# Math Help - Differentiating a fraction

1. ## Differentiating a fraction

ok i have this question and need some urgent help, i have to hand this in tomorrow and im rapidly falling very tired;

i am studying AS level mathematics on the aqa syllabus...

i have this question for homework:

A curve has the equation: $Y= X^4/4 + 32/X^2$

A: find $dy/dx$

i dont simply want the answer is it possible for anyone to give me a worked solution?

2. Originally Posted by Smithswood
ok i have this question and need some urgent help, i have to hand this in tomorrow and im rapidly falling very tired;

i am studying AS level mathematics on the aqa syllabus...

i have this question for homework:

A curve has the equation: Y= X^4/4 + 32/X^2

A: find dy/dx

i dont simply want the answer is it possible for anyone to give me a worked solution?

$y = \frac{x^4}{4} + \frac{32}{x^2} = \frac{x^4}{4} + 32 x^{-2}$.

Now apply the well known rule (to each term) that the derivative of $a x^n$ is $n a x^{n-1}$.

3. ## so...?

so $\frac{x^4}{4}$

would become $4x^3$

and how did you get $32x^-2$?

4. Originally Posted by Smithswood
so $\frac{x^4}{4}$
would become $4x^3$
No it would become $\frac{4x^3}{4}=x^3$

Originally Posted by Smithswood
and how did you get $32x^-2$?
$\frac{a}{b^n}=ab^{-n}$

5. ## therefore...

would it not be $32x^-1$

as $32 = 32x^1$?

$1 - 2 = -1$???

6. Originally Posted by Smithswood
would it not be $32x^-1$
No $\frac{32}{x^2}=32x^{-2}$ Note, this has not been differentiated yet.