Differentiate each of the following from first principles:

We need to find derivative of f(x) = 1/√x


Derivative of a function f(x) from first principle is given by –


{where h is a very small positive number}


derivative of f(x) = 1/√x is given as –





Using algebra of limits –




Multiplying numerator and denominator by √x + √(x + h) to rationalise the expression so that we don’t get any indeterminate form after putting value of h



Using (a + b)(a – b) = a2 – b2



Using algebra of limits –





Hence,


Derivative of f(x) = 1/√x


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