Derivation with x^2 and root x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the expression x^2 √x, with participants exploring various approaches to derive the correct result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the product rule for differentiation and question the correctness of initial calculations. Some suggest simplifying expressions and eliminating square roots from denominators. Others explore an alternative method using exponent rules.

Discussion Status

The conversation has progressed with participants sharing their attempts and corrections. Some have found success in their calculations after revisiting their methods, while others are still clarifying the steps involved. There is an acknowledgment of different approaches being valid.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention issues with calculators and the importance of proper notation, indicating that formatting can affect the results obtained. There is also a reference to textbook answers, suggesting a comparison of results.

disregardthat
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Homework Statement



derivate: [tex]x^2 \sqrt{x}[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex](u \cdot v)^\prime = u^\prime \cdot v + v^\prime \cdot u[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I found:
[tex](x^2)^\prime = 2x[/tex]
[tex](\sqrt{x})^\prime = \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{x}}[/tex]

I entered them into the equation:

[tex]2x \cdot \sqrt{x} + x^2 \cdot \frac{1}{2 \sqrt{x}} = 2x \sqrt{x} + \frac{x^2}{2 \sqrt{x}}[/tex]

But this is not correct!
 
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Why do you think it is not correct?
 
Try to get rid of the square root in the denominator.
 
Can you simplify your last expression?
 
Ok, sorry. I checked it on my calculator many times and never got the correct result. But this time I did, by adding some extra brackets.. My calc just won't accept things with having it stuffed in with brackets!

Simplify? I guess you could simplify it:
[tex]2x \sqrt{x} + \frac{x^2}{2 \sqrt{x}} = \frac{4x^{1.5}}{2} + \frac{x^{1.5}}{2} = \frac{5x^{1.5}}{2} = \frac{5x \sqrt{x}}{2}[/tex]

Jesus christ, now my textbook's answer is correct too!
Well, I guess that's a good thing. I must have seen on it uncorrectly. I got it right now... Much making a topic about ...
 
FYI, you can do this problem without the product rule -- do you see how?
 
When you say it I think so, yes.

[tex]x^2 \sqrt{x} = x^{2+0.5} = x^{2.5} = x^{\frac{5}{2}}[/tex]

[tex](x^{\frac{5}{2}})^\prime = \frac{5}{2} \cdot x = \frac{5x}{2}[/tex]
 
Jarle said:
When you say it I think so, yes.

[tex]x^2 \sqrt{x} = x^{2+0.5} = x^{2.5} = x^{\frac{5}{2}}[/tex]

[tex](x^{\frac{5}{2}})^\prime = \frac{5}{2} \cdot x = \frac{5x}{2}[/tex]

missing exponent?
 
Of course
[tex]\frac{5x^{\frac{3}{2}}}{2}[/tex]
 

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