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Multiple Choice
Find the derivative of the function.
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Verified step by step guidance
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Identify the function for which you need to find the derivative: \( f(x) = \frac{2x - 1}{x^3 + 2} \). This is a rational function, so you will use the quotient rule to find its derivative.
Recall the quotient rule for derivatives: If \( f(x) = \frac{u(x)}{v(x)} \), then \( f'(x) = \frac{u'(x)v(x) - u(x)v'(x)}{(v(x))^2} \). Here, \( u(x) = 2x - 1 \) and \( v(x) = x^3 + 2 \).
Find the derivative of the numerator \( u(x) = 2x - 1 \). The derivative \( u'(x) \) is \( 2 \).
Find the derivative of the denominator \( v(x) = x^3 + 2 \). The derivative \( v'(x) \) is \( 3x^2 \).
Substitute \( u(x) \), \( u'(x) \), \( v(x) \), and \( v'(x) \) into the quotient rule formula: \( f'(x) = \frac{2(x^3 + 2) - (2x - 1)(3x^2)}{(x^3 + 2)^2} \). Simplify the expression to find the derivative.