Derivative Problems: Solving Simple Functions

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In summary: Therefore dy/dx = 2cos(2x)*2cos(2x) = 4cos^2(2x).In summary, for the first problem, the derivative of the function F(z) = \sqrt{\frac{z-1}{z+1}} is \frac{4}{(z+1)^2\sqrt{z-1}}. For the second problem, the derivative of the function y = tan(sin2x) is 4cos
  • #1
suxatphysix
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Homework Statement


Find the derivative of the function
F(z) = [tex]\sqrt{\frac{z-1}{z+1}}[/tex]

Homework Equations






The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{z-1}{z+1}[/tex][tex]^{1/2}[/tex]

1/2 [tex]\frac{z-1}{z+1}[/tex][tex]^{-1/2}[/tex]

Homework Statement


Find the derivative of the function.
y = tan(sin2x)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{sin}{cos}[/tex]

I'm assuming this is the chain rule, but I'm not sure how to approach it.

 
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  • #2
You've also forgotten to use the chain rule on the first problem. (f(g(x))'=f'(g(x))*g'(x). You forgot the g'(x). Once you've straightened that out try the second.
 
  • #3
soooo 1/2 [tex]\frac{z-1}{z+1}[/tex][tex]^{-1/2}[/tex] (1) ?
 
  • #4
be careful with your brackets. the square root is being applied to (z-1/z+1).
This is a chain rule question, what is your outside function? your inside function?
 
  • #5
It might help to call the things inside the square root, [tex]\frac{z-1}{z+1}[/tex] u. That way the chain rule basically says that the derivative of the whole thing is the derivative of F(z) with respect to u* derivative of u with respect to z.
 
  • #6
For a question like the first one, i tend to find it less tedious to first take natural logs of both sides, and then using log laws, reduce it down to a form that is easier to work with, and then differentiate implicitly. Thats if you have learned implicit differentiation though.
 
  • #7
In the second question, I'm not sure you need to use the identity.

[tex]\frac{sin}{cos}=tan[/itex]

It seems just a simple derivitive:-

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}tan=sec^2[/itex]

Would be fine here?
 
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  • #8
suxatphysix said:
soooo 1/2 [tex]\frac{z-1}{z+1}[/tex][tex]^{-1/2}[/tex] (1) ?

No, that's not correct.

Why is it (1)? As others have pointed out, you should use The Chain Rule:

[tex]\frac{df}{dx} = \frac{df}{du} \times \frac{du}{dx}[/tex], i.e the derivative of f with respect to x is the derivative of f with respect to u times the derivative of u with respect to x. (u is any function that you choose, so that the problem becomes easier). There are problems that you have to apply the rules twice, threefold, or even more:

[tex]\frac{df}{dx} = \frac{df}{du_1} \times \frac{du_1}{dx} = \frac{df}{du_1} \times \left( \frac{du_1}{du_2} \times \frac{du_2}{dx} \right) = \frac{df}{du_1} \times \frac{du_1}{du_2} \times \left( \frac{du_2}{du_3} \times \frac{du_3}{dx} \right) = ...[/tex]

Example:
Find the derivative of [tex]\tan \left( \sqrt{\cos x} \right)[/tex] with respect to x.

-------------------

Now that looks monstrous. But if you let [tex]u = \sqrt{\cos x}[/tex], the whole thing becomes: tan(u).

Apply The Chain Rule here, we have:
[tex]\tan \left( \sqrt{\cos x} \right)'_x = \tan \left( u \right)'_x = \tan \left( u \right)'_u \times u'_x = \frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \times (\sqrt{\cos x})'_x[/tex]

Apply the Rule once more, let t = cos(x)
[tex]... = \frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \times (\sqrt{\cos x})'_x = \frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \times (\sqrt{t})'_x = \frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \times (\sqrt{t})'_t \times t'_x = \frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{t}} (\cos x)'_x = -\frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{t}} \sin x[/tex]

Now, change u, and t back to x's, we have:
[tex]... = -\frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 u} \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{t}} \sin x = -\frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 (\sqrt{\cos x})} \times \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{\cos x}} \sin x[/tex].

To make it look a little bit nicer. You can pull the 1/2 factor in front of the whole expression, like this:

[tex]... = - \frac{1}{2} \times\frac{1}{\cos ^ 2 (\sqrt{\cos x})} \times \frac{\sin x}{\sqrt{\cos x}}[/tex]It's done. :)

Can you do the same to your 2 problems? :)
 
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  • #9
for the first problem u could use logs to differentiate such that lny = 1/2ln(z-1) - 1/2ln(z+1) and then implicitly differentiate, dy/dz.1/y = 1/2.(1/z-1) - 1/2(1/z+1). dy/dz=[1/(2z-2)-1/(2z+2)].y = [4/(4z^2+4)].root[(z-1)/(z+1)] and simplify.

u = sin2x therefore y=tan (u) therefore dy/du = u'/cos^2 (u) = 2cos(2x)/cos^2(sin2x)
 

FAQ: Derivative Problems: Solving Simple Functions

What is a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable. It is essentially the slope of a tangent line at a specific point on a curve.

How do you find the derivative of a function?

To find the derivative of a function, you can use the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, or chain rule, depending on the complexity of the function. These rules involve taking the derivative of each term in the function and combining them using appropriate mathematical operations.

What are the applications of derivatives?

Derivatives have many real-world applications, such as in physics, engineering, economics, and statistics. They are used to calculate rates of change, optimize functions, and model real-life phenomena.

Can you provide an example of a simple derivative problem?

One example of a simple derivative problem is finding the derivative of the function f(x) = 3x^2 + 5x + 2. Using the power rule, we can calculate the derivative to be f'(x) = 6x + 5.

How can derivatives be used in business or finance?

In business and finance, derivatives are used to manage risk and make financial decisions. For example, options contracts are a type of derivative that allows investors to hedge against potential losses or speculate on the future value of a stock or asset.

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