Straightforward differentiation, but think I have wrong sign somewhere

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a straightforward differentiation problem in physics where the user suspects a sign error in their calculations. A participant, phyz, clarifies that the expression in question simplifies to zero, confirming that the user's differentiation was correct. The key takeaway is the simplification of the term x·x-7/2 to x-5/2, which highlights the importance of careful algebraic manipulation in differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic differentiation rules
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of exponents
  • Knowledge of physics problem-solving techniques
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions in physics contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Review differentiation techniques in calculus
  • Study the properties of exponents and their applications
  • Practice solving physics problems that require differentiation
  • Explore common pitfalls in algebraic simplification
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus and physics, educators teaching differentiation, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills in mathematical contexts.

phyzmatix
Messages
313
Reaction score
0
1. Homework Statement , attempt at a solution

Please see attached. I'm actually busy with a physics problem, but solving it requires that I complete this part correctly. It's straightforward differentiation, but I think I made an error with my signs somewhere and I can't for the life of me find where...

Any pointers? (I believe this is going to be one of those *doh* situations :biggrin:)
phyz
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
There's nothing wrong. The quantity in brackets in the last line is in fact zero. Don't forget:

[tex]x\cdot x^{-7/2}=x^{1-7/2}=x^{-5/2}[/tex]
 
You see...*DOH!* :biggrin:

Thanks for the help! :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K