Math Problem Statement

Given the function f, of, x, equals, minus, start fraction, 2, square root of, x, cubed, end square root, divided by, 5, end fraction, minus, 3, square root of, x, end square root, commaf(x)=−52x3​​−3x​, find f, prime, of, 5, .f′(5). Express your answer as a single fraction in simplest radical form.

Solution

We are given the function f(x)=2x353xf(x) = -\frac{2\sqrt{x^3}}{5} - 3\sqrt{x}, and we are tasked with finding the derivative f(x)f'(x) and then evaluating f(5)f'(5), expressing the answer in simplest radical form.

Step 1: Rewrite the function

First, simplify the function to make it easier to differentiate. Recall that: x3=x3/2andx=x1/2.\sqrt{x^3} = x^{3/2} \quad \text{and} \quad \sqrt{x} = x^{1/2}. So the function can be rewritten as: f(x)=2x3/253x1/2.f(x) = -\frac{2x^{3/2}}{5} - 3x^{1/2}.

Step 2: Differentiate the function

Now, let's differentiate f(x)f(x) with respect to xx.

For the term 2x3/25-\frac{2x^{3/2}}{5}: ddx(2x3/25)=2532x1/2=65x1/2.\frac{d}{dx}\left( -\frac{2x^{3/2}}{5} \right) = -\frac{2}{5} \cdot \frac{3}{2}x^{1/2} = -\frac{6}{5}x^{1/2}.

For the term 3x1/2-3x^{1/2}: ddx(3x1/2)=312x1/2=32x1/2.\frac{d}{dx}\left( -3x^{1/2} \right) = -3 \cdot \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2} = -\frac{3}{2}x^{-1/2}.

Thus, the derivative is: f(x)=65x1/232x1/2.f'(x) = -\frac{6}{5}x^{1/2} - \frac{3}{2}x^{-1/2}.

Step 3: Evaluate f(5)f'(5)

Now, substitute x=5x = 5 into the derivative f(x)f'(x): f(5)=6553215.f'(5) = -\frac{6}{5} \cdot \sqrt{5} - \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}.

Simplify the expression: f(5)=655325.f'(5) = -\frac{6\sqrt{5}}{5} - \frac{3}{2\sqrt{5}}.

To combine these terms, express them with a common denominator. The least common denominator is 10510\sqrt{5}: f(5)=12510325=125103510.f'(5) = -\frac{12\sqrt{5}}{10} - \frac{3}{2\sqrt{5}} = -\frac{12\sqrt{5}}{10} - \frac{3\sqrt{5}}{10}.

Now combine the terms: f(5)=15510.f'(5) = -\frac{15\sqrt{5}}{10}.

Simplify the fraction: f(5)=352.f'(5) = -\frac{3\sqrt{5}}{2}.

Final Answer:

f(5)=352.f'(5) = -\frac{3\sqrt{5}}{2}.

Would you like more details, or do you have any questions about the solution? Here are some related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you apply the chain rule when differentiating square roots of functions?
  2. What is the derivative of xnx^n in general, and how does it apply to this problem?
  3. How do you handle fractional exponents when differentiating?
  4. How can you simplify complex radical expressions after differentiation?
  5. What strategies can be used to find common denominators when adding fractions with radicals?

Tip: Always simplify radicals and fractions after differentiation to make the final answer more concise.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Radical Functions
Fractional Exponents

Formulas

Power Rule: d/dx (x^n) = n*x^(n-1)
Derivative of √x: d/dx (√x) = 1/(2√x)
Simplification of Radicals

Theorems

Power Rule for Differentiation
Simplification of Radical Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or Calculus I