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
Product and Quotient Rules
Problem 6
Textbook Question
Use differentiation to verify each equation.
d/dx(x / √1−x²) = 1 / (1−x²)^3/2.

1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the function you need to differentiate, which is f(x) = x / √(1−x²). This is a quotient, so you'll use the quotient rule for differentiation.
Step 2: Recall the quotient rule: if you have a function f(x) = u(x)/v(x), then its derivative f'(x) = (u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)) / (v(x))². Here, u(x) = x and v(x) = √(1−x²).
Step 3: Differentiate u(x) = x to get u'(x) = 1. Next, differentiate v(x) = √(1−x²). Use the chain rule: v'(x) = (1/2)(1−x²)^(-1/2) * (-2x) = -x / √(1−x²).
Step 4: Substitute u(x), u'(x), v(x), and v'(x) into the quotient rule formula: f'(x) = (1 * √(1−x²) - x * (-x / √(1−x²))) / (√(1−x²))².
Step 5: Simplify the expression obtained in Step 4. The numerator becomes √(1−x²) + x²/√(1−x²), and the denominator is 1−x². Simplify further to verify that f'(x) = 1 / (1−x²)^(3/2).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Differentiation
Differentiation is a fundamental concept in calculus that involves finding the derivative of a function. The derivative represents the rate of change of the function with respect to its variable. It is essential for analyzing the behavior of functions, including their slopes and rates of growth or decay. Understanding the rules of differentiation, such as the product rule and chain rule, is crucial for solving problems involving derivatives.
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Chain Rule
The chain rule is a specific technique in differentiation used to differentiate composite functions. It states that if a function is composed of two functions, say f(g(x)), the derivative can be found by multiplying the derivative of the outer function by the derivative of the inner function. This rule is particularly useful when dealing with functions that involve square roots or other nested operations, as seen in the given equation.
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Intro to the Chain Rule
Simplifying Derivatives
Simplifying derivatives involves manipulating the expression obtained after differentiation to make it easier to interpret or compare with other expressions. This can include factoring, combining like terms, or rewriting the expression in a different form. In the context of the given equation, simplifying the derivative will help verify the correctness of the equation by ensuring both sides match after differentiation.
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Simplifying Trig Expressions
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