Deriving a root and a fraction

In summary, Derive y=\sqrt(2x^4) - \frac{5}{3x^2} and try to simplify the fraction before taking the derivative.
  • #1
Twinflower
109
0

Homework Statement



Derive [itex]y= \sqrt(2x^4) - \frac{5}{3x^2}[/itex]



The Attempt at a Solution



I am still at the first part of the function (the root):
First I tried to derive inside the root like this:
[tex] \sqrt(2x^4) = \sqrt(8x^3) = 2 \sqrt(2) \times \sqrt(x^3) = \sqrt(2) \times x^2[/tex]

Unfortunately, the first part of the function is supposed to be 2\sqrt(2)x.

The second part I am nowhere close yet.
 
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  • #2
Hi Twinflower! :smile:

Before you take the derivative, you should first try to simplify your expression.

Did you know that [itex]\sqrt {(2x)} = \sqrt 2 \sqrt x[/itex]?
And that [itex]\sqrt {(x^4)} = x^2[/itex]?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Hi, thanks for your reply.

I tried what you are suggesting, but I somehow ended up with [itex]\sqrt(x^4) = x^3[/itex] since [itex]\sqrt(x^2) = x^1 = x[/itex]

Second attempt:

[tex]\sqrt(2x^4)[/tex]
[tex]\sqrt(2) \times \sqrt(x^4)[/tex]
[tex]\sqrt(2) \times x^2[/tex]
[tex]2\times \sqrt(2) \times x[/tex]
[tex]2 x[/tex]

hm... didn't go quite well now either?
 
  • #4
Actually, your second attempt is looking quite well. :)But how did you get from:

[itex]2\times \sqrt(2) \times x[/itex]

to

[itex]2 x[/itex]?
 
  • #5
Oh, my bad.
Brain-fart.

For a second I though that 2 times sqrt2 equals 2.

The final answer should ofcourse be
[tex]2 \times \sqrt(2) \times x[/tex]
 
  • #6
Thank you by the way.

Now I need a push in the right direction regarding the fraction :)
 
  • #7
Twinflower said:
Thank you by the way.

Now I need a push in the right direction regarding the fraction :)

You're welcome! :smile:For the fraction you need to know that for instance [itex]{1 \over x^5} = x^{-5}[/itex].

Oh, and also that [itex]{2 \over 3x} = {2\over 3} \times {1 \over x}[/itex].
 
  • #8
Ah, of course!
Gimme a minute, and I'll figure that one out as well :)
 
  • #9
Ok, here we go:


[tex]- \frac{5}{3x^2}[/tex]
[tex]- \frac{5}{3} \times \frac{1}{x^2}[/tex]
[tex]- \frac{5}{3} \times x^{-2}[/tex]
[tex]- \frac{5}{3} \times -2 \times x^{-3}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{10}{3} \times x^{-3}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{10\times x^{-3}}{3}[/tex]
 
  • #10
Thanks a bunch! :)
 
  • #11
Hey! Your minute is up! :wink:

Edit: errrr... I guess you were just in time! :rolleyes:
 
  • #12
yeye, I needed to write it down in my exercise paper and THEN i had to write it all in LaTeX (which is still quite messy to me)

:)
 

FAQ: Deriving a root and a fraction

1. What is the meaning of "deriving a root and a fraction"?

Deriving a root and a fraction involves finding the original number or value that when squared, cubed, or raised to a certain power, will result in the given root and fraction. It is a process of solving equations and finding the missing variable.

2. How do you solve for the root and fraction in an equation?

To solve for the root and fraction in an equation, you can use the inverse operation of the given exponent. For example, if the equation is √x = 4, you can square both sides to get x = 16. Similarly, if the equation is 1/3x = 9, you can multiply both sides by 3 to get x = 27.

3. What is the difference between a root and a fraction?

A root is a number or value that, when raised to a certain power, gives the given number. For example, the square root of 25 is 5 because 5 squared equals 25. On the other hand, a fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator and a denominator, with the numerator representing the part and the denominator representing the whole.

4. Can you derive a root and a fraction for negative numbers?

Yes, you can derive a root and a fraction for negative numbers. However, the result may be a complex number or an imaginary number. For example, the square root of -4 is 2i, where i represents the imaginary unit.

5. What are some real-life applications of deriving a root and a fraction?

Deriving a root and a fraction is commonly used in fields such as physics, engineering, and finance. For example, in physics, it is used to calculate distance, speed, and acceleration. In finance, it is used to calculate compound interest and growth rates. It is also used in geometry to find the length of sides and angles in triangles and other shapes.

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