What is the correct derivative for the quotient \frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}?

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SUMMARY

The correct derivative for the quotient \(\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}\) is \(\frac{1-5x^2}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}\). The initial attempts included incorrect differentiation steps, particularly in applying the quotient rule. The correct application involves differentiating both the numerator and denominator accurately, leading to the established solution. This discussion highlights the importance of careful notation and verification in calculus problems.

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Nano-Passion
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EDIT: I found the mistake, question is answered! Its funny because I spent 40+ minutes trying to get the right answer and looking for the mistake but typing it all out in latex helped me to find it!​
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Homework Statement



\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}
\frac{d/dx (x^{1/2}(x^3+1))-d/dx(x^{3}+1)x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}
\frac{\frac{1/2x^{-1/2}(3x+1)3x^2(x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}}
\frac{\frac{x^3+1}{2\sqrt{x}}3x^{5/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}
\frac{x^3+3x^{5/2}+1}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}

But the correct answer is:

\frac{1-5x^2}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}
 
Last edited:
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Nano-Passion said:

Homework Statement



\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}
\frac{d/dx (x^{1/2}(x^3+1))-d/dx(x^{3}+1)x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}
The line above is wrong.

You should have this:
\frac{d}{dx}\frac{\sqrt{x}}{x^3+1}
=\frac{(x^3+1)\cdot d/dx (x^{1/2})- x^{1/2}d/dx(x^{3}+1)}{(x^3+1)^2}
Can you continue?
Nano-Passion said:
\frac{\frac{1/2x^{-1/2}(3x+1)3x^2(x^{1/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}}
\frac{\frac{x^3+1}{2\sqrt{x}}3x^{5/2}}{(x^3+1)^2}
\frac{x^3+3x^{5/2}+1}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}

But the correct answer is:

\frac{1-5x^2}{2\sqrt{x}(x^3+1)^2}
 

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