Annoying d/dx: A Quick Guide to Derivatives

  • Thread starter Thread starter LyleX^Y
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating a complex expression involving exponential functions, specifically the derivative of e raised to various powers. Participants are exploring the application of differentiation rules, particularly the chain rule and product rule.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of a product of exponential functions and question the appropriate rules to apply, such as the chain rule versus the product rule. There is also a consideration of how to handle multiple derivatives in a single expression.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the differentiation process, noting the importance of recognizing function compositions. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of differentiation rules, with no clear consensus yet on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions that the problem is not for homework but is reflective of typical classroom exercises. There is also a note about the importance of correctly setting up the differentiation expression, as starting with "d/dx" can be misleading.

LyleX^Y
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
can you guyz help me with a quick derivative?

eeeex
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 [itex]\sqrt[/itex] = 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
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
4K