Maths help

SoSolid · 22 Oct 2006 at 22:43

I am confused as to what the following question is looking for. Calculate the first three derivatives of the function y = (1-3x^2)^1/2 at x =0. Now normally i would differentiate this 3 times but i am slightly confused at what it means by "at x = 0". I am not looking for someone to do the question for me, just to clarify what exactly it is I have to do.

SoSolid · 22 Oct 2006 at 22:47

That's what I was thinking I had to do, but is that not just the same thing as the Maclaurin series where u put f(0)?

SoSolid · 22 Oct 2006 at 22:59

anyone?

SoSolid · 22 Oct 2006 at 23:20

Ok I really am confused. Could someone possibly do the question so I can see the correct method?

SoSolid · 22 Oct 2006 at 23:24

Hey thanks for that, but I know how to differentiate these functions it's just that if I set x=0 then surely every evaluation will result in 0. I guess I have misinterpruted this part and would really like someone to show me how to do this.

SoSolid · 22 Oct 2006 at 23:35

its in the first post. I think i got it now, you need to use the chain and the product rule.

SoSolid · 23 Oct 2006 at 00:23

Yeh the problem is i am struggling to find y''. Can someone please help me to do this?

SoSolid · 23 Oct 2006 at 01:16

Thanks a lot I get it now. What about the last one is that the same method?

SoSolid · 23 Oct 2006 at 01:40

where you got 54 x I think you have forgot to multiply by -3/2 as i get -81x^3.