Chapter 3: Problem 18
Find the derivative. Assume \(a, b, c, k\) are constants. $$f(z)=-\frac{1}{z^{6.1}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative is \( f'(z) = \frac{6.1}{z^{7.1}} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function's Form
The function given is in the form of a power function multiplied by a constant: \[ f(z) = -z^{-6.1} \]
02
Apply the Power Rule for Derivatives
The power rule for derivatives states that if \( f(z) = az^n \), then the derivative is \( f'(z) = anz^{n-1} \). Here, \( a = -1 \) and \( n = -6.1 \).
03
Differentiate the Function
Apply the power rule to differentiate the function:\[ f'(z) = -1 \cdot (-6.1) z^{-6.1 - 1} \] which simplifies to:\[ f'(z) = 6.1 z^{-7.1} \]
04
Simplify the Derivative
The final derivative is already simplified in terms of negative exponents. It can be expressed as:\[ f'(z) = \frac{6.1}{z^{7.1}} \] by rewriting the negative exponent as a positive exponent in the denominator.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Power Rule
The power rule is a fundamental tool in calculus, especially when working with polynomials or expressions involving exponents. It's a shortcut that helps you find the derivative of functions quickly.
Imagine you have a function of the form \( f(z) = az^n \). The power rule tells us the derivative \( f'(z) \) is \( anz^{n-1} \). Here's how it works:
Imagine you have a function of the form \( f(z) = az^n \). The power rule tells us the derivative \( f'(z) \) is \( anz^{n-1} \). Here's how it works:
- "a" is the coefficient, which remains part of the derivative process.
- "n" gets multiplied with "a" as you start the differentiation.
- The exponent "n" gets reduced by one to form "n-1", which becomes the new exponent.
Negative Exponents
Negative exponents can often confuse, but they are just another way of expressing division. When you see a negative exponent such as \( z^{-n} \), it is equivalent to \( \frac{1}{z^n} \). This transformation is particularly useful when simplifying mathematical expressions.
Understanding negative exponents helps clarify the transition from a function's derivative in its raw form to one that's more intuitive or easier to read.
Understanding negative exponents helps clarify the transition from a function's derivative in its raw form to one that's more intuitive or easier to read.
- The original derivative \( f'(z) = 6.1 z^{-7.1} \) can be converted to \( \frac{6.1}{z^{7.1}} \).
- This shift often simplifies integration or solving equations involving such terms.
Differentiation
Differentiation is the process of finding a derivative, which measures how a function changes as its input changes. Think of the derivative as the "rate of change" or the "slope of the curve" at any point.
Using differentiation, you can:
Using differentiation, you can:
- Calculate the speed of an object over time (velocity).
- Determine the rate at which a population grows or declines.
- Understand how a function behaves in general.
Calculus
Calculus is the mathematical study of change, and it comprises two main branches: differentiation and integration. Understanding calculus is essential as it provides the tools to explore changes and motion in a precise manner.
Differentiation, as seen in this problem, allows you to examine the rate at which quantities change. This is useful across numerous fields:
Differentiation, as seen in this problem, allows you to examine the rate at which quantities change. This is useful across numerous fields:
- Physics, for calculating forces and velocities.
- Biology, to model population dynamics.
- Economics, to assess changes in cost and revenue.