Chapter 23: Problem 20
Find the derivative of each of the given functions. $$f(z)=-\frac{1}{4} z^{8}+\frac{1}{2} z^{4}-2^{3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative is \( f'(z) = -2z^7 + 2z^3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the function
The given function is \( f(z) = -\frac{1}{4}z^8 + \frac{1}{2}z^4 - 2^3 \). We will find its derivative with respect to \( z \).
02
Simplify constants
Before differentiating, simplify any constants if possible. Here, \( 2^3 \) simplifies to 8. Thus, the function becomes \( f(z) = -\frac{1}{4}z^8 + \frac{1}{2}z^4 - 8 \).
03
Differentiate each term
Apply the power rule \( \frac{d}{dz}(z^n) = nz^{n-1} \) to each term:- For \( -\frac{1}{4}z^8 \), the derivative is \( -\frac{1}{4} \times 8z^{7} = -2z^{7} \).- For \( \frac{1}{2}z^4 \), the derivative is \( \frac{1}{2} \times 4z^{3} = 2z^{3} \).- For the constant \( -8 \), the derivative is 0.
04
Combine the derivatives
Combine all the derivatives from each term to find the total derivative:\( f'(z) = -2z^{7} + 2z^{3} \).
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
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 for finding the derivative of a polynomial function. It states that the derivative of a term in the form of \( z^n \), where \( n \) is a real number, is \( nz^{n-1} \). This rule is incredibly helpful because it simplifies the process of differentiation for many common functions.
- For instance, applying the power rule to \( -\frac{1}{4}z^8 \) means multiplying the exponent 8 by the coefficient -1/4, resulting in \( -2z^7 \).
- Similarly, \( \frac{1}{2}z^4 \) becomes \( 2z^3 \) after applying the power rule.
Function Differentiation
Differentiation is the process of finding the derivative of a function. The derivative measures how a function's output value changes as its input value changes. In simpler terms, it calculates the rate of change at any point of the function.
- When differentiating, each term of the function is considered individually, as done in the original exercise. This technique ensures precision.
- Constants in the function, such as -8 in the exercise, have derivatives of 0, as they do not change with the variable.
Mathematical Expressions
Mathematical expressions are combinations of numbers, variables, operations, and sometimes symbols. A function like \( f(z) = -\frac{1}{4}z^8 + \frac{1}{2}z^4 - 8 \) is an example of a mathematical expression. Understanding how to manipulate these expressions is key to successfully applying calculus concepts such as differentiation.
- Simplification, like turning \( 2^3 \) into 8, can make complex expressions more manageable.
- Recognizing components of an expression, such as polynomials, constants, and variables, also guides which calculus tools to use.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics concerned with change and motion. It involves two main concepts: differentiation, which we have covered, and integration. Differentiation focuses on finding the slope of a function at any given point, reflecting the rate of change.
- In our exercise, calculus is used to determine how the function \( f(z) \) changes as \( z \) changes.
- Through calculus, we decipher various real-world phenomena, from the growth rate of populations to the way particles move in physics.