Chapter 2: Problem 19
Find \(d x / d t\) $$ x=t^{2}-t $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{dx}{dt} = 2t - 1 \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
The given function to differentiate is \( x = t^2 - t \). This is a polynomial function where \( x \) is expressed in terms of \( t \).
02
Apply the Power Rule
To differentiate \( x = t^2 - t \) with respect to \( t \), use the power rule. The power rule states that the derivative of \( t^n \) is \( n \cdot t^{n-1} \).
03
Differentiate Each Term
Differentiate the term \( t^2 \) using the power rule: \( \frac{d}{dt} (t^2) = 2t \). Then differentiate the term \( -t \): \( \frac{d}{dt} (-t) = -1 \).
04
Combine the Derivatives
Combine the derivatives of each term: \( \frac{dx}{dt} = 2t - 1 \). This is the derivative of \( x \) with respect to \( t \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polynomial Function
A polynomial function is an expression that involves variables raised to whole-number exponents and their coefficients. In the given exercise, we have a polynomial function, specifically, \( x = t^2 - t \). A polynomial is composed of terms such as constants, variables raised to powers, and their products. Each term in the polynomial is a simple mathematical operation.
Key features of polynomial functions include:
Key features of polynomial functions include:
- They can contain multiple terms.
- Exponents of variables are non-negative integers.
- The coefficients are real numbers.
Power Rule
The power rule is a fundamental differentiation rule used when dealing with polynomials. It simplifies finding the derivative of each term in a polynomial separately. The rule states that if you have \( f(t) = t^n \), then the derivative, denoted by \( f'(t) \), is \( n \cdot t^{n-1} \).
To apply the power rule correctly, follow these steps:
To apply the power rule correctly, follow these steps:
- Identify the exponent \( n \) of the term you are differentiating.
- Multiply the entire term by \( n \).
- Subtract one from the exponent \( n \).
Differentiation
Differentiation is the process of finding the derivative of a function, which represents the rate of change of the function’s value with respect to a variable. In the context of our example, we differentiated \( x = t^2 - t \) with respect to \( t \) to find \( \frac{dx}{dt} \).
Why differentiate? Here are a few reasons:
Why differentiate? Here are a few reasons:
- Understand how a function changes at any point.
- Determine the slope of the tangent at any point on a curve represented by the function.
- Find local maxima and minima of functions.