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What is the derivative of the upper limit u=sqrt(t) for t>0t>0?

The derivative of the upper limit u=tu=\sqrt{t} with respect to tt is 1/(2t)1/(2\sqrt{t}). This factor is used in the chain rule when differentiating an integral with this variable upper limit.

Conditions

  • t>0t > 0.
  • The upper limit is defined as u=tu=\sqrt{t}.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the function u(t)=t=t1/2u(t) = \sqrt{t} = t^{1/2}.
  2. Apply the power rule for differentiation: d/dt(tn)=ntn−1d/dt (t^n) = n t^{n-1}.
  3. Calculate the derivative: (1/2)t−1/2(1/2) t^{-1/2}.
  4. Rewrite the result as 1/(2t)1/(2\sqrt{t}).

Example

The script states: 'The endpoint is u=√t, so for t>0t>0 its derivative is 1/(2√t).'

Common misconceptions

  • Calculating the derivative as 1/t1/\sqrt{t} (missing the factor of 1/21/2).
  • Calculating the derivative as −1/(2t)-1/(2\sqrt{t}) (incorrect sign).
  • Applying the derivative for t<0t<0 where the square root is not real or differentiable in the standard sense.

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