First and second derivatives Find f′(x),f′′(x).
f(x) = x/x+2

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Rewrite the function f(x) = \frac{x}{x+2} in a form suitable for differentiation. This can be done by recognizing it as a quotient of two functions, where the numerator u(x) = x and the denominator v(x) = x + 2.
2. Step 2: Apply the Quotient Rule for differentiation to find the first derivative f'(x). The Quotient Rule states that if you have a function h(x) = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)}, then h'(x) = \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{(v(x))^2}.
3. Step 3: Differentiate the numerator and the denominator separately. For u(x) = x, the derivative u'(x) = 1. For v(x) = x + 2, the derivative v'(x) = 1.
4. Step 4: Substitute the derivatives u'(x) and v'(x) into the Quotient Rule formula to find f'(x). This gives f'(x) = \frac{1 \cdot (x+2) - x \cdot 1}{(x+2)^2}. Simplify the expression to get the first derivative.
5. Step 5: To find the second derivative f''(x), differentiate f'(x) with respect to x. This may involve using the Quotient Rule again if f'(x) is still in a quotient form, or using the Power Rule if it simplifies to a polynomial form.

Key Concepts

First Derivative

The first derivative of a function, denoted as f'(x), represents the rate of change of the function with respect to its variable. It provides information about the slope of the tangent line to the curve at any given point. In practical terms, it can indicate whether the function is increasing or decreasing and can help identify critical points where the function may have local maxima or minima.

Second Derivative

The second derivative, denoted as f''(x), is the derivative of the first derivative. It measures the rate of change of the first derivative, providing insights into the concavity of the function. A positive second derivative indicates that the function is concave up (shaped like a cup), while a negative second derivative indicates concave down (shaped like a cap). This information is crucial for understanding the behavior of the function and identifying points of inflection.

Quotient Rule

The quotient rule is a method for finding the derivative of a function that is the ratio of two other functions. If f(x) = g(x)/h(x), the derivative is given by f'(x) = (g'(x)h(x) - g(x)h'(x)) / (h(x))^2. This rule is essential when differentiating functions like f(x) = x/(x+2), as it allows for the correct application of calculus to find both the first and second derivatives.