What is the quotient rule and how is it applied?
The quotient rule is a formula used to differentiate fractions that contain terms of x in both the numerator and the denominator (we usually refer to this as f(x)/g(x)).
As it isn't possible to differentiate this by normal methods straight away, we use the quotient rule to allow us to do so. For A-level maths, you only need to know how to use the quotient rule, deriving how it is formed is not necessary. The quotient rule takes the following form:
dy/dx = ((g(x)f'(x) - f(x)g'(x))/g(x)^2
Where f'(x), g'(x) are dy/dx of f(x), g(x) respectively. Therefore differentiating the numerator and the denominator seperately, and then plugging these back into the formula, will yield the result of differentiating a fraction of the form f(x)/g(x).
PH
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸A particle is in equilibrium under the action of four horizontal forces of magnitudes 5 newtons acting vertically upwards ,8 newtons acting 30 degrees from the horizontal towards the left,P newtons acting vertically downwards and Q newtons acting to right
The quadratic equation 2x^2 + 8x + 1 = 0 has roots a and b. Write down the value of a + b, a*b and a^2 + b^2.
What is a logarithm?
The curve C has equation 4x^2 – y^3 – 4xy + 2^y = 0 The point P with coordinates (–2, 4) lies on C . Find the exact value of dy/dx at the point P .