Differentiate this expression with respect to x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the expression \(\frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\ln \left[ {\left( {1 - \sqrt x } \right)^2 \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)^3 } \right]} \right]\) with respect to \(x\). The subject area pertains to calculus, specifically the application of differentiation rules such as the chain rule, product rule, and properties of logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of logarithmic properties to simplify the expression before differentiation. Some suggest applying the product rule and chain rule as part of the differentiation process. Others express uncertainty about the differentiation of logarithmic products and seek clarification on the best approach to simplify the expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various methods for approaching the differentiation. Some have provided partial workings, while others are seeking further assistance on simplification and differentiation techniques. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the best strategy to tackle the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is considered fundamental in the context of early calculus education, and there is a recognition of varying levels of familiarity with the concepts involved.

unique_pavadrin
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Homework Statement


Differentiate the following with respect to x leaving in the simplest form
[tex] \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\ln \left[ {\left( {1 - \sqrt x } \right)^2 \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)^3 } \right]} \right][/tex]

Homework Equations


The chain rule
[tex] \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\left( {f\left( x \right)} \right)^n } \right] = nf\left( x \right)f'\left( x \right)[/tex]
The product rule
[tex] \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {f\left( x \right)g\left( x \right)} \right] = f\left( x \right)g'\left( x \right) + f'\left( x \right)g\left( x \right)[/tex]
The natural log rule
[tex] \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\ln f\left( x \right)} \right] = \frac{{f'\left( x \right)}}{{f\left( x \right)}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I sort of understand how to differentiate the following, however i cannot get it into the simplest form. What would the best way to differentiate this functions and others which have a similar format?
many thanks for all suggestions and help
unique_pavadrin
 
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Well use the three rules you quote. Your expression can be written as ln[f(x)g(x)] where [itex]f(x)=(1-\sqrt{x})^2, \hspace{1cm} g(x)=(1+\sqrt{x})^3[/itex]. Now, first apply the log rule to give [tex]\frac{1}{f(x)g(x)}\cdot\frac{d}{dx}[f(x)g(x)][/tex]. Then apply the product rule, followed by the chain rule. This is the simplest way, as far as I can tell; of course, once you have differentiated, you will need to simplify the expression you obtain.

If you show some work, it'll be easier to help!


[as an aside, this isn't precalculus maths is it?]
 
Last edited:
simplify f(x)g(x) using simple algebra properties first then only apply some log rule like log ab = log a + log b
i'm not too sure if d/dx log ab = d/dx log a + d/dx log b, but you may give it a try
 
thank you for your reply cristo
this problem was given to me in my early stages of calculus, so i though of posting it here, as it what i have considered a fundamental stage, similar to pre-calculus
here is my working for the problem. i first simplified the expression before attempting to differentiate it.
[tex] \begin{array}{l}<br /> \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\ln \left[ {\left( {1 - \sqrt x } \right)^2 \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)^3 } \right]} \right] = \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\ln \left[ {\left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)\left( {x - 1} \right)^2 } \right]} \right] \\ <br /> \frac{1}{{f\left( x \right)g\left( x \right)}}.\frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {f\left( x \right)g\left( x \right)} \right] \\ <br /> \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)\left( {x - 1} \right)^2 } \right] = \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)\left( {2x} \right) + \left( {x - 1} \right)^2 \left( {\frac{1}{{2\sqrt x }}} \right) \\ <br /> \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)\left( {x - 1} \right)^2 } \right] = \frac{{4\sqrt x \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right) + \left( {x - 1} \right)^2 }}{{2\sqrt x }} \\ <br /> \frac{d}{{dx}}\left[ {\ln \left[ {\left( {1 - \sqrt x } \right)^2 \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)^3 } \right]} \right] = \frac{{\frac{{4\sqrt x \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right) + \left( {x - 1} \right)^2 }}{{2\sqrt x }}}}{{\left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)\left( {x - 1} \right)^2 }} = \frac{{4\sqrt x \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right) + \left( {x - 1} \right)^2 }}{{2\sqrt x \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)\left( {x - 1} \right)^2 }} = \frac{{4\sqrt x + 4x + x^2 - 2x + 1}}{{\left( {2\sqrt x + 2x} \right)\left( {x^2 - 2x + 1} \right)}} \\ <br /> \end{array}[/tex]

i am a little stuck on how to further simplify this down, as my other working seems to be going around in circles. any help is greatly appreciated.
 
chickens thank you for your post, i will try that
 
It's always a good idea to simplify as much as possible before differentiating:
[tex]\ln \left[ {\left( {1 - \sqrt x } \right)^2 \left( {1 + \sqrt x } \right)^3 } \right]= 2 ln(1- \sqrt{x})+ 3ln(1+ \sqrt{x})[/tex]
 
thanks HallsofIvy
 

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