Applying the Chain Rule to the Derivative of y=2x^{sinx}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y=2x^{sinx}, with participants exploring the application of the product rule and chain rule in differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to apply both the product rule and chain rule, with some questioning how to correctly use the chain rule in conjunction with the sine function. There are attempts to clarify the expression of the function and the differentiation process, with suggestions to transform the equation for easier manipulation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and corrections regarding the differentiation approach. Some have suggested taking logarithms to simplify the differentiation process, while others emphasize the importance of correctly applying the product and chain rules.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the function, specifically whether it is y=2x^{sinx} or y=2xsin(x), which may affect the differentiation approach. Participants are also reflecting on assumptions made during the differentiation process.

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[tex]y=2x^{sinx}[/tex]

i know i should use the product rule within a chain rule. but how can i use chain rule with sinx

is the anwser

[tex]y=-2x^{cosx}[/tex]

can anyone give me pointer to this easy problem and tell if am forgetting something.
 
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or maybe the answer is

[tex]y=-2cosx[/tex]
 
That definitely is not the answer. You need to realize what you're doing when you apply the chain rule. First of all, you are attemping to find [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex], which you have not indicated. Show your work and maybe we can help, but you first have to transform the equation into something you can work with (i.e. get rid of the exponent). How would you accomplish this?

Edit: Is your equation [itex]y=2xsin(x)[/itex] or [itex]y=2x^{sinx}[/itex]?
 
[itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] [tex]{y= 2x^{sinx}}[/tex]

product rule
[tex]f= 2 f'= 0<br /> g= x g'=?[/tex]
chain rule
[tex]f= x f'= 1<br /> g=? g'=?[/tex]
is the anser
[tex] y'=-2x^{cosx}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
You're making the assumption that:

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\;2x^{sin(x)}=-2x^{cos(x)}\rightarrow (f \circ g)' = f'\circ g\cdot g'=-2x^{cos(x)}[/tex]

It doesn't.

You're using the chain rule but incorrectly, use the product rule on the results.
 
Last edited:
To evaluate this derivative I would take logarithms of both sides to get ln(y)=sinx.ln(2x) and then differentiate implicitly.
 

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