Math Problem Statement

solve this khan academy question

solve this khan academy question

Solution

The question asks for the derivative of the given rational function:

f(x)=x2x+54x1.f(x) = \frac{x^2 - x + 5}{4x - 1}.

We will solve this using the quotient rule, which states:

ddx(u(x)v(x))=u(x)v(x)u(x)v(x)[v(x)]2,\frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{u(x)}{v(x)} \right) = \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{[v(x)]^2},

where u(x)=x2x+5u(x) = x^2 - x + 5 and v(x)=4x1v(x) = 4x - 1.


Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Find u(x)u'(x): u(x)=x2x+5    u(x)=2x1.u(x) = x^2 - x + 5 \implies u'(x) = 2x - 1.

  2. Find v(x)v'(x): v(x)=4x1    v(x)=4.v(x) = 4x - 1 \implies v'(x) = 4.

  3. Apply the quotient rule: f(x)=(2x1)(4x1)(x2x+5)(4)(4x1)2.f'(x) = \frac{(2x - 1)(4x - 1) - (x^2 - x + 5)(4)}{(4x - 1)^2}.

  4. Simplify the numerator:

    Expand (2x1)(4x1)(2x - 1)(4x - 1): (2x1)(4x1)=8x22x4x+1=8x26x+1.(2x - 1)(4x - 1) = 8x^2 - 2x - 4x + 1 = 8x^2 - 6x + 1.

    Expand (x2x+5)(4)(x^2 - x + 5)(4): (x2x+5)(4)=4x24x+20.(x^2 - x + 5)(4) = 4x^2 - 4x + 20.

    Subtract the second expression from the first: (8x26x+1)(4x24x+20)=8x26x+14x2+4x20.(8x^2 - 6x + 1) - (4x^2 - 4x + 20) = 8x^2 - 6x + 1 - 4x^2 + 4x - 20.

    Combine like terms: 8x24x2=4x2,6x+4x=2x,120=19.8x^2 - 4x^2 = 4x^2, \quad -6x + 4x = -2x, \quad 1 - 20 = -19.

    So the numerator becomes: 4x22x19.4x^2 - 2x - 19.

  5. Write the final derivative: f(x)=4x22x19(4x1)2.f'(x) = \frac{4x^2 - 2x - 19}{(4x - 1)^2}.


Final Answer:

4x22x19(4x1)2\boxed{\frac{4x^2 - 2x - 19}{(4x - 1)^2}}


Would you like further clarification or details? Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How is the quotient rule derived?
  2. What are the key differences between the product rule and quotient rule?
  3. How would the solution change if v(x)v(x) were a constant?
  4. Can we use an alternative method like simplifying before differentiating here?
  5. How do higher-order derivatives apply to rational functions?

Tip: Always simplify your numerator as much as possible when using the quotient rule to avoid mistakes in calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Quotient Rule
Derivative of Rational Functions

Formulas

Quotient Rule: d/dx [u(x)/v(x)] = [u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)] / [v(x)]^2

Theorems

Rules of Differentiation
Simplification of Polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Advanced Calculus)