Math Problem Statement

Use the General Power Rule to find the derivative of f(x) = (6x - x^2)^3. The inside function is u = 6x - x^2.

Solution

Let's analyze the problem step by step.

We are given the function f(x)=(6xx2)3f(x) = (6x - x^2)^3 and asked to find its derivative f(x)f'(x) using the General Power Rule (Chain Rule).

Step 1: Recognize the Outer and Inner Functions

  • The outer function is u3u^3, where u=6xx2u = 6x - x^2.
  • The inner function is u=6xx2u = 6x - x^2.

Step 2: Apply the Chain Rule

The Chain Rule states: f(x)=3(6xx2)2ddx(6xx2)f'(x) = 3(6x - x^2)^2 \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(6x - x^2)

Step 3: Differentiate the Inner Function

Now, we differentiate 6xx26x - x^2: ddx(6xx2)=62x\frac{d}{dx}(6x - x^2) = 6 - 2x

Step 4: Combine the Results

Thus, the derivative is: f(x)=3(6xx2)2(62x)f'(x) = 3(6x - x^2)^2 \cdot (6 - 2x)

Completing the Template

In the boxes shown in the image:

  • The first blank will have the constant 33.
  • The second blank will be the derivative of 6xx26x - x^2, which is 62x6 - 2x.

So, the final expression becomes: f(x)=3(6xx2)2(62x)f'(x) = 3(6x - x^2)^2 \cdot (6 - 2x)

Would you like further clarification on any part? Here are 5 additional related questions you might find useful:

  1. How do you apply the chain rule to more complex functions?
  2. What is the derivative of (ax+b)n(ax + b)^n in general?
  3. Can you explain why the chain rule works?
  4. How do you differentiate a product of two functions?
  5. What is the difference between the chain rule and the product rule?

Tip: Always simplify the inner function before differentiating to avoid unnecessary complexity!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Chain Rule
General Power Rule

Formulas

Chain Rule: d/dx [f(g(x))] = f'(g(x)) * g'(x)
General Power Rule: d/dx [u^n] = n * u^(n-1) * u'(x)

Theorems

Chain Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12 (Calculus)