How can I find the second derivative of y=xtanx?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative of the function y = x tan(x). Participants are exploring the correct application of differentiation rules, particularly the product rule, in the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the second derivative but expresses confusion after calculating the first derivative. Some participants question the correctness of the initial derivative and suggest using the product rule. Others propose different forms of the second derivative and discuss the implications of converting to sine and cosine functions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering various perspectives on the differentiation process. There is a mix of suggestions regarding the approach to finding the second derivative, with some participants providing alternative forms of the answer. No consensus has been reached, but there is a productive exchange of ideas and methods.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of correctly applying the product rule and express uncertainty about the original poster's calculations. There is also mention of the need to convert the first derivative into a specific form before proceeding with further differentiation.

ms. confused
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Hey,

Anyone out there able to help me out? I'm trying to find y'' of the equation y=xtanx. I found y' to equal 1(sec²x) but I don't know what to do after that. I know the final answer should be 2cosx + 2xsinx/ cos³x after being simplified and stuff, but I am clueless as to how to get there. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me!
 
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Nope,it can't be.Are u sure u want to compute

[tex]\frac{d^{2}(x\tan x)}{dx^{2}}[/tex]...?

Then better apply the Leibniz rule with care.

Daniel.
 
You mean 2cosx + 2xsinx/ cos³x isn't the right answer or the y' I came up with to help me get the y'' isn't right?
 
Do you how to get to this result

[tex]\frac{d(x\tan x)}{dx}=\tan x +x\sec^{2}x[/tex]...?

If u do,i don't see any reason not to compute the 2-nd derivative correctly.

Daniel.
 
Oh,your final aswer for the 2-nd derivative is in terms of "sin" & "cos",u'd better conver the 1-st derivative to a form containing "sin" a "cos" b4 the differentiation.

Daniel.
 
Your first derivative is wrong. You need to use the product rule. Do you remember it?
 
Data is right use the product rule to find first derivative and in finding the second derivative also.

[tex]\frac{d(x\tan x)}{dx}=\tan x +x\sec^{2}x[/tex]


[tex]\frac{d^2(x\tan x)}{dx^2}= \frac{(2)(\cos{x} +x\sin{x})}{\cos^3{x}}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
indeed. Or for the second derivative you can just take it without converting to sines and cosines and get [itex]2\sec^2{x} + 2x\sec^2{x}\tan{x}[/itex], an equivalent answer.
 
Data said:
indeed. Or for the second derivative you can just take it without converting to sines and cosines and get [itex]2\sec^2{x} + 2x\sec^2{x}\tan{x}[/itex], an equivalent answer.

Where did you get the 2's from? Why isn't it just [itex]sec^2{x} + sec^2{x}\tan{x}[/itex]
 
  • #10
[tex]\frac{d}{dx} (\tan{x} + x\sec^2{x}) = \sec^2{x} + \frac{d}{dx} x\sec^2{x}[/tex]

[tex]= \sec^2{x} + \left(\sec^2{x}\frac{d}{dx} x + x \frac{d}{dx}\sec^2{x}\right)[/tex] <------- Product Rule

[tex]= \sec^2{x} + \left(\sec^2{x} + x\left(2(\sec{x}\tan{x})\sec{x}\right)\right)[/tex] <----- Chain Rule

[tex]= \sec^2{x} + \sec^2{x} + 2x\sec^2{x}\tan{x}[/tex]

[tex]= 2\sec^2{x} + 2x\sec^2{x}\tan{x}[/tex]

Remember, when you're taking the derivative of a product, you need to use the product rule:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx} f(x)g(x) = f^\prime(x)g(x) + g^\prime(x)f(x) \neq f^\prime(x)g^\prime(x)[/tex]
 
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