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Derivative of an accumulation function via FTC Part 1

Let F(x)=∫4x1t dtF(x) = \displaystyle\int_4^x \frac{1}{\sqrt{t}}\, dt.

Using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, find F′(9)F'(9).

Hint

By FTC Part 1, F′(x)=f(x)F'(x) = f(x) where f(t)=1tf(t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{t}}. Since the upper limit is just xx (not a composite function), simply substitute x=9x = 9 into ff — no chain rule is needed here.

Step-by-step solution

By the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Part 1, since f(t)=1tf(t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{t}} is continuous near t=9t = 9, we have F′(x)=f(x)=1xF'(x) = f(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}. This holds for all xx in the domain where ff is continuous, in particular near x=9x = 9.

Substituting x=9x = 9 gives F′(9)=19=13F'(9) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{9}} = \frac{1}{3}.

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