# Thread: Derivatives of Square Roots

1. ## Derivatives of Square Roots

When taking the derivative of: 14/t + 12/t^4 + (square root of 2), how can I simplify the square root of 2 so I can complete the problem? Thanks!

2. ## Re: Derivatives of Square Roots

Originally Posted by tfs985
When taking the derivative of: 14/t + 12/t^4 + (square root of 2), how can I simplify the square root of 2 so I can complete the problem? Thanks!

$\frac{14}{t} + \frac{12}{t^4 + \sqrt{2}}$

or

$\frac{14}{t} + \frac{12}{t^4} + \sqrt{2}$

or something else???

3. ## Re: Derivatives of Square Roots

Originally Posted by tfs985
When taking the derivative of: 14/t + 12/t^4 + (square root of 2), how can I simplify the square root of 2 so I can complete the problem? Thanks!
$\sqrt{2}$ is a constant.

4. ## Re: Derivatives of Square Roots

Originally Posted by skeeter

$\frac{14}{t} + \frac{12}{t^4 + \sqrt{2}}$

or

$\frac{14}{t} + \frac{12}{t^4} + \sqrt{2}$

or something else???
Sorry for the confusion, it's the 2nd (bottom) expression you listed.

5. ## Re: Derivatives of Square Roots

Originally Posted by tfs985
Sorry for the confusion, it's the 2nd (bottom) expression you listed.
then pay attention to post #3

6. ## Re: Derivatives of Square Roots

Why do you want to simplify $\sqrt{2}$? It's a constant number and the derivative of a constant number is ... ? For the other terms you have to use $\frac{d}{dx}x^{n}=n\cdot x^{n-1}$ and offcourse the chain rule where necessary.