Derivative of 2/x

We now understand the derivative of 2/x. It is commonly represented as d/dx (2/x) or (2/x)', and its value is -2/x². The function 2/x has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable within its domain. The key concepts are mentioned below: - Reciprocal Function: A function of the form 1/x. - Power Rule: A rule for differentiating functions of the form xⁿ. - Negative Exponent: Represents the reciprocal of a number.

The derivative of 2/x can be denoted as d/dx (2/x) or (2/x)'. The formula we use to differentiate 2/x is: d/dx (2/x) = -2/x² The formula applies to all x ≠ 0.

We can derive the derivative of 2/x using proofs. To show this, we will use algebraic manipulation along with the rules of differentiation. There are several methods we use to prove this, such as: - By First Principle - Using Power Rule We will now demonstrate that the differentiation of 2/x results in -2/x² using the above-mentioned methods: By First Principle The derivative of 2/x can be proved using the First Principle, which expresses the derivative as the limit of the difference quotient. To find the derivative of 2/x using the first principle, consider f(x) = 2/x. Its derivative can be expressed as the following limit. f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h Given that f(x) = 2/x, we write f(x + h) = 2/(x + h). Substituting into the equation, f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [2/(x + h) - 2/x] / h = limₕ→₀ [2x - 2(x + h)] / [hx(x + h)] = limₕ→₀ [-2h] / [hx(x + h)] = limₕ→₀ [-2] / [x(x + h)] = -2/x² Thus, f'(x) = -2/x², hence proved. Using Power Rule To prove the differentiation of 2/x using the power rule, Rewrite 2/x as 2x⁻¹. Differentiate using the power rule: d/dx (2x⁻¹) = 2(-1)x⁻² = -2x⁻² = -2/x² Thus, the derivative of 2/x is -2/x².

When a function is differentiated several times, the derivatives obtained are referred to as higher-order derivatives. Higher-order derivatives can be a little tricky. To understand them better, think of a car where the speed changes (first derivative) and the rate at which the speed changes (second derivative) also changes. Higher-order derivatives make it easier to understand functions like 2/x. For the first derivative of a function, we write f′(x), which indicates how the function changes or its slope at a certain point. The second derivative is derived from the first derivative, which is denoted using f′′(x). Similarly, the third derivative, f′′′(x), is the result of the second derivative, and this pattern continues. For the nth derivative of 2/x, we generally use fⁿ(x) for the nth derivative, which tells us the change in the rate of change (continuing for higher-order derivatives).

When x = 0, the derivative is undefined because 2/x has a vertical asymptote there. For x > 0, the derivative of 2/x = -2/x², which is negative, indicating a decreasing function.

Derivative: The derivative of a function indicates how the given function changes in response to a slight change in x. Reciprocal Function: A function that is the reciprocal of another function, such as 1/x. Power Rule: A basic differentiation rule used for finding the derivative of power functions. Negative Exponent: Represents the reciprocal of a number, used in rewriting functions for differentiation. Undefined Points: Points where a function does not exist, such as division by zero.