Math Problem Statement

Find the derivative of the function h(t) = 6/t + 4/t^2.

Solution

To find the derivative of the given function h(t)=6t+4t2h(t) = \frac{6}{t} + \frac{4}{t^2}, we rewrite and differentiate each term.


Step 1: Rewrite the function

Using properties of exponents, rewrite the terms: h(t)=6t1+4t2.h(t) = 6t^{-1} + 4t^{-2}.


Step 2: Differentiate each term

Using the power rule ddt[tn]=ntn1\frac{d}{dt}[t^n] = n t^{n-1}, differentiate term by term:

  1. For 6t16t^{-1}:
    ddt[6t1]=6(1)t2=6t2.\frac{d}{dt}[6t^{-1}] = 6(-1)t^{-2} = -\frac{6}{t^2}.

  2. For 4t24t^{-2}:
    ddt[4t2]=4(2)t3=8t3.\frac{d}{dt}[4t^{-2}] = 4(-2)t^{-3} = -\frac{8}{t^3}.


Step 3: Combine results

Adding the derivatives together: h(t)=6t28t3.h'(t) = -\frac{6}{t^2} - \frac{8}{t^3}.


Final Answer:

h(t)=6t28t3.h'(t) = -\frac{6}{t^2} - \frac{8}{t^3}.


Would you like further clarification on any of these steps? Let me know!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you apply the power rule for derivatives?
  2. How do you differentiate functions involving negative exponents?
  3. How would the derivative change if the powers of tt were different?
  4. Can you simplify h(t)h'(t) further or factor it?
  5. How do you interpret the derivative h(t)h'(t) graphically?

Tip:

When differentiating terms like 1tn\frac{1}{t^n}, first rewrite them as tnt^{-n} to apply the power rule easily.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Power Rule
Negative Exponents

Formulas

d/dt[t^n] = n * t^(n-1)
Rewrite 1/t^n as t^(-n) to simplify differentiation

Theorems

Power Rule of Differentiation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12