Can the 3rd Derivative Theorem Simplify Calculating Higher Order Derivatives?

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The discussion centers on the existence of a theorem that allows for the direct calculation of higher-order derivatives, specifically the second and third derivatives, without first deriving the initial derivatives. Participants clarify that while no such overarching theorem exists, techniques like Taylor's theorem can facilitate the computation of higher-order derivatives for specific functions. The n! method is mentioned as a systematic approach to derive derivatives, but it still requires prior knowledge of lower-order derivatives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns in derivatives rather than relying on a singular theorem.

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Does a theorem exist for the derivation of a second or third derivative equation, without having to first derive the first and second equation derivatives?

Example equation:
\frac{d^3}{dx^3} \left( \frac{x}{2x - 1} \right)

 
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Orion1 said:
Does a theorem exist for the derivation of a second or third derivative equation, without having to first derive the first and second equation derivatives?

Example equation:
\frac{d^3}{dx^3} \left( \frac{x}{2x - 1} \right)

Take a look at Leibniz Identity.
 
Thats not what he's asking about, and to the OP: I don't believe so.
 
Hmm, yeah - if there is - it will make life much easier :p
 
Well, we can easily make them couldn't we :)?

\begin{array}{rcl}\frac{d^3}{dx^3}C &amp;=&amp; \frac{d}{dx}\frac{d}{dx}\frac{d}{dx}C\\<br /> &amp;=&amp; \frac{d}{dx}\frac{d}{dx}0\\<br /> &amp;=&amp; \frac{d}{dx}0\\<br /> &amp;=&amp; 0\end{array}

Thus we get our first theorem:

\frac{d^3}{dx^3}C &amp;=&amp; 0

etc etc...
 
Last edited:
C is a function of x.. you don't get a 0
 
I think he was being sarcastic and claiming C to stand for constant.
 
Nope,there's no theorem,but there are functions,"nice" ones,for which u can find,by a mere substitution,the derivative of arbitrary order.

To give you an example:take "sine".Compute its "n"-th order derivative.

Daniel.
 
Taylor's theorem. :smile:

If you can find the Taylor Series for the function around a, then you can read off the value of any derivative you want at a.

(Say... by using the geometric series formula)
 
  • #10
Hurkyl's advice is very satisfactory...with the help of taylor series any derivative cn be found..
 
  • #11
actually the example he gave is rather trivial if rewritten as [1/2][ 1 minus something like (2x-1)^(-1)]
 
  • #12
n factorial...



My calculus book describes using an n! method for obtaining derivatives:

Example equation:
y = \frac{1}{3x^3}

Where:
\frac{d^{n}y}{dx^{n}} = \frac{(-1)^n (n+2)!}{(6x^{n+3})}

Then:
\boxed{\frac{d^{3}y}{dx^{3}} = - \frac{20}{x^6}}

Unfortunately, the n! method originates after obtaining several of the original derivatives first.

Example equation 2 (post#1):
y = \frac{x}{2x - 1}

Where:
\frac{d^{n}y}{dx^{n}} = \frac{(-1)^n (2^{n-1}) n!}{(2x-1)^{n+1}}

Then:
\boxed{\frac{d^{3}y}{dx^{3}} = - \frac{24}{(2x - 1)^4}}

Which seems to indicate the existence of a missing theorem, therefore, what is the n! theorem?

 
Last edited:
  • #13
there's no theorem here, you're just finding patterns of derivatives and manipulating them. This is taught in Calc I..
 

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