Are These Second Derivative Theorems Correct and Simplifiable?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity and simplification of various second derivative theorems presented by participants. The scope includes theoretical exploration of calculus, particularly focusing on the second derivatives of functions and their applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Orion1 presents several second derivative theorems, including specific cases for polynomials and products of functions, and asks if they can be simplified.
  • Some participants express initial disagreement with certain theorems but later acknowledge understanding or appreciation of them, particularly the theorem for \(\frac{d^n}{dx^n} (x^n) = n!\).
  • A participant highlights the clarity of the product rule for second derivatives when expressed using prime notation, suggesting it reveals a pattern similar to the expansion of \((f+g)^2\).
  • Another participant introduces a more complex theorem involving \(u^v\) and provides a detailed expression for its second derivative, prompting questions about its correctness.
  • There is a correction regarding the missing factor in the second derivative theorem for \(u^v\), with a revised version provided by Orion1 that includes the factor \([1 + v \ln(u)]\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the theorems presented. There are multiple competing views, particularly regarding the completeness and accuracy of the second derivative expressions.

Contextual Notes

Some theorems are presented without full derivations or proofs, leading to potential gaps in understanding. The discussion also reflects varying levels of agreement on the interpretations of the presented theorems.

Orion1
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I am posting my theorems for peer review, anyone interested in posting some proofs using some simple functions?

Can these theorems be reduced into simpler equations?

Orion1 Second Derivative Theorems:
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} (x) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} (x^2) = 2[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d^n}{dx^n} (x^n) = n![/tex]
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} (x^n) = n(n - 1) x^{n - 2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} (x^{-n}) = n(n + 1)x^{-n - 2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} \left[ f(x) \pm g(x) \right] = \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [f(x)] \pm \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [g(x)][/tex]

[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} [f(x) \cdot g(x)] = \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [f(x)] \cdot g(x) + 2 \frac{d}{dx} [f(x)] \cdot \frac{d}{dx} [g(x)] + \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [g(x)] \cdot f(x)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} \left[ \frac{f(x)}{g(x)} \right] = \frac{\frac{d^2}{dx^2} [f(x)] \cdot [g(x)]^2 - 2 \frac{d}{dx} [f(x)] \cdot g(x) \cdot \frac{d}{dx} [g(x)] + \left[ g(x) \cdot \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [g(x)] - 2 \left( \frac{d}{dx} [g(x)] \right)^2 \right] \cdot f(x)}{[g(x)]^3}[/tex]

 
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[tex]\frac{d^n}{dx^n} (x^n) = n![/tex]

Ah, at first I disagreed. But now I see it. I like that one.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The pattern in [tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2} [f(x) \cdot g(x)] = \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [f(x)] \cdot g(x) + 2 \frac{d}{dx} [f(x)] \cdot \frac{d}{dx} [g(x)] + \frac{d^2}{dx^2} [g(x)] \cdot f(x)[/tex]
is more easily seen using the "prime" notation:
[tex](fg)'' = f''g+2f'g'+fg''[/tex]
...the coefficients are just like those in
[tex]\begin{align*}<br /> (f+g)^2<br /> &= f^2g^0+2f^1g^1+f^0g^2 <br /> \end{align*}[/tex]
 
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2}u^v=2u^{v-1}\frac{du}{dx}\frac{dv}{dx}+v(v-1)u^{v-2}(\frac{du}{dx})^2+v u^{v-1}\frac{d^2u}{dx^2}+u^v\log^2(u)(\frac{dv}{dx})^2+u^v\log(u)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex]
 
functional malfunction...

lurflurf theorem:
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2}u^v=2u^{v-1}\frac{du}{dx}\frac{dv}{dx}+v(v-1)u^{v-2}\left(\frac{du}{dx}\right)^2+vu^{v-1}\frac{d^2u}{dx^2}+u^v\log^2(u)\left(\frac{dv}{dx}\right)^2+ u^v\log(u)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex]



lurflurf, your theorem appears to be missing a factor: [tex][1 + v \ln(u)][/tex]

Orion1 second derivative theorem:
[tex]\frac{d^2}{dx^2}u^v=2u^{v-1}[1+v\ln(u)]\frac{du}{dx}\frac{dv}{dx}+v(v-1)u^{v-2}\left(\frac{du}{dx}\right)^2+vu^{v-1}\frac{d^2u}{dx^2}+u^v\ln^2(u)\left(\frac{dv}{dx}\right)^2+u^v\ln(u)\frac{d^2v}{dx^2}[/tex]

Is this theorem correct?

 
Last edited:

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