Chapter 9: Problem 11
Find the derivative of the function \(f\) by using the rules of differentiation. \(f(x)=9 x^{1 / 3}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative of the function \(f(x) = 9x^{1/3}\) is \(f'(x) = 3x^{-2/3}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the given function and its components
The function we are given is \(f(x) = 9x^{1/3}\). In this case, our "parent function" is \(x^r\), where r is a real number, and r = 1/3. We also have a constant, 9, multiplied with the parent function.
02
Apply the power rule of differentiation
The power rule of differentiation states that if we have a function \(f(x) = x^r\), then its derivative is given by \(f'(x) = rx^{r-1}\). When we apply this rule to the given function, we have:
\(f'(x) = \frac{d}{dx}(9x^{1/3})\)
To differentiate this function, we will apply the power rule combined with the constant multiplier:
- The constant 9 stays the same
- the exponent, 1/3, becomes the coefficient of the term
- subtract 1 from the original exponent (1/3 - 1 = -2/3)
Following these, we differentiate the given function:
\(f'(x) = 9\left(\frac{1}{3}x^{-2/3}\right)\)
03
Simplify the derivative if necessary
Now we will simplify the derivative obtained in step 2:
\(f'(x) = 9\left(\frac{1}{3}x^{-2/3}\right) = 3x^{-2/3}\)
04
Write down the final result
We have successfully found the derivative of the given function using the power rule. So, the final result is:
\(f'(x) = 3x^{-2/3}\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Power Rule in Differentiation
The power rule is a fundamental concept in calculus used to find the derivative of a function. It's especially handy when dealing with polynomials or any function of the form \(x^r\).
The rule states that if you have a function \(f(x) = x^r\), then its derivative \(f'(x)\) is calculated as:
The rule states that if you have a function \(f(x) = x^r\), then its derivative \(f'(x)\) is calculated as:
- Multiply the exponent \(r\) by the base \(x\).
- Reduce the original exponent by 1.
- This gives the new exponent of \(x\) in the derivative.
Understanding the Derivative of a Function
The derivative of a function is a cornerstone concept in calculus. It represents the rate at which a function is changing at any given point.
When you differentiate a function, you're essentially seeing how much the function value changes as the input changes a little bit.
For the exercise \(f(x) = 9x^{1/3}\), finding the derivative means identifying how \(f(x)\) changes as \(x\) changes.
When you differentiate a function, you're essentially seeing how much the function value changes as the input changes a little bit.
For the exercise \(f(x) = 9x^{1/3}\), finding the derivative means identifying how \(f(x)\) changes as \(x\) changes.
- The derivative, denoted \(f'(x)\), is found using the power rule.
- It lets us determine the slope of the tangent line to the curve at any point \(x\).
Basics of Calculus and Differentiation
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that studies how things change. At its core are two primary operations: differentiation and integration.
Differentiation deals with finding how a function changes — its derivatives. This is important because it lets us understand growth, decay, velocity, or any type of change.
A foundation in calculus equips you to tackle complex functions and their changes, vital for various types of analytical work.
Differentiation deals with finding how a function changes — its derivatives. This is important because it lets us understand growth, decay, velocity, or any type of change.
- Calculus is used extensively in science, economics, biology, engineering, and many fields requiring modeling and change prediction.
- Differentiation involves various rules, including the power rule, product rule, and chain rule.
A foundation in calculus equips you to tackle complex functions and their changes, vital for various types of analytical work.