Chain Rule — Question 1

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Question 1

Differentiate the function: f(x)=1+e3x2f(x) = \sqrt{1 + e^{3x^2}}

Clearly show how the chain rule is used in multiple layers.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 3-9-001
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Question 1 - Solution

We are given: f(x)=1+e3x2=(1+e3x2)1/2f(x) = \sqrt{1 + e^{3x^2}} = (1 + e^{3x^2})^{1/2}

Use the chain rule:

f′(x)=12(1+e3x2)−1/2⋅ddx(1+e3x2)f'(x) = \frac{1}{2}(1 + e^{3x^2})^{-1/2} \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(1 + e^{3x^2})

=121+e3x2⋅ddx(e3x2)= \frac{1}{2\sqrt{1 + e^{3x^2}}} \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(e^{3x^2})

Now apply the chain rule again to e3x2e^{3x^2}:

ddx(e3x2)=e3x2⋅ddx(3x2)=e3x2⋅6x\frac{d}{dx}(e^{3x^2}) = e^{3x^2} \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(3x^2) = e^{3x^2} \cdot 6x

Putting it all together: f′(x)=121+e3x2⋅e3x2⋅6x=3x⋅e3x21+e3x2f'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{1 + e^{3x^2}}} \cdot e^{3x^2} \cdot 6x = \boxed{\frac{3x \cdot e^{3x^2}}{\sqrt{1 + e^{3x^2}}}}

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 3-9-001

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