Chapter 4: Problem 90
Assume that \(f(x)\) and \(g(x)\) are differentiable at x. Find an expression for the derivative of y in terms of \(f(x), g(x), f^{\prime}(x)\), and \(g^{\prime}(x) .\) \(y=\frac{x^{2}}{f(x)+g(x)}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative is \(y' = \frac{2x(f(x) + g(x)) - x^2(f'(x) + g'(x))}{(f(x) + g(x))^2}\)."
Step by step solution
01
Apply the Quotient Rule
Since the function \(y = \frac{x^2}{f(x) + g(x)}\) is a quotient of two functions, we use the quotient rule for derivatives. The quotient rule states that for a function \(y = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)}\), the derivative \(y'\) is given by \( y' = \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{(v(x))^2} \). Identify \(u(x) = x^2\) and \(v(x) = f(x) + g(x)\).
02
Differentiate the Numerator
Differentiate the numerator function, \(u(x) = x^2\). The derivative of \(x^2\) with respect to \(x\) is \(u'(x) = 2x\).
03
Differentiate the Denominator
Differentiate the denominator function, \(v(x) = f(x) + g(x)\). Using the sum rule, the derivative is \(v'(x) = f'(x) + g'(x)\).
04
Substitute into the Quotient Rule
Substitute \(u(x)\), \(u'(x)\), \(v(x)\), and \(v'(x)\) into the quotient rule formula. This gives:\[y' = \frac{(2x)\cdot(f(x) + g(x)) - (x^2)\cdot(f'(x) + g'(x))}{(f(x) + g(x))^2}\]
05
Simplify the Expression
The expression is already simplified enough, but make sure it is clear:\[y' = \frac{2x(f(x) + g(x)) - x^2(f'(x) + g'(x))}{(f(x) + g(x))^2}\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a key concept in calculus that enables us to determine the rate at which a function changes. It is the process that calculates the derivative, which is effectively a measure of how a function's value shifts as its input varies. In simple terms, differentiation answers the question, "How fast is something changing?"
Understanding the
Understanding the
- Basics of Differentiation: Differentiation involves applying specific rules to find the derivative of a function.
- Function's Behavior: It helps us understand how functions behave, identifying whether they increase, decrease, or remain constant at particular points.
- Applications: Differentiation plays a crucial role in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics, wherever optimization and rate of change are important.
Quotient Rule
The quotient rule is a helpful tool when you're dealing with a function that involves the division of two other functions—specifically, the "quotient" of two functions.
To apply the quotient rule, remember the following general formula for a function indicated as \(y = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)}\):
To apply the quotient rule, remember the following general formula for a function indicated as \(y = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)}\):
- The formula for the derivative, given these functions, is: \(y' = \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{(v(x))^2}\).
- Key Components: \(u(x)\) is the "top" function, \(v(x)\) is the "bottom". Differentiating each part before substituting into the formula is crucial.
- Application: In our exercise, \(u(x) = x^2\) and \(v(x) = f(x) + g(x)\), which makes our formula specific to the exercise's context.
- Differentiate each part separately.
- Complete these derivatives before substitution.
- Simplify the expression as the final step.
Derivative
The derivative is a central concept in calculus, representing the instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to one of its variables. In other words, it's how we formalize the concept of "rate of change" we often discuss in real-life scenarios.
Here's why derivatives are so important:
Here's why derivatives are so important:
- Function Analysis: The derivative gives us a mathematical tool for analyzing changes in functions and understanding their behavior.
- Geometric Interpretation: The derivative at a specific point gives us the slope of the tangent line to the function at that point.
- Broad Applications: Derivatives are used across various disciplines to model behavior, optimize processes, and analyze patterns.
- Using differentiation rules to find the rate of change of the function \(y = \frac{x^2}{f(x) + g(x)}\).
- Utilizing the quotient rule to manage the complexity of division within the function.