Absolutely STUCK on a 2nd derivative

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the second derivative of the function y = √(x² + x - 2). Participants are discussing the application of the Chain Rule and Quotient Rule in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share their attempts at calculating the first and second derivatives, noting discrepancies between their results and those found in a textbook. Questions arise regarding the simplification process and the correctness of the second derivative.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on manipulating the expressions to reach a form that aligns with the textbook, while others express confusion about the necessity of certain steps, particularly regarding simplification and multiplication of terms.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential errors in the textbook's simplification process, leading to discussions about the validity of different forms of the second derivative. Participants are also navigating LaTeX formatting issues in their posts.

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Absolutely STUCK on a 2nd derivative!

Homework Statement



The problem is to find the second derivative of y= [tex]\sqrt{x^2+x-2}[\tex]<br /> <br /> <h2>Homework Equations</h2><br /> <br /> I know I have to use the Chain Rule and the Quotient Rule.<br /> <br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> <br /> So, I've gotten the first derivative (checking the book) to make sure I am right...<br /> <br /> y'= [tex]\frac{\2x+1}{2\sqrt{x^2+x-2}[\tex]<br /> <br /> Moving on...I've managed to set up the 2nd as so...<br /> <br /> y''=[tex]\frac{(x^2+x-2)^2(2)-(2x+1)(1/2)(x^2+x-2)^-1/2(2x+1)}{2(x^2+x-2)^3/2}[\tex]<br /> <br /> And this is where I get stuck, because the book ends up getting something like...<br /> <br /> y''=[tex]\frac{-4x^2-4x-10}{4(x^2+x-2)^3/2}[\tex]<br /> <br /> I can't figure out how they get that in the end. When I factor out the [tex](x^2+x-2)[\tex] from the top and bottom my numerator looks waaaay off. Is it something I am doing with the factoring/canceling of the forementioned term?[/tex][/tex][/tex][/tex][/tex]
 
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mateomy said:

Homework Statement



The problem is to find the second derivative of y= [tex]\sqrt{x^2+x-2}[/tex]

Homework Equations



I know I have to use the Chain Rule and the Quotient Rule.

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I've gotten the first derivative (checking the book) to make sure I am right...

y'= [tex]\frac{2x+1}{2\sqrt{x^2+x-2}}[/tex]

Moving on...I've managed to set up the 2nd as so...

y''=[tex]\frac{(x^2+x-2)^2(2)-(2x+1)(1/2)(x^2+x-2)^-1/2(2x+1)}{2(x^2+x-2)^3/2}[/tex]

And this is where I get stuck, because the book ends up getting something like...

y''=[tex]\frac{-4x^2-4x-10}{4(x^2+x-2)^3/2}[/tex]

I can't figure out how they get that in the end. When I factor out the [tex](x^2+x-2)[/tex] from the top and bottom my numerator looks waaaay off. Is it something I am doing with the factoring/canceling of the forementioned term?

Fixed your latex. Remember that the right side is [/tex] not [\tex]
 
Last edited:


Thanks for that. I am reading on how to use LaTeX right now. Again, thanks.
 


Hello there,

here is the problem, your second derivative is wrong it should be:

y"= [2(x^2+x-2)^(1/2)-( {((2x+1)^2)/(2(x^2+x-2)^(1/2))} )] /(2(x^2+x-2))

then what you have to do is multiply by (x^2+x-2)^(1/2) both the numerator and the denominator

thus you'll obtain this form :

y" = (2(x^2+x-2)-(2x+1)^2)/(2(x^2+x-2)^(3/2))

all you have to do now is develop the numerator of this expression and you'll get this :

y" = (-2x^2-2x-5)/(2(x^2+x-2)^(3/2))

here you go, and to get the exact one like the book, u have to multiply by 2 both numerators and denominators... Your book should have done the simplification already though...
 


joeghal87 said:
Hello there,

here is the problem, your second derivative is wrong it should be:

y"= [2(x^2+x-2)^(1/2)-( {((2x+1)^2)/(2(x^2+x-2)^(1/2))} )] /(2(x^2+x-2))

then what you have to do is multiply by (x^2+x-2)^(1/2) both the numerator and the denominator

thus you'll obtain this form :

y" = (2(x^2+x-2)-(2x+1)^2)/(2(x^2+x-2)^(3/2))

all you have to do now is develop the numerator of this expression and you'll get this :

y" = (-2x^2-2x-5)/(2(x^2+x-2)^(3/2))

here you go, and to get the exact one like the book, u have to multiply by 2 both numerators and denominators... Your book should have done the simplification already though...


Thanks, but I am still confused. Why would you want to multiply the denominator and numerator by 2? I know it will make the expression match what I have in the book, but what would be the ultimate purpose (besides and answer match) to doing the multiplication?

Super appreciative for the help, btw.
 


the purpose : absolutely nothing at all :) actually your book just didn't simplify the expression to the fullest... if you divide by 2 the numerator and deminator in the final expression reached from the book, you get to the one I found... like I said, they should have done the simplification themselves :)

and you're welcome ! anytime :)
 


Thank you so much. I've been pacing around all morning trying to figure out why that looked the way it did.

And now...on to yet more problems.

THANKS!
 

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