Second Derivative of 4(x^2-2)^3: Apply Chain Rule for f(x)

  • Thread starter ForeverMo
  • Start date
In summary, to find the second derivative of f(x)=4(x^2-2)^3, you will need to use the product rule and the chain rule. The final answer should be 96x^2(x^2-2)+192x(x^2-2)^2.
  • #1
ForeverMo
7
0
Find second derivitive!

Homework Statement


f(x)=4(x^2-2)^3

Homework Equations


Chain rule??

The Attempt at a Solution


f'=12(x^2-2)^2(2x)
=24x(x^2-2)^2

f''=2(24x)(x^2-2)(2x)
96x^2(x^2-2)
After this, I got lost...
 
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  • #2


Looks good to me.
 
  • #3


Really? I even went further & distributed and got: 96x^4-192x^2 ... & still got it wrong!
 
  • #4


You'll need to use the product rule when you go from f' to f''. f' is a product of the two functions (24x) and (x^2-2)^2.
 
  • #5


Dick said:
You'll need to use the product rule when you go from f' to f''. f' is a product of the two functions (24x) and (x^2-2)^2.

Ok.. so would I set it up like this>> (24)[2(x^2-2)]+(x^2-2)^2(24) ??
 
  • #6


ForeverMo said:
Ok.. so would I set it up like this>> (24)[2(x^2-2)]+(x^2-2)^2(24) ??

No. That's not right. Review how the product rule works and try it again.
 
  • #7


No, that is also wrong. Please show exactly how you are trying to do this.
 
  • #8


Product rule: d/dx[fs]=fs'+sf'
24x×2(x^2-2)+(x^2-2)^2×24
Is that the right way?
 
  • #9


ForeverMo said:
Product rule: d/dx[fs]=fs'+sf'
24x×2(x^2-2)+(x^2-2)^2×24
Is that the right way?
No, that isn't right either. You also have to use the chain rule when you differentiate (x2 - 2)2.

It's NOT a good idea to use x for multiplication, especially when x is the variable. You've made it slightly easier by bolding some of the variables. In calculus, we generally don't use x for multiplication.
 

What is a second derivative?

A second derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function's slope. It is calculated by taking the derivative of the first derivative of a function.

Why is finding the second derivative important?

Finding the second derivative allows us to analyze the curvature of a function and determine whether it is increasing or decreasing at a given point. This information can be useful in various fields of science, such as physics and engineering.

How is the second derivative calculated?

The second derivative is calculated by taking the derivative of the first derivative of a function. This can be done using the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, or chain rule.

What does a positive second derivative indicate?

A positive second derivative indicates that the slope of a function is increasing. This means that the function is concave up and the rate of change is getting faster.

What does a negative second derivative indicate?

A negative second derivative indicates that the slope of a function is decreasing. This means that the function is concave down and the rate of change is getting slower.

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