Find derivative with exponential function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding derivatives involving exponential functions and the application of the product rule in differentiation. Participants are addressing specific functions, including f(x) = x²e^x and g(x) = √x(e^x), and are seeking clarification on the correct application of differentiation techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the derivative of f(x) = x²e^x is f'(x) = (x² + 2x)e^x but expresses confusion about how to arrive at this result.
  • Another participant initially presents an incorrect formulation of the product rule for differentiation, stating that (f*g)' = f'*g'.
  • A later reply corrects this by stating the product rule as (f * g)' = f' * g + f * g', emphasizing the need for proper application.
  • Participants discuss the derivative of g(x) = √x(e^x) and question the correctness of an initial proposed answer of 0.5x^(-1/2)e^x.
  • One participant suggests applying the product rule and encourages showing work to identify any mistakes in the differentiation process.
  • Another participant provides a corrected version of the derivative for g(x), indicating that the initial approach contained errors and clarifying the correct application of the product rule.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct derivatives initially proposed, as participants express confusion and challenge each other's calculations. The discussion includes corrections and refinements of earlier claims, indicating ongoing uncertainty and debate regarding the application of the product rule.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps involved in finding the derivatives, and there are indications of missing assumptions or misunderstandings about the product rule's application.

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 .
 
Last edited:
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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