Chapter 3: Problem 17
\(3-32\) Differentiate the function. \(G(x)=\sqrt{x}-2 e^{x}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative is \( G'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} - 2e^x \).
Step by step solution
01
Differentiate the Square Root Term
The function given is \( G(x) = \sqrt{x} - 2e^x \). The first term is \( \sqrt{x} = x^{1/2} \). To differentiate \( x^{1/2} \), we use the power rule: \( \frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1} \). Applying this, we get \( \frac{d}{dx}[x^{1/2}] = \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} \).
02
Differentiate the Exponential Term
The second term in the function is \( -2e^x \). To differentiate \( e^x \), remember that the derivative of \( e^x \) is \( e^x \). Therefore, the derivative of \( -2e^x \) is simply \( -2e^x \), as constants are multiplied directly when differentiating.
03
Combine the Derivatives
Now we combine the derivatives from Step 1 and Step 2. Thus, the derivative of \( G(x) = \sqrt{x} - 2e^x \) is \( G'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} - 2e^x \). This is the final derivative of the function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root Function
The square root function often appears as \( \sqrt{x} \). It is essential to understand that this function acts as an inverse to squaring. For differentiation, it helps to represent it in exponential form, \( x^{1/2} \). This representation makes it easier to apply mathematical rules like the power rule. The function \( \sqrt{x} \) increases slowly, and its graph is a gentle curve upward.
- To differentiate \( x^{1/2} \), use the power rule, which helps find the derivative of any expression in the form \( x^n \).
- The result is \( \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2} \) or equivalently \( \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} \). This expression shows that the slope of the curve becomes less steep as \( x \) increases.
Exponential Function
Exponential functions, particularly those involving the number \( e \), such as \( e^x \), play a central role in calculus. These functions grow incredibly fast, much quicker than polynomial functions.
- The uniqueness of exponential functions lies in their property where the function is its own derivative. Specifically, \( \frac{d}{dx}[e^x] = e^x \).
- This characteristic reflects in the differentiation of expressions like \( -2e^x \), where you simply maintain the constant multiplier and differentiate \( e^x \), resulting in \( -2e^x \) again.
Power Rule
The power rule is a fundamental tool in calculus, particularly for functions expressed as \( x^n \). It allows for quick computation of derivatives and provides insight into how functions behave.
- The power rule states: \( \frac{d}{dx}[x^n] = nx^{n-1} \). This rule means you bring the exponent \( n \) down as a coefficient and reduce the exponent by one.
- For example, differentiating \( x^{1/2} \) using the power rule results in \( \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2} \), simplifying the process.