Trouble using the chain rule product rule and quotient rule

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the chain rule, product rule, and quotient rule in calculus, particularly in the context of differentiating a composite function involving multiple rules. Participants explore the steps involved in finding the derivative of the function (x^2-1)^4(2-3x).

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in applying the chain rule, product rule, and quotient rule together, despite being able to use them separately.
  • Another participant confirms that the initial evaluation of the derivative is correct.
  • A participant attempts to factor out (x^2-1) but receives feedback that their factoring is incorrect and that they should maintain (x^2-1)^4 in the second term.
  • There is a suggestion to rewrite the expression after factoring out (x^2-1)^3, leading to a new form of the expression.
  • Participants discuss the simplification of the expression after factoring, with one suggesting to multiply through the brackets and combine like terms.
  • A participant reports successfully arriving at the correct answer after following the guidance provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to take in differentiating the function, although there are corrections and refinements made to the initial attempts. The discussion remains focused on the process rather than reaching a final consensus on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Some steps in the differentiation process are not fully resolved, and there are assumptions about the correctness of earlier calculations that are not explicitly stated. The discussion also reflects varying degrees of understanding among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Students learning calculus, particularly those struggling with the application of differentiation rules in composite functions.

dcgirl16
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im having a lot of trouble using the chain rule product rule and quotient rule..i can do them fine seperatly but when they're put together i can't get them like if you have (x^2-1)^4 (2-3x) i would start with
4(x^2-1)^3(2x)(2-3x)+(x^2-1)^4(-3)
have i done something wrong here because i never get the right answer with these ones i don't know if i messed up here or later on
 
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You evaluation of the derivative is correct.
 
ok so the next thing i would do would be to factor out the (x^2-1)to get
(8x)(x^2-1)^3(2-3x)+(x^2-1)(-3)
is this still right?
 
i should have a 1 in there before the plus sign too
 
No. you've not factored out the (x^2-1), since you have (x^2-1)^3 in the first term. You're second term is incorrect since it should still be (x^2-1)^4. If you take out (x^2-1)^3 from both terms, and put it outside a bracket at the front, what do the remaining terms in the bracket look like?
 
would it be
((x^2-1)^3)(1)(8X)(2-3X)+(x^2-1)(-3) ?
 
You're missing a bracket.. write it like this, omitting the unnecessary ones:
(x^2-1)^3(8x(2-3x)-3(x^2-1)).

Now, can you simplify this?
 
my first thought would be to multiple the 8x and -3 through their brackets then combine like terms?
 
dcgirl16 said:
my first thought would be to multiple the 8x and -3 through their brackets then combine like terms?

Good idea. Give it a go and see what you come up with.
 
  • #10
ok that workedi got the right answer thanks for your help
 
  • #11
You're very welcome!
 

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