Annoying d/dx: A Quick Guide to Derivatives

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the differentiation of the function e^(e^(e^x)). Participants clarify that the chain rule, not the product rule, is necessary for computing the derivatives of nested exponential functions. The correct approach involves applying the chain rule iteratively to find the derivatives of e^(e^x), e^x, and x. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding function composition in calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the chain rule in calculus
  • Familiarity with exponential functions
  • Basic knowledge of derivatives
  • Ability to differentiate nested functions
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  • Study the application of the chain rule in depth
  • Practice differentiating nested exponential functions
  • Explore examples of function composition in calculus
  • Review the differences between the product rule and chain rule
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on differentiation techniques, and educators looking for clarification on teaching the chain rule and product rule.

LyleX^Y
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can you guyz help me with a quick derivative?

eeeex
 
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Hi LyleX^Y, Welcome to PF!:smile:

We're here to assist you, not to do your homework for you. As per forum rules, you must show some attempt at a solution, and are not supposed to ignore the homework help template.

So, what have you tried?
 
awww sorry this isn't a homework actually I am just thinking of a problem my teacher would do. hehe sorry

i got

d/dx=(eeeex)*(d/dx eeex)*(d/dx eex)*(d/dx ex)

i just can't get past that point i don't know how to do the product rule with 3 values.
 
LyleX^Y said:
awww sorry this isn't a homework actually I am just thinking of a problem my teacher would do. hehe sorry

i got

d/dx=(eeeex)*(d/dx eeex)*(d/dx eex)*(d/dx ex)

i just can't get past that point i don't know how to do the product rule with 3 values.

Well, so far so good:smile: (although it's the chain rule you're using, not the product rule)

Now try computing each of the derivatives in that product (use the chain rule again)... what are (d/dx eeex), (d/dx eex) and (d/dx ex)?
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Well, so far so good:smile: (although it's the chain rule you're using, not the product rule)

Now try computing each of the derivatives in that product (use the chain rule again)... what are (d/dx eeex), (d/dx eex) and (d/dx ex)?

dont i have to use the product rule for the 3 that i haven't take the d/dx of?

"(d/dx eeex), (d/dx eex) and (d/dx ex)?[/QUOTE]"
 
could we differentiate it like a^x by so it owuld be lna*a^x
 
LyleX^Y said:
dont i have to use the product rule for the 3 that i haven't take the d/dx of?

"(d/dx eeex), (d/dx eex) and (d/dx ex)?

No, since these aren't products -- they are function compositions, so you would need to use the chain rule. Think of it this way: if f(x) = ex, then eex = f(f(x)).
 
Last edited:
LyleX^Y said:
awww sorry this isn't a homework actually I am just thinking of a problem my teacher would do. hehe sorry

i got

d/dx=(eeeex)*(d/dx eeex)*(d/dx eex)*(d/dx ex)

i just can't get past that point i don't know how to do the product rule with 3 values.

I forgot to put this in my previous post. It doesn't make any sense to start and equation with d/dx. It's very much like saying \sqrt = 3. Each of these symbols represents an operation that is yet to be performed.
 
cragar said:
could we differentiate it like a^x by so it owuld be lna*a^x

That's the wrong way to go, since it would make the problem more difficult for no purpose. The basic function in this problem is already "the" exponential function, ex.
 
  • #10
ok thanks... thanks for the help... got to go do my midterm hehe thanks again
 

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