Simple derivative question

How do I find the derivative of this function by first simplifying?

y= (x-a)/(sqrtx - sqrta) ; a is a positive constant.

Thanks a lot! The answer is 1/2sqrtx

Can someone briefly explain to me why x* sqrtx is x? I thought it was x^(3/2)..

The thing that comes to mind is to use difference of squares.

x - a = (sqrt(x) + sqrt(a)) (sqrt(x) - sqrt(a))

So the second factor cancels out and y = sqrt(x) + sqrt(a)

The answer should be (1/2)x^(-1/2). That sqrt(x) is in the denominator.

And you're correct that x * sqrt(x) is x^(3/2). Where does it say differently?