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Determine the derivative of $\frac{1}{x}$ .

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Lesson Parent:

Problem:

Answer:

$f\,'(x)=-\frac{1}{x^2}$

Solution:

Because we have $x$ in the denominator it is best to use the quotient rule. In other words, let's say that

We could have also followed the prescription here and written $f(x)$ as <Sign in to see all the formulas> and used

to find that

Both methods are valid and give the same result so pick the method you prefer and keep it in your head for a test.