Derivatives of exponent x with a product

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function f(x) = 10(sin(x))^x at x = 1. Participants are exploring the application of logarithmic differentiation and the product and chain rules in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods of applying logarithmic differentiation, questioning the correctness of their manipulations and the application of differentiation rules. They explore the implications of constants in derivatives and the behavior of the sine function at specific values.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to differentiate the function, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts. Some have identified potential errors in their reasoning, while others are clarifying the application of differentiation rules. No explicit consensus has been reached, but productive dialogue is occurring.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of logarithmic differentiation and the specific behavior of trigonometric functions, with some confusion about the values of sine at certain points. The discussion reflects the challenges of applying calculus concepts correctly in a homework context.

cal.queen92
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Homework Statement



f(x) = 10(sin(x))^x ----> find f '(1)


The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried several different approaches, but still get stuck with a wrong answer every time

f(x) = 10(sin(x))^x let f(x) = y so y=10(sin(x))^x then ln y = ln10(sin(x))^x

using log. laws: lny = xln10(sin(x))

then differentiating implicitly using product and chain rule:

1/y*dy/dx = ln10(sin(x)) + 1/10(sinx) * 10(cosx)*x so

1/y*dy/dx = (ln10(sinx)) + (x(cosx)/(sinx))

then multiplying both sides by y to eliminates denominator:

dy/dx = ((10(sinx))^x)*((ln10(sinx))+(x(cosx)/(sinx))

^ this would be the unsimplified derivative ^

Now for f '(1) I would just plug in 1 where ever there is an x right?

I am doing something wrong, can anyone see my mistake? Thank you!
 
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[tex]\log (10 (\sin x)^x) \neq x \log (10 \sin x)[/tex]
[tex]\log (10^x (\sin x)^x) = x \log (10 \sin x)[/tex]
 
Hmmm I see, so then what if i try a different approach:

lny = ln10 + xln(sinx)

I continued this way but got the wrong answer again. Is this a logical way of approaching it?
 
That should work. What did you get for the derivative after making that change?
 
If I continue, I get:

(1/y)(dy/dx) = ((1/10)+((1/(sinx))(cosx)))

then

(1/y)(dy/dx) = ((1/10)+(cotx))

Then multiplying both sides by y:

dy/dx = (10(sin(x))^1)((1/10)+(cotx))

If I fill in the f(1) then it looks like:

dy/dx = (10(sin(1))^1)((1/10)+(cot(1))

But, another thing that puzzles me is that on a unit circle, Sin(1) = 0 right? So wouldn't the entire answer turn to 0 sine everything is multiplied by Sin(1)?
 
[itex]\log 10[/itex] is a constant, not a function of x. You still need to use product and chain rules when differentiating [itex]x \log (\sin x)[/itex].

And, no, [itex]\sin 1[/itex] isn't 0. [itex]\sin 0, \sin \pi, \sin 2\pi[/itex], etc, are zero.
 
Okay, so if ln10 is a constant than its derivative goes to zero. Now I am getting an answer that looks like:

lny = ln10 + xln(sinx)

(1/y)(dy/dx) = 1*ln(sinx) + (1/(sinx))(cosx)(x)

(1/y)(dy/dx) = ln(sinx) + (xcosx/(sinx))

then multiplying both sides by y:

(dy/dx) = (ln(sinx) + (xcosx/(sinx)))(10(sinx)^x)

Then multiplying through:

(10ln(sinx)^(x+1)) + ((10x(cosx)(sinx)^x)/(sinx))

Which is actually very close to the answer:

(10(sinx)^(x+1))(ln(sinx))+(10x(cosx)(sinx)^x))/(sinx)

But these answers aren't exactly the same, I must be missing something.
 
cal.queen92 said:
then multiplying both sides by y:

(dy/dx) = (ln(sinx) + (xcosx/(sinx)))(10(sinx)^x)

Then multiplying through:

(10ln(sinx)^(x+1)) + ((10x(cosx)(sinx)^x)/(sinx))

ln(sin(x)) and 10(sin x)^x can't be multiplied that way. ln (sin x)*10 (sin x)^x is simplified already.
 
Ohhhh okay, so now the answer looks like:

((ln(sinx))(10(sinx)^(x+1)))+((10x(cosx)(sinx)^x)/(sinx))

But in the actual answer, the whole thing is over sinx, where this answer isn't, it's so close!
 
  • #10
Well you left the x+1 in the exponent. So you'd need a sin x in the denominator to make that right.
 
  • #11
Okay, so if I did not leave the x+1 in the exponent then the sinx in the denominator wouldn't be necessary? Thanks for all your help!
 

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