× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
g
1
1
Home Q & A Board Science-Related Homework Help Mathematics
New Topic  
finnykev finnykev
wrote...
Posts: 37
Rep: 0 0
12 years ago
I need help understanding how to use the power/chain rule when there is division in an equation
Ex..

7/x^3+5

I would appreciate it if someone could explain the steps to find the derivative as well as the rules to rearranging the equation, Thanks in advance
Read 565 times
2 Replies

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
#1
12 years ago
You don't need chain rule for this one. Just rewrite the first term into a negative exponent and differentiate using the Power Rule as normal:

7x^-3 + 5

becomes: -21x^-4, or -21/x^4.

Miss Kristin
wrote...
#2
12 years ago
sure Slight Smile it's rather simple really
consider 1/x^25
1/x^25=x^-25
and the power rule states
that for any expression a*x^b where a,b are real numbers
the derivative is a*b*x^(b-1)
so
the derivative of x^-25=y is
y' = -25*x^(-25-1)=-25*x^-26=-25/x^26

so now for your equation y=7/x^3+5
y=7*x^-3+5
so
y' = 7*-3*x^(-3-1)
y' = -21*x^(-4)=-21/x^4
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Bold
Italic
Underline
Strikethrough
Subscript
Superscript
Insert Math Equation
Font Name
Font Color
Align left
Center
Align right
Bullet list
Numbered list
Insert a horizontal rule
Insert a table
Insert a Quote
View source
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  161 People Browsing
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Live Chat
Show Emoticons
:):(;):P:D:|:O:?:nerd:8o:glasses::-):-(:-*O:-D>:-D:o):idea::important::help::error::warning::favorite:
Related Images
  
 538
  
 754
  
 194
Your Opinion
Which of the following is the best resource to supplement your studies:
Votes: 388
Previous poll results: What's your favorite coffee beverage?