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Why does 16/x differentiate to -16/x^2?

y= 16/x

dy/dx= -16/x^2

???

I just can't see it! I'm doing a resit for C2, so maybe I'm rusty, but i don't think i got it the first time around either.

Thanks in advance!

Reply 1

Totally Tom

\frac{1}{x}=x^{-1}

Reply 2

LethalBizzle

16/x is the same as 16x^-1.

Can you do it from there?

Reply 3

Nat89

Because 16/x = 16 x^-1

Then just differentiate that, remembering the '-' sign, and that x^-2 = 1/x^2

Reply 4

kabbers

\frac{16}{x} = 16x^{-1}

The power rule for differentiation states that

\frac{d}{dx} ax^n = anx^{n-1}

So,

\frac{d}{dx} 16x^{-1} = -16x^{-2} = -\frac{16}{x^2}

Reply 5

Assaholic_*******

y=16/x
y=16.x^-1
dy/dx= (-1.16)x^(-1-1)

get that?

Reply 6

red_Rose

y = 16/x
y = 16 ^ x-1

dy/dx = 16^1x-2
dy/dx = 16 ^ x-2

dy/dx = 16/x^2

Reply 7

partcompany

ah! i am rusty. i was seeing that as x^-16, for some bizarre reason. now i can do it, thanks for the prompts!

Reply 8

Totally Tom

wow!

3 minutes and 6 replies.

And I'm first :biggrin:

Reply 9

LethalBizzle

6 replies - all pretty much the same.

Looks pretty silly XD

Reply 10

kabbers

Mine had latex and was thus the best :P

perhaps i'll include a proof :P

Reply 11

Assaholic_*******

how do u use latex?

Reply 12

generalebriety

Assaholic_*******

how do u use latex?

Click the link called "How to use latex" at the top. Alternatively, read the post named "PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING !!".

(You'd think making this post would get boring.)

Reply 13

cnwillis

generalebriety

Click the link called "How to use latex" at the top. Alternatively, read the post named "PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING !!".

(You'd think making this post would get boring.)

Maybe people would read it if it was called DON'T READ!! :wink:

People are nosey like that... :p:

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