Applying Differentiation Rules

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of calculus and explore the differentiation of a composite function. Specifically, we will examine the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$ and apply the appropriate rules, including the chain rule, to find its derivative ${$ f^{\prime}(x) $}$. This will involve a step-by-step approach, breaking down the process into manageable parts and providing a clear understanding of the underlying concepts.

Applying Differentiation Rules

To find the derivative of the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$, we will employ the following differentiation rules:

Power Rule: If ${$ f(x) = x^n $}$, then ${$ f^{\prime}(x) = nx^{n-1} $}$.
Chain Rule: If ${$ f(x) = g(h(x)) $}$, then ${$ f^{\prime}(x) = g^{\prime}(h(x)) \cdot h^{\prime}(x) $}$.

Step 1: Differentiating the First Term

The first term in the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$ is ${$ 3^x $}$. To find its derivative, we will apply the Power Rule.

${$ \frac{d}{dx} 3^x = 3^x \ln(3) $}$

Here, ${$ \ln(3) $}$ is the natural logarithm of 3.

Step 2: Differentiating the Second Term

The second term in the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$ is ${$ x $}$. To find its derivative, we will apply the Power Rule.

${$ \frac{d}{dx} x = 1 $}$

Step 3: Applying the Chain Rule

Now that we have found the derivatives of the individual terms, we can apply the Chain Rule to find the derivative of the entire function.

${$ f^{\prime}(x) = \frac{d}{dx} (3^x + x) = \frac{d}{dx} 3^x + \frac{d}{dx} x = 3^x \ln(3) + 1 $}$

Conclusion

In this article, we have successfully applied the differentiation rules, including the chain rule, to find the derivative of the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$. We have broken down the process into manageable parts, providing a clear understanding of the underlying concepts. The final derivative is ${$ f^{\prime}(x) = 3^x \ln(3) + 1 $}$.

Example Use Cases

The derivative of the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$ has numerous applications in various fields, including:

Physics: The derivative is used to describe the rate of change of physical quantities, such as velocity and acceleration.
Engineering: The derivative is used to optimize systems and design new technologies.
Economics: The derivative is used to model economic systems and make predictions about future trends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When differentiating composite functions, it is essential to avoid the following common mistakes:

Forgetting to apply the chain rule: Failing to apply the chain rule can lead to incorrect derivatives.
Not simplifying the derivative: Failing to simplify the derivative can make it difficult to work with and may lead to incorrect conclusions.

Conclusion

$In conclusion, the differentiation of composite functions is a crucial concept in calculus. By applying the appropriate rules, including the chain rule, we can find the derivative of complex functions. The derivative of the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x \$}$ is ${$ f^{\prime}(x) = 3^x \ln(3) + 1 \$}$. This result has numerous applications in various fields and is an essential tool for problem-solving in calculus.<br/> **Differentiation of a Composite Function: A Q&A Guide**$

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the differentiation of a composite function, specifically the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$. We applied the appropriate rules, including the chain rule, to find its derivative ${$ f^{\prime}(x) $}$. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you better understand the concepts and techniques involved in differentiating composite functions.

Q: What is a composite function?

A composite function is a function that is composed of two or more functions. In the case of the function ${$ f(x) = 3^x + x $}$, it is a composite function because it is the sum of two functions: ${$ 3^x $}$ and ${$ x $}$.

Q: What is the chain rule?

The chain rule is a differentiation rule that is used to find the derivative of a composite function. It states that if ${$ f(x) = g(h(x)) $}$, then ${$ f^{\prime}(x) = g^{\prime}(h(x)) \cdot h^{\prime}(x) $}$.

Q: How do I apply the chain rule?

To apply the chain rule, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the outer function ${$ g(x) $}$ and the inner function ${$ h(x) $}$.
Find the derivative of the outer function ${$ g^{\prime}(x) $}$.
Find the derivative of the inner function ${$ h^{\prime}(x) $}$.
Multiply the derivatives of the outer and inner functions to get the final derivative.

Q: What is the power rule?

The power rule is a differentiation rule that is used to find the derivative of a function of the form ${$ x^n $}$. It states that if ${$ f(x) = x^n $}$, then ${$ f^{\prime}(x) = nx^{n-1} $}$.

Q: How do I apply the power rule?

To apply the power rule, you need to follow these steps:

Identify the exponent ${$ n $}$ of the function ${$ x^n $}$.
Multiply the exponent by the coefficient of the function (if it has one).
Reduce the exponent by 1.
Write the result as ${$ nx^{n-1} $}$.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when differentiating composite functions?

Some common mistakes to avoid when differentiating composite functions include:

Forgetting to apply the chain rule.
Not simplifying the derivative.
Failing to identify the outer and inner functions.
Making errors when applying the power rule.

Q: How do I check my work when differentiating composite functions?

To check your work when differentiating composite functions, you can follow these steps:

Verify that you have applied the chain rule correctly.
Check that you have simplified the derivative.
Make sure that you have identified the outer and inner functions correctly.
Use a calculator or computer software to check your answer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, differentiating composite functions is a crucial concept in calculus. By applying the appropriate rules, including the chain rule and the power rule, we can find the derivative of complex functions. This Q&A guide has provided you with a better understanding of the concepts and techniques involved in differentiating composite functions. Remember to avoid common mistakes and to check your work carefully to ensure accuracy.