How to differentiate the function f(x)= 3x^3 + 2x^-3 - x^(1/2) + 6?

Firstly the general formula you can use on each of the x terms in the polynomial you are trying to differentiate is; f(x)=xn then f '(x)=nxn-1 where any constant, c, will differentiate to give 0. This formula basically states that you need to multiply x by it's power and then reduce that power by 1. If there is a coefficient then you still multiply x by it's power but you must remember to also take into account the coefficient e.g. if we have f(x)= 2x2 then we multiply 2x by 2 to get 4x and then reduce the power by one to get a final answer of f '(x)=4x1=4x. Therefore applying this to each of the terms in the given polynomial we get an answer of f '(x)= 9x2 - 6x-4 - (1/2)x-1/2

FE
Answered by Fred E. Maths tutor

3790 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Question 6 from Aqa 2017 June paper for C4, the vector question


Find the stationary points on y = x^3 + 3x^2 + 4 and identify whether these are maximum or minimum points.


The curve C has equation y = 3x^4 – 8x^3 – 3 Find (i) dy/dx (ii) the co-ordinates of the stationary point(s)


Solve for x, 5sin(x) - 3cos(x) = 2 , in the interval 0<x<2pi


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences