Which rules to use (Product rule?)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the gradient of the curve defined by the function y = (√x - 1)/√x at the point where x = 9. The user attempts to manipulate the function into a more manageable form using the product rule and expresses confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the brackets in the equation. The correct approach involves recognizing that the function can be simplified using the power rule rather than the product rule, leading to a clearer path to finding the derivative.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically differentiation.
  • Familiarity with the product rule and power rule in calculus.
  • Knowledge of manipulating algebraic expressions involving square roots.
  • Experience with graphing functions to visualize derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the power rule for differentiation in calculus.
  • Practice using the product rule with various functions.
  • Learn how to manipulate algebraic expressions involving square roots.
  • Explore graphing software to visualize the effects of derivatives on functions.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those learning about differentiation techniques, as well as educators looking for examples of common misunderstandings in applying calculus rules.

BOAS
Messages
546
Reaction score
19

Homework Statement



Find the gradient of the curve at the given point on the curve

y = \frac{(√x - 1)}{√x} where x = 9

Homework Equations



y(x) = u(x)v(x)

dy/dx = u(dv/dx) + v(du/dx)

The Attempt at a Solution



my problem really boils down to rearranging the function to a form easy to manipulate so i'll show you how far I get and where I think I'm going wrong.

y = \frac{(√x - 1)}{√x}

y = (x1/2-1)x-1/2

Here, I'm not sure whether the first bracket should read (x1/2-1) or (x-1)1/2.

Treating it as y = (x1/2-1)x-1/2 I can apply the product rule easily enough, but if I were to expand out those brackets I get y =1 - x^{-1/2} which when I put into a graphing program is slightly different to the original...

I'm pretty sure I've treated the brackets in the original equation wrong with respect to the square root.

If you could help clear this up for me, that would be great!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need only use the power rule here. Do you see why?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K