Math Problem Statement

Let f(x) = 8x^4√x + 4 / (x^3√x). Find f'(x).

Solution

The function provided in the image is:

f(x)=8x4x+4x3x.f(x) = 8x^4\sqrt{x} + \frac{4}{x^3\sqrt{x}}.

To find the derivative f(x)f'(x), we need to rewrite the function in a more suitable form for differentiation and then apply the power rule and quotient rule where necessary.

Step 1: Rewrite the function

  1. The square root of xx, x\sqrt{x}, can be written as x1/2x^{1/2}.
  2. Now, express each term in a form suitable for the power rule.

f(x)=8x4x1/2+4x3x1/2.f(x) = 8x^4 \cdot x^{1/2} + 4x^{-3} \cdot x^{-1/2}.

Simplify each term: f(x)=8x4+1/2+4x31/2.f(x) = 8x^{4 + 1/2} + 4x^{-3 - 1/2}. f(x)=8x9/2+4x7/2.f(x) = 8x^{9/2} + 4x^{-7/2}.

Step 2: Differentiate each term

Using the power rule ddx(xn)=nxn1\frac{d}{dx}(x^n) = n x^{n-1}, differentiate each term:

  1. The derivative of 8x9/28x^{9/2} is: ddx(8x9/2)=892x9/21=36x7/2.\frac{d}{dx}\left(8x^{9/2}\right) = 8 \cdot \frac{9}{2} x^{9/2 - 1} = 36x^{7/2}.

  2. The derivative of 4x7/24x^{-7/2} is: ddx(4x7/2)=4(72)x7/21=14x9/2.\frac{d}{dx}\left(4x^{-7/2}\right) = 4 \cdot \left(-\frac{7}{2}\right) x^{-7/2 - 1} = -14x^{-9/2}.

Step 3: Combine the results

The derivative is: f(x)=36x7/214x9/2.f'(x) = 36x^{7/2} - 14x^{-9/2}.

This is the final answer.


Would you like any further details or clarifications? Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. How is the power rule applied to fractional exponents?
  2. How can we simplify expressions with negative exponents?
  3. What is the general rule for differentiating functions involving square roots?
  4. How would the quotient rule apply if the function were written differently?
  5. Can this result be simplified further by factoring?

Tip: When working with roots and exponents, converting them into fractional powers often simplifies the differentiation process significantly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Exponentiation
Power Rule
Quotient Rule

Formulas

Power Rule: d/dx (x^n) = n * x^(n - 1)
Rewrite square roots: √x = x^(1/2)

Theorems

Power Rule for Differentiation
Exponent Rules for Simplification

Suitable Grade Level

College Level (Calculus)