Math Problem Statement

Given the function f(x) = 3/sqrt(x^3) find f'(x)

Solution

To find the derivative of the function f(x)=3x3f(x) = \frac{3}{\sqrt{x^3}}, let's first rewrite the expression in a form that is easier to differentiate.

Step 1: Rewrite the function

We can rewrite 3x3\frac{3}{\sqrt{x^3}} as a power of xx: f(x)=3x32f(x) = 3x^{-\frac{3}{2}} since x3=x32\sqrt{x^3} = x^{\frac{3}{2}} and dividing by x32x^{\frac{3}{2}} is the same as multiplying by x32x^{-\frac{3}{2}}.

Step 2: Differentiate using the power rule

The power rule for differentiation states that if f(x)=xnf(x) = x^n, then f(x)=nxn1f'(x) = n x^{n-1}.

Now apply the power rule to f(x)=3x32f(x) = 3x^{-\frac{3}{2}}:

f(x)=3(32)x321f'(x) = 3 \cdot \left( -\frac{3}{2} \right) x^{-\frac{3}{2} - 1} f(x)=92x52f'(x) = -\frac{9}{2} x^{-\frac{5}{2}}

Step 3: Simplify the result

So, the derivative of the function is: f(x)=92x52f'(x) = -\frac{9}{2x^{\frac{5}{2}}}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the second derivative of f(x)=3x3f(x) = \frac{3}{\sqrt{x^3}}?
  2. How do you interpret the derivative of this function in terms of rate of change?
  3. What happens to f(x)f'(x) as x0x \to 0 and xx \to \infty?
  4. How would you compute the derivative of f(x)=3x3f(x) = \frac{3}{x^3}?
  5. How can we apply this concept to find the tangent line to f(x)f(x) at a specific point?

Tip: When dealing with square roots in functions, it can be helpful to rewrite them as fractional exponents to simplify differentiation.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differentiation
Power Rule

Formulas

f(x) = x^n ⇒ f'(x) = n * x^(n-1)

Theorems

Power Rule for Derivatives

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12