Solving Derivative of 6x/(x2+3)2

  • Thread starter phillyolly
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In summary, the function 6x/(x2+3)2 can be solved as a multiplication or a fraction. Using the product rule and chain rule, the derivative is found to be (x2-1)/(x2+3)3. However, the student's attempts to solve it were incorrect and they are advised to show their steps to identify their mistakes.
  • #1
phillyolly
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Homework Statement



6x/(x2+3)2


The Attempt at a Solution


If I solve this function as a multiplication, i.e.

6x (x2+3)-2

my answer is

f ' (x)=[ (x-3)(x-1) ]/(x2+3)3

If I solve it as a fraction
f ' (x)=(v'g-g'v)/g2

I get

f ' (x)=(x2-1)/(x2+3)3


This is all so confusing. Please help me out. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Neither is correct. Show us your steps so we can see where your mistakes lie.
 
  • #3
6x (x2+3)-2


Did you use the product rule followed by the chain rule?

You can consider this function as:

h(x)=f(x)g(p(x))

where:

f(x)=6x, g(z) = z-2 ,and p(x)=x2+3

Now how would you take the derivative of h(x)?

Hint: h'(x)=f'(x)g(p(x))+f(x)g'(p(x))p'(x)
 

1. What is the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2?

The derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2 is (18x^2-36x+18)/(x^2+3)^3.

2. How do you solve the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2?

To solve the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2, we can use the quotient rule. First, we find the derivative of the numerator, which is 6. Then, we find the derivative of the denominator, which is 2(x^2+3) multiplied by the derivative of x^2+3, which is 2x. We then put these values into the quotient rule formula, (f'g-g'f)/g^2, where f' represents the derivative of the numerator and g' represents the derivative of the denominator. Simplifying the formula gives us (18x^2-36x+18)/(x^2+3)^3 as the final answer.

3. What is the purpose of finding the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2?

The purpose of finding the derivative of a function is to determine the rate of change of that function at a specific point. In this case, the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2 tells us the rate of change of the original function at a specific x-value. It can also be used to find the slope of a tangent line to the graph of the function at that point.

4. Can the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2 be simplified further?

Yes, the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2 can be simplified further by factoring out a common factor of 6 from the numerator, giving us 6(3x^2-6x+3)/(x^2+3)^3. However, this is considered to be in its simplest form as it cannot be further reduced without changing the meaning of the original function.

5. Are there any real-life applications of solving the derivative of 6x/(x^2+3)^2?

Yes, there are many real-life applications of finding the derivative of a function. For example, in physics, the derivative of a position function can be used to find the velocity of an object at a specific time. In economics, the derivative of a cost function can be used to find the marginal cost of producing an additional unit of a product. In engineering, the derivative of a displacement function can be used to find the acceleration of a moving object. The list goes on, as the concept of rate of change is applicable to many fields of study.

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