Math Problem Statement

Describe, in words, your first step in simplifying d/dx (x^2 / ln(x)). Then finish simplifying the expression. Write the answer in radical form (if necessary). Check your final answer.

Solution

The text in the image asks you to describe the steps for simplifying the following expression:

ddx(x2ln(x))\frac{d}{dx} \left(\frac{x^2}{\ln(x)}\right)

Here’s a step-by-step explanation for simplifying this derivative:

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Recognize the quotient rule: The given expression is a quotient of two functions x2x^2 and ln(x)\ln(x). To differentiate this, we apply the quotient rule, which states:

ddx(uv)=vdudxudvdxv2\frac{d}{dx} \left(\frac{u}{v}\right) = \frac{v \cdot \frac{du}{dx} - u \cdot \frac{dv}{dx}}{v^2}

Where:

  • u=x2u = x^2
  • v=ln(x)v = \ln(x)
  1. Differentiate the numerator u=x2u = x^2: dudx=2x\frac{du}{dx} = 2x

  2. Differentiate the denominator v=ln(x)v = \ln(x): dvdx=1x\frac{dv}{dx} = \frac{1}{x}

  3. Apply the quotient rule: ddx(x2ln(x))=ln(x)2xx21xln2(x)\frac{d}{dx} \left(\frac{x^2}{\ln(x)}\right) = \frac{\ln(x) \cdot 2x - x^2 \cdot \frac{1}{x}}{\ln^2(x)}

  4. Simplify the expression: The second term simplifies as: x21x=xx^2 \cdot \frac{1}{x} = x So, the derivative becomes: 2xln(x)xln2(x)\frac{2x \ln(x) - x}{\ln^2(x)}

Thus, the simplified form of the derivative is: 2xln(x)xln2(x)\frac{2x \ln(x) - x}{\ln^2(x)}


Would you like any further clarifications or additional details? Here are five related questions that might help deepen your understanding:

  1. How is the quotient rule derived, and when should it be applied?
  2. What happens if the function in the denominator does not have a well-defined derivative at certain points?
  3. Can this method be applied to functions involving trigonometric or exponential terms?
  4. How would you differentiate a product of two functions using the product rule instead of the quotient rule?
  5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when applying the quotient rule?

Tip: Always simplify both the numerator and the denominator as much as possible before applying the quotient rule to make the process smoother.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differentiation
Quotient Rule

Formulas

Quotient Rule: (d/dx) [u/v] = (v * du/dx - u * dv/dx) / v^2

Theorems

Quotient Rule
Derivative of a Natural Logarithm

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College