Can someone help me find the derivative of y=$\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y=$\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$. Participants are exploring various methods for differentiation, including direct application of the chain rule and implicit differentiation. The context is primarily homework-related, with participants seeking assistance and verification of their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their derivative calculation but receives feedback indicating a potential error in their placement of parentheses.
  • Another participant suggests using implicit differentiation as a potentially easier method, providing a detailed step-by-step approach.
  • A different method is proposed involving the substitution of a function g(x) to simplify the differentiation process.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their methods and seek confirmation or correction from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct method or final answer, as multiple approaches are presented and participants express uncertainty about their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' calculations depend on the correct placement of parentheses, and there are unresolved steps in the differentiation process. The discussion reflects various interpretations of the problem without a definitive resolution.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in calculus, particularly in differentiation techniques and resolving complex expressions involving nested functions.

lastochka
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Hi, this is my online homework exercise. I think I did it right, but the system gives me wrong answer...
Can someone please check what I did
y=$\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$

y$^{\prime}$=$\frac{1}{2}$((x+(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$))$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$x$^\frac{-1}{2}$))
Thank you in advance!
 
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Is this your answer?

View attachment 4049

If no, then we can work towards getting that answer. :D
 

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Yes, this is what I have so far...
I am not sure how to do it your way.
Is what I did completely wrong??
 
lastochka said:
Hi, this is my online homework exercise. I think I did it right, but the system gives me wrong answer...
Can someone please check what I did
y=$\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$

y$^{\prime}$=$\frac{1}{2}$((x+(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$))$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$x$^\frac{-1}{2}$))
Thank you in advance!

Hi lastochka,

You seem to have a parenthesis in the wrong place.
It should be:
y$^{\prime}$=$\frac{1}{2}$(x+(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$x$^\frac{-1}{2}$))
 
$$\d{}{x}\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$$

Let $g(x)=\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}$ (for ease of reading)

Now, we have:
$$\d{}{x}\sqrt{x+g(x)}$$
$$=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x+g(x)}}\cdot (1+g'(x))$$Evaluate $g'(x)$
$$g'(x)=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}\cdot (1+\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}})=\frac{1+\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}}{2\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$$

Combining the answers:

$$\d{}{x}\sqrt{x+g(x)}=\frac{ (1+g'(x))}{2\sqrt{x+g(x)}}=\frac{ 1+\frac{1+\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}}{2\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}}{2\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}}$$
 
lastochka said:
Hi, this is my online homework exercise. I think I did it right, but the system gives me wrong answer...
Can someone please check what I did
y=$\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x+\sqrt{x}}}$

y$^{\prime}$=$\frac{1}{2}$((x+(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^{\frac{1}{2}}$)$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$(x+${x}^{\frac{1}{2}}$))$^\frac{-1}{2}$(1+$\frac{1}{2}$x$^\frac{-1}{2}$))
Thank you in advance!

Implicit differentiation may be easiest to use in this case:

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} y &= \sqrt{ x + \sqrt{ x + \sqrt{ x } } } \\ y^2 &= x + \sqrt{ x + \sqrt{x}} \\ y^2 - x &= \sqrt{ x + \sqrt{x}} \\ \left( y^2 - x \right) ^2 &= x + \sqrt{x} \\ y^4 - 2x\,y^2 + x^2 &= x + \sqrt{x} \\ \frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}x} \, \left( y^4 - 2x\,y^2 + x^2 \right) &= \frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}x} \, \left( x + \sqrt{x} \right) \\ 4y^3\,\frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} - 2 \left( y^2 + 2x\,y\,\frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} \right) + 2x &= 1 + \frac{1}{2\,\sqrt{x}} \\ 4y^3\,\frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} - 2y^2 - 4x\,y\,\frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} + 2x &= 1 + \frac{1}{2\,\sqrt{x}} \\ 4y \, \left( y^2 - x \right) \, \frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} &= 1 + \frac{1}{2\,\sqrt{x}} - 2x + 2y^2 \\ \frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} &= \frac{1 + \frac{1}{2\,\sqrt{x}} - 2x +2y^2}{4y\,\left( y^2 - x \right) } \end{align*}$

and when you substitute y in and simplify you should get the same as the answer given.
 
Thank you, everyone for your help!
 

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