Math 111 Problem Set 2

Provide well-presented solutions to the following problems. Present your work on clean pages that
are free from stray marks and writing. You may use any resource to aid in the completion of this
particular problem set; use good citation practices when appropriate. Remember that the purpose of
this assignment is to help prepare you for our tests and final exam. The solutions you submit should
be an accurate reflection of your individual understanding and calculations you personally are able to
complete. Solutions should be scanned as a PDF and submitted on Canvas.

1. (a) Compute the first, second, and third derivatives of

y = xex/2
n
d y
(b) Make a guess as to the nth derivative dx n , based on your answer to part (a).

Hint : If you don’t see a pattern, take more derivatives.

2. Find and simplify the first and second derivatives of

(2x + a)2/3
f (x) =
x

[Keep in mind that in this course, “to simplify” the derivative of a fraction implies a single
factored fraction with no negative exponents.]

3. Find the derivative of

2 − 3x
y=
4x2 − 1
step-by-step, applying just one derivative rule at each step. Indicate the rule used at each step.

4. Let p(x) be a polynomial.

(a) Show that if p(x) = (x − c)2 r(x) where r(x) is a polynomial, then p(c) = p0 (c) = 0.
(b) Show, conversely, if p(c) = p0 (c) = 0, then p(x) = (x − c)2 r(x) for some polynomial r(x).

You may use this theorem from algebra : If p(x) is a polynomial and p(c) = 0, then x − c is a
factor of p(x). That is, p(x) = (x − c)q(x) for some polynomial q(x).