Step 1: Begin by identifying the function y = \frac{2\sqrt{x}}{3(1 + \sqrt{x})}. This is a rational function where both the numerator and the denominator involve square roots.
Step 2: Apply the quotient rule for derivatives, which states that if you have a function y = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)}, then the derivative dy/dx is given by \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{(v(x))^2}. Here, u(x) = 2\sqrt{x} and v(x) = 3(1 + \sqrt{x}).
Step 3: Find the derivative of the numerator u(x) = 2\sqrt{x}. The derivative u'(x) can be found using the chain rule. Recall that \sqrt{x} = x^{1/2}, so u'(x) = 2 \cdot \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2} = x^{-1/2}.
Step 4: Find the derivative of the denominator v(x) = 3(1 + \sqrt{x}). The derivative v'(x) involves differentiating 1 + \sqrt{x}. The derivative of \sqrt{x} is \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2}, so v'(x) = 3 \cdot \frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2} = \frac{3}{2}x^{-1/2}.
Step 5: Substitute u(x), u'(x), v(x), and v'(x) into the quotient rule formula: dy/dx = \frac{x^{-1/2} \cdot 3(1 + \sqrt{x}) - 2\sqrt{x} \cdot \frac{3}{2}x^{-1/2}}{(3(1 + \sqrt{x}))^2}. Simplify the expression to find the derivative dy/dx.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
5m
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivatives
A derivative represents the rate of change of a function with respect to its variable. It is a fundamental concept in calculus that allows us to determine how a function behaves at any given point. The derivative can be interpreted as the slope of the tangent line to the curve of the function at a specific point.
Differential form refers to the expression of derivatives in terms of differentials, typically denoted as dy and dx. In this context, dy represents the change in the function y as x changes, and is calculated using the derivative. This form is particularly useful for understanding how small changes in x affect y.
The quotient rule is a method for finding the derivative of a function that is the ratio of two other functions. If y = u/v, where u and v are functions of x, the derivative is given by dy/dx = (v(du/dx) - u(dv/dx)) / v². This rule is essential for differentiating functions like y = (2√x)/(3(1 + √x)), where both the numerator and denominator are functions of x.