\(f(x) = (x^{2} + 3)^{2}\) is defines on the set of real numbers, R. Find the gradient of f(x) at x = \(\frac{1}{2}\).

Answer Details

To find the gradient of \(f(x) = (x^2+3)^2\) at \(x=\frac{1}{2}\), we need to differentiate f(x) with respect to x and then substitute x = \(\frac{1}{2}\). Using the chain rule, we have: \begin{align*} \frac{d}{dx}[(x^2+3)^2] &= 2(x^2+3) \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(x^2+3) \\ &= 2(x^2+3) \cdot 2x \\ &= 4x(x^2+3) \end{align*} So, the gradient of \(f(x)\) is \(4x(x^2+3)\). Substituting \(x=\frac{1}{2}\), we get: \begin{align*} \text{Gradient of } f(x) \text{ at } x = \frac{1}{2} &= 4\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2+3\right) \\ &= 4\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(\frac{13}{4}\right) \\ &= \frac{13}{2} \\ &= 6.5 \end{align*} Therefore, the gradient of \(f(x)\) at \(x=\frac{1}{2}\) is 6.5.