Why is my answer different from the book's in differentiating this function?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the function f(x) = x√(x³ + 2x). Participants are exploring the application of differentiation rules, particularly the product and chain rules, to understand discrepancies between their answers and the book's solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for both the product rule and the chain rule in differentiating the function. There are attempts to clarify the correct application of these rules, with some participants reflecting on their own mistakes in the differentiation process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the differentiation process. Some have identified errors in their reasoning, while others are confirming the necessity of using multiple differentiation rules. Guidance has been offered regarding the correct approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a discrepancy between the original poster's answer and the book's solution, prompting questions about potential mistakes in applying differentiation rules. Participants are also considering the implications of their assumptions in the differentiation process.

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Homework Statement


Differentiate the following function: f(x) = x\sqrt{x^{3}+2x}


Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


Here's my attempt:
First I rewrite it as:
f(x) = x(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}}
Now, I differentiate using chain rule:
f(x) = x(3x{^2}+2x)(\frac{1}{2})(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}-1}
By simplifying and rearranging the equation, I get:
f(x) = \frac{3x^{3}+2x}{2\sqrt{x^{3}+2x}}
But, this what my book got:
f(x) = \frac{3x^{3}+2x}{2\sqrt{x^{3}+2x}} + \sqrt{x^{3}+2x}

I checked my answer over thrice just in case I made any minor errors, and I don't think I have. Where did I go wrong? Did I apply the wrong rule? Thanks in advance.
 
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This problem calls for both the chain rule, as there is a function within a function, and the product rule, as the overall function is the product of g(x)=x and h(x)=(x^3+2x)^(1/2)
 
Disconnected said:
This problem calls for both the chain rule, as there is a function within a function, and the product rule, as the overall function is the product of g(x)=x and h(x)=(x^3+2x)^(1/2)

I see what I did wrong. Thanks for the help.
 
Well,
<br /> f(x)=x(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}}<br />
If we apply the product rule, we should write:
<br /> \frac{df(x)}{dx}=(\frac{dx}{dx})[(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}}]+x(\frac{d[(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}}]}{dx})<br />
So if we rearrange the equations:
<br /> \frac{df(x)}{dx}=(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}}+\frac{1}{2}\frac{3x^{3}+2x}{\sqrt{x^{3}+2x}}<br />

But it we tend to apply the chain rule, we should write for example:
<br /> f(x)=xg(x) \Rightarrow df(x)=x dg(x)+ g(x) dx<br />

Since g is a gunction of x, we should apply both the chain rule and the product rule.so,
<br /> \frac{df(x)}{dx}=x\frac{dg(x)}{dx}+g(x)\frac{dx}{dx}=x\frac{dg(x)}{dx}+g(x)=\frac{1}{2}\frac{3x^{3}+2x}{\sqrt{x^{3}+2x}}+(x^{3}+2x)^{\frac{1}{2}}<br />
 
Thank you for that thorough explanation, mahdisadjadi.
 

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