Function differentiation, show that....

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem from a calculus exam and the process of differentiating a function with respect to an independent variable. The correct solution is presented, along with a clarification of the terminology used in English for computing derivatives.
  • #1
Petrus
702
0
Hello MHB,
Sorry for the bad title as I did not know what to name this but this is a problem from my calculus exam which I have not decide if I shall travel 2h to get my exam and see if I got some less point then I should.. (I just got the facit for the exam and I think that I am between one higher grade that I should get)

"Supposed that \(\displaystyle f(x)\) is a function so that a tangent to function graf is \(\displaystyle x=2\) goes through \(\displaystyle (0,1)\). Supposed that also \(\displaystyle f(2)=5\) and \(\displaystyle g(x)=\frac{f(x)}{x}\)

(a) show that \(\displaystyle g'(2)=-\frac{1}{4}\)

What I did:
\(\displaystyle g'(x)=\frac{f'(x)x-f(x)}{x^2}\)
We know that \(\displaystyle g'(2)=-\frac{1}{4}\) and \(\displaystyle f(2)=5\) so I did do like this
\(\displaystyle -\frac{1}{4}=\frac{2f'(x)-5}{2^2}\) that means \(\displaystyle f'(2)=2\) and that means this is true only if \(\displaystyle f'(2)=2\)

Facit say:
they first start to calculate the tangent to the graph of \(\displaystyle f\) for \(\displaystyle x=2 \) gives of \(\displaystyle f'(2)=\frac{y-f(2)}{x-2}\)

we know that \(\displaystyle f(2)=5\) also that the point \(\displaystyle (x,y)=(0,1)\) and if we put those value on the above we get that \(\displaystyle f'(2)=2\) and then they did same as me but what so you think about how I did it?

Regards,
\(\displaystyle |\pi\rangle\)
 
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  • #2
Re: Function derivate, show that

Hi Petrus,

You got it the wrong way around. (Tongueout)

Work out f'(2). Work out g'(x). Use those to get g'(2)=-1/4. :)
 
  • #3
Petrus said:
Hello MHB,
Sorry for the bad title as I did not know what to name this...

Hey Petrus,

In English, the act of computing derivatives is referred to as differentiation. You might say, "I will now differentiate this function with respect to the independent variable." Or, "Differentiation of the following function with respect to $x$ gives us..."
 

FAQ: Function differentiation, show that....

What is function differentiation?

Function differentiation is a mathematical process used to find the rate of change or slope of a function at a specific point. It is also known as finding the derivative of a function.

Why is function differentiation important?

Function differentiation is important because it helps us analyze and understand the behavior of a function. It allows us to find the maximum and minimum points of a function, as well as the rate of change at a specific point. This information is crucial in many fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

How do you differentiate a function?

To differentiate a function, you need to use the rules of differentiation, such as the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. These rules help you find the derivative of a function by manipulating its algebraic expression.

Can you show an example of function differentiation?

Sure, let's say we have the function f(x) = x^2 + 3x. To differentiate this function, we use the power rule and product rule. First, the power rule states that the derivative of x^n is nx^(n-1). So, the derivative of x^2 is 2x. Then, using the product rule, the derivative of 3x is 3. Therefore, the derivative of f(x) is 2x + 3.

What are the applications of function differentiation in real life?

Function differentiation has many applications in real life, such as in physics for calculating velocity and acceleration, in economics for finding marginal cost and revenue, and in engineering for optimizing designs and processes. It is also used in data analysis and machine learning for curve fitting and optimization problems.

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