Chapter 2: Problem 12
Find \(f^{\prime}(x)\). $$ f(x)=7 x^{-6}-5 \sqrt{x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative is \(f^{\prime}(x) = -42x^{-7} - \frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function Components
The function given is \(f(x) = 7x^{-6} - 5\sqrt{x}\). This function has two terms: \(7x^{-6}\) and \(-5\sqrt{x}\). The square root term can be rewritten with a fractional exponent as \(-5x^{1/2}\).
02
Differentiate the First Term
Differentiate the term \(7x^{-6}\) using the power rule. The power rule states that \(\frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1}\). Thus, \(\frac{d}{dx}[7x^{-6}] = 7 \cdot (-6)x^{-6-1} = -42x^{-7}\).
03
Differentiate the Second Term
Differentiate the term \(-5x^{1/2}\) using the power rule. The derivative is \(-5 \cdot \frac{1}{2} \cdot x^{1/2 - 1} = -\frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\).
04
Combine the Derivatives
Add the derivatives obtained from each term to find \(f^{\prime}(x)\). Combine \(-42x^{-7}\) and \(-\frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\) to get the derivative of the whole function: \(f^{\prime}(x) = -42x^{-7} - \frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\).
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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 technique used in calculus for differentiating functions involving powers of a variable. When you have a function like \(x^n\), the Power Rule allows for easy differentiation. The rule states:
It's a straightforward method that greatly simplifies the process of differentiation for polynomials and other similar expressions.
- The derivative of \(x^n\) is \(n \cdot x^{n-1}\).
- Take the exponent \(n\) of the variable \(x\).
- Multiply the entire term by this exponent.
- Then, reduce the exponent of \(x\) by one.
It's a straightforward method that greatly simplifies the process of differentiation for polynomials and other similar expressions.
Fractional Exponents
Understanding fractional exponents is crucial when dealing with roots in calculus. A fractional exponent represents both a power and a root. For instance,
Thus, a term like \(5\sqrt{x}\) can be restated as \(5x^{1/2}\). By switching to this format, you can utilize calculus tools more effectively, streamlining the process of finding derivatives and simplifying the work.
- \(x^{1/2}\) is equivalent to \(\sqrt{x}\).
- The expression \(x^{m/n}\) means \(\sqrt[n]{x^m}\).
Thus, a term like \(5\sqrt{x}\) can be restated as \(5x^{1/2}\). By switching to this format, you can utilize calculus tools more effectively, streamlining the process of finding derivatives and simplifying the work.
Function Differentiation
When differentiating a function with multiple terms, it is important to differentiate each term individually and then combine them. Each term is treated separately, applying the relevant differentiation rules.
By differentiating each part: \(-42x^{-7}\) and \(-\frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\), they are combined to form the complete derivative \(f^{\prime}(x) = -42x^{-7} - \frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\).
This methodical approach, treating each term step-by-step, ensures accuracy and clarity, especially useful when dealing with more complex functions.
- First, identify and rewrite any roots as fractional exponents.
- Second, apply the Power Rule and any other necessary rules to each term.
- Each differentiated term is then summed up to form the derivative of the original function.
By differentiating each part: \(-42x^{-7}\) and \(-\frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\), they are combined to form the complete derivative \(f^{\prime}(x) = -42x^{-7} - \frac{5}{2}x^{-1/2}\).
This methodical approach, treating each term step-by-step, ensures accuracy and clarity, especially useful when dealing with more complex functions.