cos(x).

So f ' (x), in this example, is 2(sin(x))*cos(x).

Now, use that same method for your problem.
 
This is an application of the chain rule.. You can multiply the inner product and get...[x^3-3x^2]

... now you bring the 1/3 out in front and reduce it by 1 as by application of the derivative. 1/3-1/1 = -2/3

So you get what 1/3[d/dx[x^3-3x^2]]^-2/3

so then it's: 1/3[x^2*(x-3)]^(-2/3) * derivative of the inside [3x^2-6x]

Got it?
 
never mind -.-
 
camboguy said:

Homework Equations


find
f'(x)= [(x^2)(x-3)]^(1/3)
If you're trying to find f'(x), look no further than the equation you wrote.

I'm being facetious here. What you most likely meant was:
f(x)= [(x^2)(x-3)]^(1/3)
Find f'(x).

This might seem like a small difference, but it's important to keep a function and its derivatives clearly separated in your mind.

camboguy said:

The Attempt at a Solution



i got (3(x-2))/[x(x-3)^(2/3)]

is that correct? I am so confused if i got it right or not.

Thanks before hand
 

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