f(x) = (2x2 - 2)-1

Question

2x2 is 2x to the second power.

 

Calculate the derivative of the function using the chain rule. 

Answer 1

Hi Jordan,

As written your problem is

(2x)² -2 -1 = 4x² -3

Then the derivative is 8x which does not need the chain rule!

 

If you also mean for the -1 to be an exponent, then you should use the "x²" tool in the toolbar to show it. (2x² - 2)^-1

 

Maybe your actual problem should be written [(2x)² -2]^-1 which can use the chain rule.

let u =(2x)² -2, then du/dx = 8x

d(u^-1)/du = -u^-2

so the derivative is (-u^-2)(8x) = (-8x)[(2x)² -2]^-2