Differentiate Exponential Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating exponential functions, specifically focusing on the function y=2^{3^{x^{2}}} and related simplifications involving exponential and logarithmic properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of exponential functions using logarithmic differentiation and the chain rule. There are attempts to clarify the application of properties of exponents and logarithms in simplification. Questions arise about the validity of certain steps in the simplification process.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the differentiation approach, while others question the utility of certain methods. There is ongoing exploration of different interpretations of the rules for simplifying expressions involving exponentials and logarithms.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of a homework assignment, which may impose constraints on the types of solutions or methods discussed. There is mention of mistakes found in previous attempts, indicating a reflective process on the homework material.

rocomath
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this is an even problem of my homework so there is no answer

i think i did it right, i would just like a thumbs up/down ... thanks

[tex]y=2^{3^{x^{2}}}}[/tex]

[tex]\ln{y}=\ln2^{3^{x^{2}}}}[/tex]

[tex]\ln{y}=3^{x^{2}}}\times\ln2[/tex]

[tex]\frac{y'}{2^{3^{x^{2}}}}}=\ln2\times3^{x^{2}}}\times\ln3\times2x[/tex]

[tex]y'=2x\times2^{3^{x^{2}}}}\times3^{x^{2}}}\ln2\times\ln3[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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thumbs up..it is correct
 
rocophysics said:
this is an even problem of my homework so there is no answer

...there is no answer? That's deep, man.
 
thumbs up

but a faster method is to do the chain rule and remember that:

[tex] y=a^x[/tex]
[tex]y'=a^xlna[/tex]
 
bob1182006 said:
thumbs up

but a faster method is to do the chain rule and remember that:

[tex] y=a^x[/tex]
[tex]y'=a^xlna[/tex]

hmm... that's not actually too useful here, is it?

Perhaps more useful is something along the lines of:

If
[tex] y(x)=a^{f(x)}[/tex]

then
[tex] y'(x)=a^{f(x)}\ln(a)f'(x)[/tex]
 
olgranpappy said:
hmm... that's not actually too useful here, is it?

Perhaps more useful is something along the lines of:

If
[tex] y(x)=a^{f(x)}[/tex]

then
[tex] y'(x)=a^{f(x)}\ln(a)f'(x)[/tex]
i like that
 
thanks
 
olgranpappy said:
hmm... that's not actually too useful here, is it?

Perhaps more useful is something along the lines of:

If
[tex] y(x)=a^{f(x)}[/tex]

then
[tex] y'(x)=a^{f(x)}\ln(a)f'(x)[/tex]
Of course, you are doing exactly what bob said to do.
 
so i was looking over my homework and found a few mistakes on some of them (even problems)

i'm suppose to simplify this problem.

1st one

[tex]e^{x+\ln{x}}[/tex]

[tex]e^{x}\times e^{\ln{x}}[/tex]

[tex]xe^{x}[/tex] should this be my final answer?

[tex]e^{x^{2}}[/tex] can i do this step or can i not assume it is was a power of?
 
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  • #10
Hurkyl said:
Of course, you are doing exactly what bob said to do.

No. His suggestion was a special case of mine having f(x)=x.

...
...
 
  • #11
rocophysics said:
so i was looking over my homework and found a few mistakes on some of them (even problems)

i'm suppose to simplify this problem.

1st one

[tex]e^{x+\ln{x}}[/tex]

[tex]e^{x}\times e^{\ln{x}}[/tex]

[tex]xe^{x}[/tex]

Stop there! The next line does not follow

bad! said:
[tex]e^{x^{2}}[/tex]

Nooooo. that is not a property of the exponential. You are confusing the properties of exponentials and logs...
 
  • #12
olgranpappy said:
No. His suggestion was a special case of mine having f(x)=x.
He said to use the chain rule. What you wrote is what you get when you combine the chain rule with (a^x)' = a^x ln a
 
  • #13
Hurkyl said:
He said to use the chain rule. What you wrote is what you get when you combine the chain rule with (a^x)' = a^x ln a

So what? You said "exactly", but it was not "exactly what bob said to do".

I'm just pointing that out. Don't you agree?
 

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