How do I differentiate a three-term product using the product rule?

In summary, the student had trouble differentiating the function etsintcost using the product rule. After making a mistake in substitution, they were able to correct it using the double angle formula and get the correct answer.
  • #1
McKendrigo
26
0

Homework Statement


Using the product rule, differentiate the following function:


Homework Equations


y = etsintcost


The Attempt at a Solution


The three term product rule says:

d/dx (uvw) = u'vw + uv'w + uvw'

I find u = et, u' = et, v = sint, v' = cost, w = cost and w' = -sint

Thus, dy/dx = etsintcost + etcos2t - etsin2t

= et(sintcost + cos2t -sin2t)

and since cos2t + sin2t = 1 we can finally re-write this as:

dy/dx = = et(sintcost - 1)

However my textbook answer states that:
dy/dx = = et(2cos2t + sintcost - 1)

I'm really not sure where this extra 2cos2t term comes from. Any help?

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
McKendrigo said:

Homework Statement


Using the product rule, differentiate the following function:

Homework Equations


y = etsintcost

The Attempt at a Solution


The three term product rule says:

d/dx (uvw) = u'vw + uv'w + uvw'

I find u = et, u' = et, v = sint, v' = cost, w = cost and w' = -sint

Thus, dy/dx = etsintcost + etcos2t - etsin2t

= et(sintcost + cos2t -sin2t)

and since cos2t + sin2t = 1 we can finally re-write this as:

dy/dx = = et(sintcost - 1)

However my textbook answer states that:
dy/dx = = et(2cos2t + sintcost - 1)

I'm really not sure where this extra 2cos2t term comes from. Any help?

Thanks in advance!

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

Your mistake was in the substitution you made, if [tex]sin^2x+cos^2x=1[/tex] then [tex]-(sin^2x+cos^2x)=-1[/tex] and that isn't what you had in the derivative equation.
 
  • #3
Arrrrrrgh! Thanks for pointing that out!

Use the double angle forumla:

cos2t - sin2t = 2cos2t -1

instead and it all works out fine.

Thanks again for your help.
 
  • #4
Yep :smile: Equivalently just rearrange the basic equation [tex]sin^2x+cos^2x=1[/tex] to [tex]sin^2x=1-cos^2x[/tex] and substitute in, but you probably already know that! :biggrin:
 

1. What is the product rule in differentiation?

The product rule is a formula used in calculus to find the derivative of two functions that are being multiplied together. It states that the derivative of the product of two functions is equal to the first function times the derivative of the second function, plus the second function times the derivative of the first function.

2. When is the product rule used in differentiation?

The product rule is used when differentiating a function that is a product of two or more simpler functions. It is also used when finding the derivative of a function that has terms that cannot be combined or simplified.

3. How is the product rule applied in differentiation?

To apply the product rule, you first identify the two functions that are being multiplied together. Then, you take the derivative of each function separately and use the formula: (f(x) * g(x))' = f'(x) * g(x) + f(x) * g'(x). Finally, you simplify the resulting expression to find the derivative of the original function.

4. What are the benefits of using the product rule in differentiation?

The product rule is a useful tool in differentiation as it allows you to find the derivative of complicated functions that cannot be easily simplified. It also provides a systematic approach for finding the derivative of a product of two functions, rather than having to use the limit definition of a derivative every time.

5. Are there any common mistakes when using the product rule in differentiation?

One common mistake when using the product rule is forgetting to apply the derivative to both of the functions being multiplied. Another mistake is using the product rule when the quotient rule should be used, as these two rules can sometimes be confused. It is important to carefully identify which rule should be used for each specific function.

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