Math Problem Statement

The function f is defined by f(x) = 2/x + 3x^2 - 3, x ≠ 0. (a) Find f'(x).

Solution

The function given is:

f(x)=2x+3x23,x0.f(x) = \frac{2}{x} + 3x^2 - 3, \quad x \neq 0.

To find f(x)f'(x), we need to differentiate each term of f(x)f(x) with respect to xx.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Differentiate 2x\frac{2}{x}: ddx(2x)=ddx(2x1)=2x2=2x2.\frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{2}{x} \right) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( 2x^{-1} \right) = -2x^{-2} = -\frac{2}{x^2}.

  2. Differentiate 3x23x^2: ddx(3x2)=6x.\frac{d}{dx} (3x^2) = 6x.

  3. Differentiate the constant term 3-3: ddx(3)=0.\frac{d}{dx} (-3) = 0.

Combine Results

Now, we combine these results to obtain f(x)f'(x): f(x)=2x2+6x.f'(x) = -\frac{2}{x^2} + 6x.

Final Answer

f(x)=2x2+6x.f'(x) = -\frac{2}{x^2} + 6x.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Additional questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How would f(x)f'(x) change if f(x)f(x) included a term with x3x^3?
  2. What does f(x)=0f'(x) = 0 imply about the function f(x)f(x) at certain points?
  3. How would the derivative change if the constant term 3-3 were different?
  4. Could we interpret f(x)f'(x) geometrically? What does it tell us about the slope of f(x)f(x)?
  5. How does the differentiation of 2x\frac{2}{x} change if we consider higher powers, like 2xn\frac{2}{x^n}?

Tip: Always rewrite terms with negative exponents or fractions before differentiating; it simplifies the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Power Rule
Derivatives of Rational Functions

Formulas

Power Rule: d/dx (x^n) = nx^(n-1)
Derivative of a constant: d/dx (c) = 0

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12