Find Second Derivative of f(x)= x^(2/3) (6-x)^(1/3)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative of the function f(x) = x^(2/3) (6-x)^(1/3). Participants are exploring the differentiation process, including the application of the product rule and the simplification of derivatives. The scope includes technical reasoning and mathematical formulation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in finding the second derivative after having computed the first derivative, expressing uncertainty about reaching the final answer.
  • Another participant requests to see the work done to identify potential errors in the differentiation process and suggests that missing brackets may be an issue.
  • Several participants introduce the product rule for differentiation, defining u(x) and v(x) and asking for the derivatives of these functions.
  • One participant questions the source of the product rule formula and seeks clarification on the derivation of the derivatives u'(x), u''(x), v'(x), and v''(x).
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the prefactor of v'(x) and emphasizes the need for exponentiation rules to simplify the expressions.
  • A later reply provides a detailed breakdown of the second derivative using the product rule and attempts to simplify the expression, but notes the complexity of the resulting terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the derivatives and the simplification process. There is no consensus on the final form of the second derivative, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the calculations and the simplification steps.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential missing assumptions in the differentiation steps, the complexity of the expressions involved, and unresolved simplifications that may affect the final result.

FChebli
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How do I find the second derivative of the function:

f(x)= x^(2/3) (6-x)^(1/3)

I have found the first derivative and checked my solution:

′()= 4− / ^(1/3) (6−)^(2/3)


The final solution is supposed to be:

''()= -8 / ^(4/3) (6−)^(5/3)

I know almost all the steps but I couldn't reach the final answer! Can you please help me?
Thanks in advance!
 
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but I couldn't reach the final answer!
What did you get?
Which differentiation rules do you know?
It is impossible to see what you did wrong if you don't show your work.

I think your f'(x) and f''(x) are missing brackets.
 
let
$$\mathrm{f}(x)=\mathrm{u}(x)\mathrm{v}(x) \\
\text{with} \\
\mathrm{u}(x)=x^{2/3} \\
\mathrm{v}(x)=(6-x)^{1/3} $$
By the product rule
$$\mathrm{f}^{\prime \prime}(x)=\mathrm{u}^{\prime \prime}(x)\mathrm{v}(x)+2\mathrm{u}^{ \prime}(x)\mathrm{v}^{\prime }(x)+\mathrm{u}(x)\mathrm{v}^{\prime \prime}(x)$$
what did you find for
u'(x)
u''(x)
v'(x)
v''(x)
?
 
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lurflurf said:
let
$$\mathrm{f}(x)=\mathrm{u}(x)\mathrm{v}(x) \\
\text{with} \\
\mathrm{u}(x)=x^{2/3} \\
\mathrm{v}(x)=(6-x)^{1/3} $$
By the product rule
$$\mathrm{f}^{\prime \prime}(x)=\mathrm{u}^{\prime \prime}(x)\mathrm{v}(x)+2\mathrm{u}^{ \prime}(x)\mathrm{v}^{\prime }(x)+\mathrm{u}(x)\mathrm{v}^{\prime \prime}(x)$$
?

Where did you get this formula from? How did you wind up to this product rule?

I got u'(x) = (2/3) x^(-1/3)
u''(x) = (-2/9) x^(-4/3)

v'(x) = -(1/3) < (6-x)^(-2/3) >
v''(x) = -(2/9) < (6-x)^(-5/3) >


using your formula it's difficult to simplify after this step

< (-2/9) (x^(-4/3)) ((6-x)^(1/3)) > + < (-4/9) (x^(-1/3)) ((6-x)^(-2/3)) > + < (-2/9) (x^(2/3)) ((6-x)^(-5/3)) >
 
lurfturf used the product rule both for f(x) and then for the f'(x) you get there.

What are those < >?
v'(x) has a wong prefactor.

To simplify, you need exponentiation rules, especially a^(b+c)=...
 
good, to simplify factor$$\mathrm{f}^{\prime \prime}(x)=\mathrm{u}^{\prime \prime}(x)\mathrm{v}(x)+2\mathrm{u}^{ \prime}(x)\mathrm{v}^{\prime }(x)+\mathrm{u}(x)\mathrm{v}^{\prime \prime}(x)
\\
=\left( x^{-2/3} \right)^{\prime \prime} (6-x)^{1/3}+2 \left( x^{-2/3}\right)^{\prime } \left( (6-x)^{-1/3}\right)^{\prime }+ x^{-2/3}\left( (6-x)^{-1/3}\right)^{\prime \prime}
\\
=\left( -\frac{2}{9} x^{-4/3}\right) \left( (6-x)^{1/3}\right)+2\left( \frac{2}{3} x^{-1/3} \right) \left( -\frac{1}{3}(6-x)^{-2/3}\right)+\left( x^{2/3}\right) \left( -\frac{2}{9}(6-x)^{-5/3} \right)
\\
-\frac{2}{9} x^{-4/3} (6-x)^{-5/3}((6-x)^2+2x(6-x)+x^2)
\\
=-\frac{2}{9}x^{-4/3}(6-x)^{-5/3}((6-x)+x)^2
$$
and so on
 

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