Why Does My Calculated Derivative Differ from Mathematica's?

In summary, the conversation is about finding the derivative of a function using the definition of derivative and comparing the solution with Mathematica's solution. Both solutions are correct.
  • #1
Orion1
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3

I am attempting to find the derivative of this function using the definition of derivative, however my solution is not the same as Mathematica's solution.

Is my formulation incorrect on some protocol somewhere? :rolleyes:

[tex]G(t) = \frac{4t}{t + 1}[/tex]
[tex]G'(t) = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} [(\frac{4(t + h)}{(t + h) + 1}) - (\frac{4t}{t + 1})] \frac{1}{h}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} [(\frac{4(t + h)}{(t + h) + 1}) - (\frac{4t}{t + 1})] \frac{1}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} 4 [\frac{(t + h)(t + 1)}{(t + h + 1)(t + 1)} - \frac{t(t + h + 1)}{(t + 1)(t + h + 1)}] \frac{1}{h}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} 4[ \frac{(t + h)(t + 1) - t(t + h + 1)}{(t + h + 1)(t + 1)}] \frac{1}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} 4[ \frac{(t^2 + ht + t + h - t^2 - ht - t)}{(t^2 + ht + 2t + h + 1)}] \frac{1}{h}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} [ \frac{4h}{(t^2 + ht + 2t + h + 1)}] \frac{1}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} ( \frac{4}{t^2 + ht + 2t + h + 1} ) = \frac{4}{t^2 + 2t + 1}[/tex]

[tex]\boxed{G'(t) = \frac{4}{(t + 1)^2}}[/tex]

Mathematica solution:
[tex]- \frac{4t}{(1 + t)^2} + \frac{4}{t + 1}[/tex]
 
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  • #2
[tex]\frac{4}{(t+1)^2}=- \frac{4t}{(1 + t)^2} + \frac{4}{t + 1}[/tex]


No mistakes :smile:

Check it!
 
  • #3
Orion1 said:

I am attempting to find the derivative of this function using the definition of derivative, however my solution is not the same as Mathematica's solution.
Is my formulation incorrect on some protocol somewhere? :rolleyes:
[tex]G(t) = \frac{4t}{t + 1}[/tex]
[tex]G'(t) = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} [(\frac{4(t + h)}{(t + h) + 1}) - (\frac{4t}{t + 1})] \frac{1}{h}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} [(\frac{4(t + h)}{(t + h) + 1}) - (\frac{4t}{t + 1})] \frac{1}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} 4 [\frac{(t + h)(t + 1)}{(t + h + 1)(t + 1)} - \frac{t(t + h + 1)}{(t + 1)(t + h + 1)}] \frac{1}{h}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} 4[ \frac{(t + h)(t + 1) - t(t + h + 1)}{(t + h + 1)(t + 1)}] \frac{1}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} 4[ \frac{(t^2 + ht + t + h - t^2 - ht - t)}{(t^2 + ht + 2t + h + 1)}] \frac{1}{h}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} [ \frac{4h}{(t^2 + ht + 2t + h + 1)}] \frac{1}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} ( \frac{4}{t^2 + ht + 2t + h + 1} ) = \frac{4}{t^2 + 2t + 1}[/tex]
[tex]\boxed{G'(t) = \frac{4}{(t + 1)^2}}[/tex]
Mathematica solution:
[tex]- \frac{4t}{(1 + t)^2} + \frac{4}{t + 1}[/tex]

It's the same result, so yours is also correct.
 

FAQ: Why Does My Calculated Derivative Differ from Mathematica's?

What is the definition of a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the instantaneous rate of change of a function at a specific point. It is essentially the slope of a tangent line at that point.

What is the notation used to represent a derivative?

The most common notation used to represent a derivative is f'(x) or dy/dx. This indicates the derivative of the function f with respect to x.

How is the derivative calculated?

The derivative of a function is calculated using the limit definition, which involves taking the limit as the change in input (x) approaches 0. Alternatively, derivatives can be found using differentiation rules for common functions.

What is the relationship between a function and its derivative?

The derivative of a function represents the rate of change of the function at a specific point. Therefore, the derivative can be used to determine the behavior of the original function, such as its increasing or decreasing intervals and points of inflection.

Why are derivatives important in mathematics and science?

Derivatives are fundamental in mathematics and science because they allow us to analyze and understand the behavior of functions. They are essential in fields such as physics, economics, and engineering, where rates of change are crucial in modeling and predicting real-world phenomena.

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