Chapter 3: Problem 19
\(3-32\) Differentiate the function. \(F(x)=\left(\frac{1}{2} x\right)^{5}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative of \( F(x) = \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right)^5 \) is \( F'(x) = \frac{5}{32} x^4 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function Type
The given function is \( F(x) = \left(\frac{1}{2} x\right)^{5} \). We recognize this as a power function of the form \( (ax)^n \), where \( a = \frac{1}{2} \) and \( n = 5 \). This requires the use of the power rule for differentiation.
02
Apply the Power Rule
The power rule for differentiation states that if \( y = (ax)^n \), then \( \frac{dy}{dx} = n(ax)^{n-1} \cdot a' \), where \( a' \) is the derivative of \( ax \) with respect to \( x \). Here, \( a' = a = \frac{1}{2} \). Therefore, the derivative is given by:\[ F'(x) = 5 \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right)^{5-1} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \]
03
Simplify the Derivative Expression
Calculate the expression: \( 5 \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right)^{4} \cdot \frac{1}{2} \). First, simplify \( \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right)^{4} = \left(\frac{1}{16} x^4\right) \). Then multiply by the constants:\[ F'(x) = 5 \times \frac{1}{16} x^4 \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{32} x^{4} \].
04
Write the Final Result
The derivative of the given function \( F(x) = \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right)^5 \) is \( F'(x) = \frac{5}{32} x^4 \). This is the simplified expression of the derivative.
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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 quick way to find the derivative of a power function. This method is essential for students learning calculus, as it allows for the differentiation of functions like \((ax)^n\) effortlessly. The rule states that if you have a function \(y = (ax)^n\), the derivative \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) is calculated by bringing down the exponent \(n\) before the term, multiplying it by the derivative of the inner function, and reducing the exponent by one.
- The formula is: \(\frac{dy}{dx} = n(ax)^{n-1} \cdot a'\), where \(a'\) is the derivative of \(ax\) with respect to \(x\).
- For example, if \(a = \frac{1}{2}\) and \(n = 5\), your task becomes to compute \(5 \left( \frac{1}{2} x \right)^{4} \cdot \frac{1}{2}\).
Power Function
A power function is an algebraic expression of the form \((ax)^n\), where \(a\) is a constant, \(x\) is the variable, and \(n\) is a real number exponent. Power functions form the building blocks of many mathematical expressions and are crucial for understanding more complex functions and equations in calculus.
- Power functions often appear in many real-world scenarios, such as physics and engineering, due to their simple yet versatile structure.
- When differentiating power functions, identifying the specific form \((ax)^n\) makes the application of the power rule straightforward, as seen in the exercise with the function \(F(x) = \left(\frac{1}{2} x\right)^{5}\).
Derivative
The concept of a derivative is central to calculus. It represents the rate at which a function is changing at any given point and is often described as the function's slope. Differentiation, the process of finding a derivative, explains how the values of a function change concerning changes in \(x\).
- The derivative \(F'(x)\) of a function \(F(x)\) is denoted using the expression \(\frac{dF}{dx}\), indicating the change in \(F\) with respect to \(x\).
- Using the exercise example, the derivative \(F'(x) = \frac{5}{32} x^4\) tells us about the tangent slope of the function \(F(x)\) at any point \(x\).
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with change and motion. It consists of two main areas: differential calculus, which focuses on finding derivatives, and integral calculus, which focuses on integrating functions. These areas help in understanding and modeling natural and technological phenomena.
- In differential calculus, techniques like the power rule allow us to find the derivative of functions efficiently, as seen in the provided step-by-step solution.
- Calculus is applicable in fields such as physics, economics, biology, and engineering. It enables the analysis of rates of change and the accumulation of quantities.