What is the second derivative of f(x) = x√(5-x)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative of the function f(x) = x√(5-x). Participants are exploring the differentiation process and addressing potential errors in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to differentiate the function using both the quotient and product rules. There are discussions about rewriting the first derivative for clarity and ease of differentiation. Some participants express confusion regarding specific steps in their calculations.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different methods for finding the second derivative, with some participants suggesting alternative approaches. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of the product rule versus the quotient rule, and participants are reflecting on their previous steps and errors.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention potential errors in their differentiation process and express uncertainty about the best form of the first derivative for further calculations. There is also a note about the complexity of the quotient rule compared to the product rule.

frosty8688
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1. Find the second derivative of the following function
2. [itex]f(x) = x\sqrt{5-x}, f'(x) = \frac{10-3x}{2\sqrt{5-x}}[/itex]
3. [itex]f"(x)=\frac{-3*2\sqrt{5-x}-(10-3x)(2\sqrt{5-x})*-x}{(2\sqrt{5-x})^{2}}[/itex] Here is where I get lost.
 
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[itex]f"(x)=\frac{-3*2\sqrt{5-x}-(10-3x)(2\sqrt{5-x})*-x}{(2\sqrt{5-x})^{2}}[/itex] Here is where I get lost. [/b][/QUOTE]

There is a slight error in this step. When you differentiated the denominator in the second term, you have not subtracted 1 from the 1/2 power. This is what I got:

[tex]\frac{-3(2\sqrt{5-x})-(10-3x)(2)\frac{1}{2}(5-x)^{-1/2}(-1)}{(2\sqrt{5-x})^2}[/tex]
 
frosty8688 said:
1. Find the second derivative of the following function



2. [itex]f(x) = x\sqrt{5-x}, f'(x) = \frac{10-3x}{2\sqrt{5-x}}[/itex]



3. [itex]f"(x)=\frac{-3*2\sqrt{5-x}-(10-3x)(2\sqrt{5-x})*-x}{(2\sqrt{5-x})^{2}}[/itex] Here is where I get lost.

Also, it's probably simpler to write f'(x) as a product rather than a quotient, and write the radical in exponent form. That way you can use the product rule to get f''(x). I almost always prefer to use the product rule over the quotient rule, because the latter is a bit more complicated, making it easier to make mistakes.

f'(x) = (1/2)(10 - 3x)(5 - x)-1/2
 
I know a lot of sites have this as the first derivative [itex]\sqrt{5-x}(1-\frac{x}{2(5-x)})[/itex] I am wondering what happens to the square root on the bottom? I am just wondering what is easier to work with for the second derivative.
 
Using the product rule, I have [itex]\frac{1}{2} (10-3x)*\frac{-1}{2}(5-x)^{-3/2}*-1-3(5-x) = \frac{1}{4}\frac{10-3x-15+3x}{(5-x)^{3/2}}[/itex] Let me know if I did anything wrong.
 
I see what I did wrong, I forgot to multiply 1/2 all the way through.
 

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