Find f'(a) of sqrt(1 - 2x)

Question

Find f'(a) of √(1 - 2x)

Answer 1

Hi Mia,

I find it easier to differentiate square roots when I rewrite the equation as:

 

f(a) = (1 - 2x)^1/2

 

Now you can differentiate by moving 1/2 to the front of the parentheses and subtracting 1 (or 2/2) from the exponent . . .

1/2(1-2x) ^-1/2

 

Now you have to differentiate what's inside the parentheses:  the derivative of 1-2x is 2

 

And finally you multiply your results--> 2/2(1-2x)^-1/2 or (1-2x)^-1/2

 

You can rewrite it as 1 over the square root of (1-2x)

 

Dan