Calculating (g∘f)'(6) using the Chain Rule and Dot Product

  • Thread starter squenshl
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In summary, "##(g\circ f)'(6)##" represents the derivative of the composite function g(f(x)), evaluated at x=6. To find its value, you will need to determine the functions g(x) and f(x) and use the chain rule. This rule states that the derivative of a composite function is equal to the derivative of the outer function multiplied by the derivative of the inner function. The value of "##(g\circ f)'(6)##" may be simplified in some cases, but in most cases, it will be a complex expression. This value can provide information about the rate of change of the composite function and the relationship between the original functions g(x) and f(x).
  • #1
squenshl
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4
Homework Statement
Suppose that ##\alpha,\beta: \mathbb{R}\to \mathbb{R}## and ##g: \mathbb{R}^2\to \mathbb{R}## are differentiable functions and ##f: \mathbb{R}\to \mathbb{R}^2## is the function defined by ##f(t) = (\alpha(t),\beta(t))##. Suppose further that
$$f(6) = (10,-10), \quad \alpha'(6) = 4, \quad \beta'(6) = -3, \quad g_x(10,-10) = -1, \quad \text{and} \quad g_y(10,-10) = -2.$$
Then ##(g\circ f)'(6)## equals to
1. ##24##.
2. ##-24##.
3. ##2##.
4. ##0##.
5. ##-2##.
Relevant Equations
Multivariate chain rule formula.
The solution is 3: It's just ##(g\circ f)'(6) = (-1,-2)\cdot (4,-3) = (-1\times 4)+((-2)\times (-3)) = -4+6 = 2## using the multi-variate chain rule and the dot product.

Is this correct and if not how do I go about doing it?
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Yes, it's correct.
 
  • #3
Thanks!
 
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1. What does "##(g\circ f)'(6)##" mean?

##(g\circ f)'(6)## represents the derivative of the composite function g(f(x)), evaluated at x = 6.

2. How do I solve for ##(g\circ f)'(6)##?

To solve for ##(g\circ f)'(6)##, you must first find the individual derivatives of g(x) and f(x). Then, substitute f(6) into the derivative of g(x) to get the derivative of g(f(x)) at x = 6.

3. What is the purpose of finding ##(g\circ f)'(6)##?

The derivative of a composite function can be used to find the rate of change at a specific point on the graph. It can also help in solving optimization problems and understanding the behavior of the composite function.

4. Can I use the chain rule to find ##(g\circ f)'(6)##?

Yes, the chain rule is used to find the derivative of a composite function. By using the chain rule, you can find the derivative of g(f(x)) at x = 6.

5. What is the difference between ##(g\circ f)'(6)## and ##g'(f(6))##?

##(g\circ f)'(6)## represents the derivative of the composite function g(f(x)), evaluated at x = 6. This means that the derivative is taken with respect to the input variable, x. On the other hand, ##g'(f(6))## represents the derivative of the function g(x), evaluated at f(6). This means that the derivative is taken with respect to the output variable, f(x).

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