Chapter 23: Problem 14
Find the derivative of each of the given functions. $$y=(1-6 x)^{4}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative of the function is \( \frac{dy}{dx} = -24(1-6x)^{3} \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Function Type
The given function is of the form \( y = (1-6x)^4 \), which is typically solved using the chain rule for derivatives. The function inside the parentheses is a linear expression \( u = 1-6x \), raised to the 4th power.
02
Apply the Chain Rule
The chain rule states that the derivative of \( y = (u)^n \) is \( n dot (u)^{n-1} dot \frac{du}{dx} \). Here, \( u = 1-6x \) and \( n = 4 \), so start by finding the derivative of \( u \) with respect to \( x \).
03
Differentiate the Inner Function
Take the derivative of \( u = 1-6x \). This gives \( \frac{du}{dx} = -6 \) because the derivative of a constant is 0 and the derivative of \(-6x\) is \(-6\).
04
Substitute in the Chain Rule Formula
Replace \( n \), \( u \), and \( \frac{du}{dx} \) in the chain rule formula: \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 4 dot (1-6x)^{4-1} dot (-6) \).
05
Simplify the Expression
Simplify the expression: \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 4 dot (1-6x)^{3} dot (-6) = -24(1-6x)^{3} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Chain Rule
The chain rule is a fundamental tool in calculus used for finding the derivative of composite functions. A composite function is essentially a function within another function. In mathematical terms, if you have a function composed like this, \( y = f(g(x)) \), you use the chain rule to differentiate it.
- The chain rule formula states that the derivative of \( y = f(g(x)) \) is \( f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) \).
- This means you first differentiate the outer function assuming the inner function is intact, and then multiply by the derivative of the inner function.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a core process in calculus. It is used to find how a function changes at any given point. When you differentiate a function, you are essentially computing its derivative.
- Derivatives tell you the rate at which a function is changing at any given point.
- They are used extensively in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics to model and predict changes.
Linear Expression
A linear expression is a mathematical expression involving a linear function. Linear functions are those with a constant rate of change and can be written in the form \( y = mx + b \).
- Linear expressions have no exponents higher than one, so they graph as straight lines.
- The key feature is their coefficient, which tells you how steep the line is.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics focusing on change and motion; it is divided into two main areas: differentiation and integration. Calculus helps us understand changes between values that are related by a function.
- Differentiation lets us find the gradient of a curve, which is essentially its rate of change.
- Integration, conversely, helps us find the total accumulation of quantities, such as areas under curves.