MHB Find derivative with exponential function?

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivatives of functions involving exponential terms. The derivative of f(x) = x²e^x is correctly identified as f'(x) = (x² + 2x)e^x, although initial confusion about the product rule was noted. For g(x) = √x(e^x), the correct application of the product rule leads to g'(x) = e^x(1/(2√x) + √x). Participants emphasize the importance of correctly applying the product rule and showing work to identify mistakes. Overall, the thread highlights common challenges in differentiating functions involving exponentials and the need for clarity in applying differentiation rules.
coolbeans33
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f(x)=x2ex

the answer is f'(x)=(x2 + 2x)ex but I don't understand how to get there.

Also I need to find g'(x) if g(x)=sqrtx(ex)

would the answer for the second one be .5x-1/2ex?
 
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Re: find derivative with exponential function?

Let $$f,g $$ be defferentiable functions then

$$(f*g)'=f'*g'$$

EDIT : This is wrong , illustrated below .
 
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Re: find derivative with exponential function?

ZaidAlyafey said:
Let $$f,g $$ be defferentiable functions then

$$(f*g)'=f'*g'$$

Erm... I hope you meant to rectify that and say that $(f \cdot g)'=f' \cdot g + f \cdot g'$ (product rule).
 
Re: find derivative with exponential function?

coolbeans33 said:
...
Also I need to find g'(x) if g(x)=sqrtx(ex)

would the answer for the second one be .5x-1/2ex?

No. Try applying the product rule for differentiation as stated by I like Serena. What do you find? Show your work, and if you have made a mistake, we will know where it is, and can then offer guidance to help correct the error in the application of the rule.
 
Re: find derivative with exponential function?

MarkFL said:
No. Try applying the product rule for differentiate as stated by I like Serena. What do you find? Show your work, and if you have made a mistake, we will know where it is, and can then offer guidance to help correct the error in the application of the rule.

ok so I used the product rule for this one, and I got (ex)(sqrt x) * (.5x1/2)(ex)

is this right?
 
Re: find derivative with exponential function?

coolbeans33 said:
ok so I used the product rule for this one, and I got (ex)(sqrt x) * (.5x1/2)(ex)

is this right?

It would be correct if your '*' changed to a '+', and your exponent on the second term was negative. That is,
$$(\sqrt{x} \, e^{x})'=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} e^{x}+\sqrt{x} \, e^{x}=e^{x} \left( \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}} +\sqrt{x} \right).$$

The way I think of the product rule is this: write down two copies of the product, add them together, and take a different derivative each time. This way of thinking about has the virtue of scalability:
$$(fgh)'=f'gh+fg'h+fgh'.$$
 

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