Last updated on July 18th, 2025
We use the derivative of x^-1/2, which is -1/2 * x^-3/2, as a tool to understand how the function changes in response to a slight change in x. Derivatives help us calculate various rates of change in real-life situations. We will now talk about the derivative of x^-1/2 in detail.
We now understand the derivative of x^-1/2. It is commonly represented as d/dx (x^-1/2) or (x^-1/2)', and its value is -1/2 * x^-3/2. The function x^-1/2 has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable within its domain. The key concepts are mentioned below: Power Function: (x^n where n = -1/2). Power Rule: Rule for differentiating x^n. Negative Exponent: A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the absolute value of the exponent.
The derivative of x^-1/2 can be denoted as d/dx (x^-1/2) or (x^-1/2)'. The formula we use to differentiate x^-1/2 is: d/dx (x^-1/2) = -1/2 * x^-3/2 The formula applies to all x where x > 0.
We can derive the derivative of x^-1/2 using proofs. To show this, we will use the power rule 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 x^-1/2 results in -1/2 * x^-3/2 using these methods: By First Principle The derivative of x^-1/2 can be proved using the First Principle, which expresses the derivative as the limit of the difference quotient. To find the derivative of x^-1/2 using the first principle, we will consider f(x) = x^-1/2. Its derivative can be expressed as the following limit. f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h … (1) Given that f(x) = x^-1/2, we write f(x + h) = (x + h)^-1/2. Substituting these into equation (1), f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [(x + h)^-1/2 - x^-1/2] / h Using algebraic manipulation to combine the fractions, = limₕ→₀ [(x^-1/2(1 - (x + h)^1/2/x^1/2))] / h As h approaches zero, we get the derivative, f'(x) = -1/2 * x^-3/2. Hence, proved. Using Power Rule To prove the differentiation of x^-1/2 using the power rule, We use the formula: d/dx (x^n) = n * x^(n-1). Substituting n = -1/2 in the power rule, d/dx (x^-1/2) = (-1/2) * x^(-1/2 - 1) = -1/2 * x^-3/2. Thus, the derivative of x^-1/2 is -1/2 * x^-3/2.
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 x^-1/2. 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 x^-1/2, we generally use f^(n)(x) for the nth derivative of a function f(x) which tells us the change in the rate of change (continuing for higher-order derivatives).
When x is 0, the derivative is undefined because x^-1/2 has a vertical asymptote there. When x is 1, the derivative of x^-1/2 = -1/2 * 1^-3/2, which is -1/2.
Students frequently make mistakes when differentiating x^-1/2. These mistakes can be resolved by understanding the proper solutions. Here are a few common mistakes and ways to solve them:
Calculate the derivative of (x^-1/2 * x^3).
Here, we have f(x) = x^-1/2 * x^3. Using the product rule, f'(x) = u′v + uv′ In the given equation, u = x^-1/2 and v = x^3. Let’s differentiate each term, u′ = d/dx (x^-1/2) = -1/2 * x^-3/2 v′ = d/dx (x^3) = 3x^2 Substituting into the given equation, f'(x) = (-1/2 * x^-3/2) * x^3 + (x^-1/2) * 3x^2 Let’s simplify terms to get the final answer, f'(x) = -1/2 * x^3/2 + 3x^3/2 Thus, the derivative of the specified function is (5/2) * x^3/2.
We find the derivative of the given function by dividing the function into two parts. The first step is finding its derivative and then combining them using the product rule to get the final result.
A chemical concentration decreases over time according to the function C(t) = t^-1/2. Calculate the rate of change of concentration at t = 4 hours.
We have C(t) = t^-1/2 (concentration function)...(1) Now, we will differentiate the equation (1) Take the derivative of t^-1/2: dC/dt = -1/2 * t^-3/2 Given t = 4 (substitute this into the derivative) dC/dt = -1/2 * (4)^-3/2 = -1/2 * 1/8 = -1/16 Hence, the rate of change of concentration at t = 4 hours is -1/16.
We find the rate of change of concentration at t = 4 hours as -1/16, which means the concentration is decreasing at that rate at that specific time.
Derive the second derivative of the function y = x^-1/2.
The first step is to find the first derivative, dy/dx = -1/2 * x^-3/2...(1) Now we will differentiate equation (1) to get the second derivative: d²y/dx² = d/dx [-1/2 * x^-3/2] = -1/2 * (-3/2 * x^-5/2) = 3/4 * x^-5/2 Therefore, the second derivative of the function y = x^-1/2 is 3/4 * x^-5/2.
We use the step-by-step process, where we start with the first derivative. Using the power rule, we differentiate -1/2 * x^-3/2. We then simplify the terms to find the final answer.
Prove: d/dx ((3x)^-1/2) = -3/2 * (3x)^-3/2.
Let’s start using the chain rule: Consider y = (3x)^-1/2 To differentiate, we use the chain rule: dy/dx = -1/2 * (3x)^-3/2 * d/dx(3x) Since the derivative of 3x is 3, dy/dx = -1/2 * (3x)^-3/2 * 3 = -3/2 * (3x)^-3/2 Hence proved.
In this step-by-step process, we used the chain rule to differentiate the equation. Then, we replace 3x with its derivative. As a final step, we substitute y = (3x)^-1/2 to derive the equation.
Solve: d/dx ((x^2)/x^-1/2).
To differentiate the function, we use the quotient rule: d/dx ((x^2)/x^-1/2) = (d/dx (x^2) * x^-1/2 - x^2 * d/dx (x^-1/2)) / (x^-1/2)^2 We will substitute d/dx (x^2) = 2x and d/dx (x^-1/2) = -1/2 * x^-3/2 = (2x * x^-1/2 - x^2 * (-1/2 * x^-3/2)) / (x^-1) = (2x^1/2 + 1/2 * x^3/2) / (x^-1) Therefore, d/dx ((x^2)/x^-1/2) = (5/2) * x^1/2.
In this process, we differentiate the given function using the product rule and quotient rule. As a final step, we simplify the equation to obtain the final result.
Derivative: The derivative of a function indicates how the given function changes in response to a slight change in x. Power Rule: A differentiation rule used for functions of the form x^n. Negative Exponent: An exponent that indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the absolute value of the exponent. Reciprocal: A value that, when multiplied by the original number, results in 1. Asymptote: A line that a curve approaches without crossing.
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