How Do You Differentiate the Function 4e^t(e^(2t) - e^t)?

In summary, the conversation is about finding the derivative of a given expression and the attempt at solving it by subtracting exponents was incorrect. The correct approach is to distribute the factor and then use the chain rule. The conversation also clarifies the rules for subtracting indices.
  • #1
Quarkn
7
0

Homework Statement



find the derivative of: 4e^t((e^2t)-(e^t))

Homework Equations



d/dx[b^x] = lnb(b^x)d/dx(x)

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried subtracting the two exponents in the brackets as well as multiplying it out. both wrong. Help?
 
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  • #2
Should that read:
[tex]4e^{t}(e^{2t}-e^{t})[/tex] ?

You should make it easier on yourself and distribute that [itex]4e^{t}[/itex] through the parenthesis and then take the derivative. Remember to use the chainrule, for example, recall that:
[tex]\frac{d}{dx}e^{f(x)}=e^{f(x)}\frac{df(x)}{dx}[/tex]
 
  • #3
Quarkn said:

Homework Statement



find the derivative of: 4e^t((e^2t)-(e^t))

Homework Equations



d/dx[b^x] = lnb(b^x)d/dx(x)

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried subtracting the two exponents in the brackets as well as multiplying it out. both wrong. Help?

So just to be clear, you are trying to find

[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\left(4e^t\left(e^{2t}-e^t\right)\right)[/tex]

Correct?

Quarkn said:
I tried subtracting the two exponents in the brackets

[tex]e^{2t}-e^t\neq e^t[/tex]

if that's what you were implying. Remember the rules for subtracting indices are

[tex]\frac{a^b}{a^c}=a^{b-c}[/tex]

When you multiplied the factor out (expanded) what did you get?
 

1. What is the general formula for finding the derivative of exponents?

The general formula is f'(x) = axln(a), where a is the base of the exponent.

2. How do I find the derivative of an exponent with a variable as the base?

To find the derivative of an exponent with a variable as the base, use the formula f'(x) = axln(a) * ax * f'(x). This means that you multiply the original function by the natural logarithm of the base and then by the derivative of the exponent.

3. Can I use the power rule to find the derivative of an exponent?

No, the power rule only applies to exponents that are a constant number. To find the derivative of an exponent with a variable base, you must use the formula f'(x) = axln(a) * ax * f'(x).

4. What is the derivative of ex?

The derivative of ex is simply ex itself. This is because e is a special constant known as Euler's number, and its derivative is equal to itself.

5. How do I find the derivative of xn?

To find the derivative of xn, where n is any real number, use the formula f'(x) = n * xn-1. This is known as the power rule for derivatives and applies to any function with an exponent that is a constant number.

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