Taking the Derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2)

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In summary, the derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2) is -2x * exp(-x^2). To take the derivative of this function, the power rule and chain rule can be applied. The derivative is important because it helps to find the slope of the tangent line on the curve, making it useful in various applications such as optimization and physics problems. The graph of f(x) = exp(-x^2) is a bell curve, while its derivative, -2x * exp(-x^2), is a steeper bell curve with a peak at x = 0. Some real-world applications of this function and its derivative include modeling probability distributions, calculating electric fields, and describing particle distributions.
  • #1
ksle82
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given function f(x) =exp(-x^2)

is f'(x) = -x^2*exp(-x^2), or

f'(x) = -x^2*exp(-x^2)*-2x= 2x^3*exp(-x^2)

just confused what the rules are when taking the derivation of those kind sof function
 
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What's wrong with the chain rule?
 
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[tex] f^{\prime}(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( e^{-x^2}\right) = e^{-x^2}\frac{d}{dx}\left( -x^2\right) [/tex]

that's the chain rule step, finish it off.
 

1. What is the derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2)?

The derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2) is -2x * exp(-x^2).

2. How do you take the derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2)?

To take the derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2), you can use the power rule and chain rule. First, rewrite the function as f(x) = e^-x^2 and then apply the power rule to get f'(x) = -2x * e^-x^2. Finally, use the chain rule to replace e^-x^2 with its derivative -2x * e^-x^2.

3. Why is the derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2) important?

The derivative of f(x) = exp(-x^2) is important because it is used to find the slope of the tangent line at any point on the curve. This is useful in many applications, such as optimization and physics problems.

4. Can you explain the graph of f(x) = exp(-x^2) and its derivative?

The graph of f(x) = exp(-x^2) is a bell curve, also known as a Gaussian curve. Its derivative, -2x * exp(-x^2), is also a bell curve but with a steeper slope and a peak at x = 0. The derivative represents the slope of the tangent line at each point on the graph of f(x) = exp(-x^2).

5. Are there any real-world applications of f(x) = exp(-x^2) and its derivative?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of f(x) = exp(-x^2) and its derivative. Some examples include modeling the probability distribution of a random variable, calculating the electric field around a point charge, and describing the distribution of particles in a gas.

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