Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
3. Techniques of Differentiation
The Chain Rule
Problem 3.33
Textbook Question
Find the derivatives of the functions in Exercises 1–42.
_____
𝔂 = / x² + x
√ x²

1
Step 1: Simplify the given function. The function is 𝔂 = x² + x√x². Notice that x√x² can be rewritten as x * x, which simplifies to x². Therefore, the function becomes 𝔂 = x² + x².
Step 2: Combine like terms. Since both terms are x², the function simplifies to 𝔂 = 2x².
Step 3: Differentiate the simplified function. To find the derivative of 𝔂 = 2x², apply the power rule. The power rule states that the derivative of x^n is n*x^(n-1).
Step 4: Apply the power rule to each term. For the term 2x², the derivative is 2 * 2 * x^(2-1), which simplifies to 4x.
Step 5: Write the final expression for the derivative. The derivative of the function 𝔂 = 2x² is 𝔂' = 4x.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivatives
The derivative of a function measures how the function's output value changes as its input value changes. It is a fundamental concept in calculus, representing the slope of the tangent line to the curve of the function at any given point. Derivatives can be computed using various rules, such as the power rule, product rule, and quotient rule, depending on the form of the function.
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Quotient Rule
The quotient rule is a method for finding the derivative of a function that is the ratio of two other functions. If you have a function defined as f(x) = g(x)/h(x), the derivative f'(x) is given by (g'(x)h(x) - g(x)h'(x)) / (h(x))². This rule is essential when differentiating functions that involve division, as seen in the given problem.
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Simplifying Functions
Before differentiating complex functions, it is often helpful to simplify them. This can involve factoring, combining like terms, or rewriting expressions in a more manageable form. In the context of the given function, simplifying the expression can make it easier to apply the derivative rules accurately and efficiently.
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