Differentiation of exp(xy) wrt x

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter j-lee00
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Differentiation
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the function exp(xy) with respect to the variable x. Participants explore various approaches to differentiation, including implicit differentiation, and clarify the roles of the variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help with differentiating exp(xy) with respect to x.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on whether y is a function of x or if x and y are independent variables.
  • Implicit differentiation is suggested by multiple participants, with one noting the difficulty in expressing mathematical symbols online.
  • There is a discussion about the correct application of differentiation rules, particularly regarding the exponential function.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the derivative of exp(f(x)), while another confirms the derivative is f'(x)*exp(f(x)).
  • A later reply points out that the equation exp(xy) = 0 is problematic since exp(xy) never equals zero, suggesting that the surface does not exist.
  • Another participant clarifies that the full equation is x + y + exp(xy) = 0, indicating they have additional context for the differentiation task.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the differentiation approach, and there are competing views regarding the validity of the implicit equation used for differentiation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, including the assumption that y may or may not be a function of x, and the implications of differentiating an equation that is not valid (exp(xy) = 0).

j-lee00
Messages
93
Reaction score
0
Please help

Differentiate exp(xy) w.r.t x

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need to show your work/attempt.

And is y a function of x, or are x and y independent variables?
 
differentiate implicitly

exp(xy) = 0

i thought i would write it out but i don't know how to write the mathmatical symbols on screen
 
i thought i would write it out but i don't know how to write the mathmatical symbols on screen
Okay, then, use a (') to show a derivative. For example, y' will be the derivative of y w.r.t x.

differentiate implicitly

exp(xy) = 0
Do you know how to differentiate the exponential function?
 
exp(x)*exp(y)*y'+exp(y)+exp(x)
 
It sort of (but not quite) looks like you're differentiating exp(x)exp(y) rather than exp(xy). Those two are not equal.

What's the derivative of exp(f(x))?
 
i don't know i think that's my problem
 
i presume f'(x)*exp(f(x))
 
That's correct!

Now substitute f(x) = xy. What do you get?
 
  • #10
ah thanks just forgot this simple derivation
 
  • #11
j-lee00 said:
differentiate implicitly

exp(xy) = 0

i thought i would write it out but i don't know how to write the mathmatical symbols on screen

There is a problem with your implicit equation there: exp(xy) is never zero, it only approaches it asymptotically. (So technically, the surface doesn't exist, so neither does the derivative!)

But otherwise, you can just do what you did to get a derivative for other surfaces of exp(xy), e.g. exp(xy) = 5, which will produce a surface, and so the derivative will exist and you'd get the same derivative as if you tried to differentiate exp(xy) = 0.
 
  • #12
i didnt give the whole equation because i could take the derivatives of the other functions
the full equation is x + y + exp(xy) = 0
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
15K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K