Applying the Chain Rule to the Derivative of y=2x^{sinx}

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the chain rule and product rule to differentiate the function y=2x^{sinx}. Participants clarify that the correct approach involves using both rules, particularly emphasizing the need to take logarithms of both sides for implicit differentiation. The final derivative is not simply -2x^{cosx}, as initially suggested, but requires a more thorough application of the product rule and chain rule together. The correct derivative process leads to a more complex expression than initially assumed.

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y=2x^{sinx}

i know i should use the product rule within a chain rule. but how can i use chain rule with sinx

is the anwser

y=-2x^{cosx}

can anyone give me pointer to this easy problem and tell if am forgetting something.
 
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or maybe the answer is

y=-2cosx
 
That definitely is not the answer. You need to realize what you're doing when you apply the chain rule. First of all, you are attemping to find \frac{dy}{dx}, which you have not indicated. Show your work and maybe we can help, but you first have to transform the equation into something you can work with (i.e. get rid of the exponent). How would you accomplish this?

Edit: Is your equation y=2xsin(x) or y=2x^{sinx}?
 
\frac{dy}{dx} {y= 2x^{sinx}}

product rule
f= 2 f&#039;= 0<br /> g= x g&#039;=?
chain rule
f= x f&#039;= 1<br /> g=? g&#039;=?
is the anser
<br /> y&#039;=-2x^{cosx}
 
Last edited:
You're making the assumption that:

\frac{d}{dx}\;2x^{sin(x)}=-2x^{cos(x)}\rightarrow (f \circ g)&#039; = f&#039;\circ g\cdot g&#039;=-2x^{cos(x)}

It doesn't.

You're using the chain rule but incorrectly, use the product rule on the results.
 
Last edited:
To evaluate this derivative I would take logarithms of both sides to get ln(y)=sinx.ln(2x) and then differentiate implicitly.
 

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