The Chain Rule - Simple but Complicated Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter zaboda42
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chain Chain rule
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the chain rule to find the derivative of the composite function (f o g)' at x = 1, where f(u) = u5 + 1 and g(x) = √x. The user initially calculated the derivative as (5(√x))4 but received a different answer from the textbook, which provided 5/2. The correct application of the chain rule is emphasized, specifically using the formula (f o g)'(x) = f'(g(x))g'(x) to arrive at the correct solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the chain rule in calculus
  • Familiarity with differentiation of polynomial functions
  • Knowledge of basic functions such as square roots
  • Ability to perform composite function evaluations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the chain rule in calculus textbooks or online resources
  • Practice differentiation of composite functions with various examples
  • Learn about the properties of polynomial functions and their derivatives
  • Explore graphical representations of functions to visualize derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching differentiation techniques, and anyone seeking to master the application of the chain rule in calculus problems.

zaboda42
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
Find the value of (f o g)' at the given value of x.

f(u) = u5 + 1
u = g(x) = sqrt(x)
x = 1

Ok so the section is based on the chain rule and came right out of my calculus book. I seem to be doing the problem right, i check my attempt over a few times and cannot seem to find the problem (the answer in the book is different from my answer).

Here's my attempt:

f(g(x)) = (sqrt(x))5 + 1
d/dx ((sqrt(x))5) + 1 = (5(sqrt(x)))4

Ok the problem is with the derivative of the function. When my book does the problem they get 5/2 but don't explain the procedure. Anyone care to explain, please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, it would probably help us if you showed all of your steps but looking at your answer, it looks like you're confused about the application of the chain rule. Try again, showing all of your steps and remember:

[tex](f \circ g)'(x) = f'(g(x))g'(x)[/tex]

Edit: It might also help to note that [itex]f(x) = x^5 + 1[/itex] and [itex]g(x) = \sqrt{x}[/itex]
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K