How to Correctly Take the Derivative of a Fraction with a Quadratic Denominator

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function (y - 1) / (y^2 - y + 1). The correct derivative is identified as (y^2 - 2y) / (y^2 - y + 1)^2. A participant initially struggles with the quotient rule and mistakenly believes their answer involves a fourth power in the numerator. They later clarify their misunderstanding regarding negative exponents and confirm that the product rule should yield the same result. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying derivative rules.
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Homework Statement


Derivative of \frac{y - 1}{y^2 - y + 1}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


d9DY1.png


The solution is \frac{y^2 - 2y}{(y^2 - y + 1)^2} but in my work, the answer will have something to the 4th power on the top which will be impossible to cancel out. What have I done wrong?

Edit: Never mind, I see my mistake
 
Last edited:
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Remember: \frac{d}{dx}\frac{f(x)}{g(x)} = \frac{g(x)f'(x) - f(x)g'(x)}{g(x)^2}
 
Yes but I don't like to work with the quotient rule. I should be getting the same answer using the product rule anyway, right?

Edit: Never mind, I see my mistake
 
That's fine.

Then, remember: -(y^2-y+1)^{-2} = -\frac{1}{(y^2-y+1)^2}
(An expression to the -2 power doesn't equal 1/sqrt(expression))
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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