y = x*(x-2)^-1/2. Prove dy\dx = (x-4)/2*(x-2)^3/2

Firstly, when approaching a differentiation question you need to work out what method you need to use to solve it. As you can see there are two terms multiplied by one another (the 'x' term and the '(x-2)-1/2' term), therefore the product rule must be used. 

Making u = x and v = (x-2)-1/2

du/dx = 1 dv/dx = -1/2*(x-2)-3/2

Substituing these things into the Product Rule equation we get: 

dy/dx = -x/2*(x-2)-3/2 + (x-2)-1/2

Now we need to focus on manipulating this equation to match the one given in the question. To start with we will take out a factor of (x-2)-3/2 giving: 

dy/dx = (x-2)-3/2*(-x/2 + x-2) 

Simplyfying : 

dy/dx = (x-2)-3/2* (x/2 -2)

Multiplying by 2 : 

dy/dx = (x-4)/2*(x-2)3/2

Answered by Graham R. Maths tutor

6077 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show how you can rewrite (x+1)(x-2)(x+3) into the form of ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d


Differentiate the function y = cos(sin(2x))?


Find the integral of the following equation: y = cos^2(x)


Integrate the following equation to find y: dy/dx = 3x^2 + 2x + 6


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences