Identify function: Identify the function to differentiate.We need to find the derivative of the function f(x)=ex1 with respect to x.
Apply chain rule: Apply the chain rule for differentiation.The chain rule states that the derivative of a composite function is the derivative of the outer function evaluated at the inner function times the derivative of the inner function. In this case, the outer function is eu, where u=x1, and the inner function is x1.
Differentiate outer function: Differentiate the outer function.The derivative of eu with respect to u is eu. So, the derivative of e1/x with respect to 1/x is e1/x.
Differentiate inner function: Differentiate the inner function.The derivative of x1 with respect to x is −x21.
Apply chain rule multiplication: Apply the chain rule by multiplying the derivatives from Step 3 and Step 4.The derivative of f(x) with respect to x is ex1 times −x21.
Write final answer: Write the final answer.The derivative of e1/x with respect to x is −(x2e1/x), which corresponds to answer choice (A).
More problems from Multiplication with rational exponents