Chapter 2: Problem 13
Find the derivative of each function. $$ f(x)=4 x^{2}-3 x+2 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative is \( f'(x) = 8x - 3 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
The function given is \( f(x) = 4x^2 - 3x + 2 \), which is a polynomial in the standard form.
02
Apply the Power Rule
The power rule states that the derivative of \( ax^n \) is \( n \cdot ax^{n-1} \). Begin applying this rule to each term of the polynomial.
03
Differentiate the First Term
The first term is \( 4x^2 \). Applying the power rule: the derivative is \( 2 \cdot 4x^{2-1} = 8x \).
04
Differentiate the Second Term
The second term is \( -3x \). According to the power rule, the derivative is \( 1 \cdot (-3)x^{1-1} = -3 \).
05
Differentiate the Constant Term
The third term is a constant \( 2 \). The derivative of any constant is \( 0 \).
06
Combine the Derivatives
Combine the derivatives of each term: \( 8x \) from the first term, \( -3 \) from the second term, and \( 0 \) from the third term. The derivative of the function is \( f'(x) = 8x - 3 \).
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 used to quickly find the derivatives of polynomial terms. It states that if you have a term in the form of \( ax^n \), then the derivative is calculated as \( n \cdot ax^{n-1} \). This rule simplifies the process of differentiation, making it straightforward to handle expressions involving powers of \( x \).
Let's see this in action: If you have \( 5x^3 \), using the power rule, the derivative becomes \( 3 \cdot 5x^{3-1} = 15x^2 \). This makes finding derivatives of polynomial functions easy and quick!
- The exponent \( n \) becomes a coefficient, multiplying the existing coefficient \( a \).
- Subtract 1 from the exponent \( n \) to find the new power of \( x \).
Let's see this in action: If you have \( 5x^3 \), using the power rule, the derivative becomes \( 3 \cdot 5x^{3-1} = 15x^2 \). This makes finding derivatives of polynomial functions easy and quick!
Polynomial Function
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. In the given exercise, the function \( f(x) = 4x^2 - 3x + 2 \) is a classic example of a polynomial.
Polynomials are major players in various fields such as algebra, calculus, and engineering because they can model a wide range of real-world situations. Their properties, such as continuity and smoothness, make them ideal for analysis using calculus tools like derivatives and integrals.
- Each term of the polynomial has a coefficient and a variable raised to an exponent.
- In this case, the degrees of the terms range from 0 to 2.
Polynomials are major players in various fields such as algebra, calculus, and engineering because they can model a wide range of real-world situations. Their properties, such as continuity and smoothness, make them ideal for analysis using calculus tools like derivatives and integrals.
Differentiation Steps
Differentiating a polynomial involves a series of straightforward steps, especially when utilizing the power rule. For the function \( f(x) = 4x^2 - 3x + 2 \), here's how it breaks down:
These steps illustrate how differentiation transforms a polynomial function, revealing how each part contributes to its changing slope. Practice with different functions hones your calculus skills and makes tackling more complex equations a manageable task.
- Identify the Function: This step ensures you understand what you are working with and guides your application of calculus rules.
- Apply the Power Rule: For each term \( ax^n \), use \( n \cdot ax^{n-1} \) to find the derivative.
- Handle Each Term: - First, differentiate \( 4x^2 \) to get \( 8x \). - Then, differentiate \( -3x \) to get \( -3 \) (remember, \( x^1 \) reduces to \( x^0 \) which is 1). - Constants like \( +2 \) turn into 0 because their rate of change is zero.
- Combine the Results: Sum the derivatives of each term to find the overall derivative of the polynomial: \( f'(x) = 8x - 3 \).
These steps illustrate how differentiation transforms a polynomial function, revealing how each part contributes to its changing slope. Practice with different functions hones your calculus skills and makes tackling more complex equations a manageable task.