Differentiation of exponents x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the function f(x) = 2sin(x) + (4x)^x and specifically finding the derivative at x = 3. The subject area includes calculus, particularly focusing on differentiation techniques involving exponentials and logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the term (4x)^x, with attempts to apply the chain rule and product rule. There are questions about the correctness of the differentiation steps, particularly regarding the application of logarithmic differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on identifying errors in the differentiation process, particularly emphasizing the need for careful application of the product rule and the inclusion of the natural logarithm in the differentiation of x ln(4x). There is acknowledgment of mistakes in the original attempts, but no consensus on a final solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's attempts contain errors, and there is a focus on correcting these without providing a complete solution. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the differentiation process while adhering to homework guidelines.

cal.queen92
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Homework Statement



If f(x) = 2sin(x) + (4x)^x find ---> f ' (3)



Homework Equations



d/dx (e^u) = e^u du/dx



The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my attempt:

f(x) = 2sin(x) + e^(ln(4x)^x) = 2sin(x) + e^(xln4x) = d/dx (2sin(x)) + d/dx (e^(xln4x))

= 2cos(x) + e^(xln4x) d/dx (xln4x) = 2cos(x) + e^(ln(4x)^x)*(4x+(x/4x))

= 2cos(x) + ((4x)^x) * (4x+(1/4)) = (unsimplified) --> (2cos(3) + (12)^3)(12+(1/4)

But this answer is incorrect. What am i doing wrong?
 
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cal.queen92 said:

Homework Statement



If f(x) = 2sin(x) + (4x)^x find ---> f ' (3)



Homework Equations



d/dx (e^u) = e^u du/dx



The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my attempt:

f(x) = 2sin(x) + e^(ln(4x)^x) = 2sin(x) + e^(xln4x) = d/dx (2sin(x)) + d/dx (e^(xln4x))

= 2cos(x) + e^(xln4x) d/dx (xln4x) = 2cos(x) + e^(ln(4x)^x)*(4x+(x/4x))

= 2cos(x) + ((4x)^x) * (4x+(1/4)) = (unsimplified) --> (2cos(3) + (12)^3)(12+(1/4)

But this answer is incorrect. What am i doing wrong?

I believe your error lies in the bold parts. Bold parts should be equal. But [itex]\frac{d}{dx}(xln4x)\ne (4x+(x/4x)[/itex]. You should have a ln(4x) factor in there somewhere.
 
Last edited:
cal.queen92 said:

Homework Statement



If f(x) = 2sin(x) + (4x)^x find ---> f ' (3)



Homework Equations



d/dx (e^u) = e^u du/dx



The Attempt at a Solution



Here is my attempt:

f(x) = 2sin(x) + e^(ln(4x)^x) = 2sin(x) + e^(xln4x) = d/dx (2sin(x)) + d/dx (e^(xln4x))

= 2cos(x) + e^(xln4x) d/dx (xln4x) = 2cos(x) + e^(ln(4x)^x)*(4x+(x/4x))
Mistake at the end, above. When you differentiate x ln4x, you have to use the product rule and the chain rule.

d/dx(x ln(4x)) = ln(4x) + x * (1/(4x)) * 4 = ln(4x) + 1.
cal.queen92 said:
= 2cos(x) + ((4x)^x) * (4x+(1/4)) = (unsimplified) --> (2cos(3) + (12)^3)(12+(1/4)

But this answer is incorrect. What am i doing wrong?
 
That helps! Awsome! It worked out, thank you!
 

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