Simple but i cant get it? Log derivative

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Struggling
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative Log
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the root of the equation x^2 log x = 1 using Newton's method. Participants explore the application of calculus, specifically derivatives, in the context of numerical methods for solving equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to handle the constant in the equation x^2 log x - 1 = 0 when applying Newton's method.
  • Another participant clarifies the definition of a root in the context of the function and emphasizes the importance of plotting the function to locate the root.
  • A participant provides the derivative of the function using the product rule, suggesting that the iterative formula for Newton's method should be based on this derivative.
  • There is a discussion about the correct application of the product rule, with one participant questioning their earlier calculations and expressing uncertainty about the derivative of the constant.
  • Another participant confirms that the derivative of a constant is zero, addressing the confusion regarding the constant in the derivative calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to find the derivative correctly and apply Newton's method, but there is some disagreement and confusion about the application of the product rule and the treatment of the constant in the derivative.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the correct application of the product rule and the implications of the constant in the derivative, indicating potential gaps in understanding that may affect their calculations.

Struggling
Messages
52
Reaction score
0
hi guys, I am new to forums and need help cause I am doing engineering 1st year, and I am horrible at maths and chemistry (bad match :confused: )

equation is simple,

x^2 Log x = 1,

i have no idea wat to do with the 1

i turned it into x^2 log x -1 = 0 and then used y'=uv' + vu' and got:
x log(x-1)
but i don't think its right because when i use Newtons method it comes out messed up.
any help would be appreciated.

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The first thing you need to learn, is to state your problem CLEARLY, both for yourself and others.

Is your problem to devise an algorithm (based on Newton's method) for numerical computation of the solution of this equation?
 
question:

Use Newtons method to locate the root of x^2 log x =1 correct to three decimal places.

f(x) = x^2 log x = 1
f '(x) = ?

is that what you mean?
 
Struggling said:
question:

Use Newtons method to locate the root of x^2 log x =1 correct to three decimal places.

f(x) = x^2 log x = 1
f '(x) = ?

is that what you mean?
First of all, you need to learn what a "root" is in this context.
Given som function H(x), we say that a number [tex]x^{*}[/tex] is a ROOT of H if we have [tex]H(x^{*})=0[/tex]

Now, by looking at your equation, what is the function you are to find the root to?
 
O.K so:

[tex]f(x) = x^2 \log x - 1[/tex]

Using the product rule:

[tex]f'(x) = x^2 \frac{1}{x} + 2 x \log x = x + 2x \log x = x(1 + 2 \log x)[/tex]

Which means your itterative forumulae for the Newton-Raphson should look something like:

[tex]x_i = x_{i-1} - \frac{f(x_{i-1})}{f'(x_{i-1})}[/tex]
 
Finding a root means finding the value of x (independent variable) when y (dependent variable) is 0.

Whenever you have a problem like that you should always plot it, the answer lies between 1.4 and 1.6 according to my plot
 
Last edited:
thank you all very much, i found the mistake in the product rule :biggrin:
 
Zurtex said:
O.K so:

[tex]f(x) = x^2 \log x - 1[/tex]

Using the product rule:

[tex]f'(x) = x^2 \frac{1}{x} + 2 x \log x = x + 2x \log x = x(1 + 2 \log x)[/tex]

Which means your itterative forumulae for the Newton-Raphson should look something like:

[tex]x_i = x_{i-1} - \frac{f(x_{i-1})}{f'(x_{i-1})}[/tex]


sorry to bring this back up again i was just going over my notes and its better than restarting the thread.
using the product rule y' = uv'+vu'

shouldnt the equation be x^2(1/x-1) + (log x-1)(2x)?

dat means it would be y' = -x + 2x log x - 1 ?

because derivative of a log is log x = 1/x

im just a little confused what happens with the 1
 
Struggling said:
im just a little confused what happens with the 1

The derivative of a constant is 0.
 
  • #10
Struggling said:
sorry to bring this back up again i was just going over my notes and its better than restarting the thread.
using the product rule y' = uv'+vu'

shouldnt the equation be x^2(1/x-1) + (log x-1)(2x)?

dat means it would be y' = -x + 2x log x - 1 ?

because derivative of a log is log x = 1/x

im just a little confused what happens with the 1
It's quite simple :smile: :

[tex]\frac{d}{dx} \left( x^2 \log x - 1 \right) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( x^2 \log x \right) + \frac{d}{dx}(-1) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( x^2 \log x \right) + 0[/tex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
17K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K