MHB Find xf^7(x)''(0): Chain Rule Explanation

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To find \( xf^7(x)''(0) \), the discussion clarifies that the expression likely refers to the second derivative of \( x(f(x))^7 \) evaluated at \( x=0 \). The chain and product rules are applied to differentiate the function, leading to a complex expression for the second derivative. The calculations show that \( g''(x) \) involves terms of \( f(x) \), \( f'(x) \), and \( f''(x) \). The final goal is to evaluate \( g''(0) \) using the known values \( f(0) = 1 \) and \( f'(0) = 2 \). The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying differentiation rules to arrive at the solution.
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Assume we known that f(0) = 1 and f'(0)=2
Find $$xf^7(x)''(0)$$

Will chain rule work here?

is the $$ u=xf^7$$

and $$ y = u^7$$

I don't know if I am going in the right direction.
 
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needOfHelpCMath said:
Assume we known that f(0) = 1 and f'(0)=2
Find $$xf^7(x)''(0)$$

Will chain rule work here?

is the $$ u=xf^7$$

and $$ y = u^7$$

I don't know if I am going in the right direction.
As you have noticed, this is an ambiguously worded question. I think that what it is asking for is $$\frac {d^2}{dx^2}\bigl(x(f(x))^7\bigr)$$ (evaluated at $x=0$).
 
Opalg said:
As you have noticed, this is an ambiguously worded question. I think that what it is asking for is $$\frac {d^2}{dx^2}\bigl(x(f(x))^7\bigr)$$ (evaluated at $x=0$).

this is what I got from solving the problem:

For the first derivative

$$ d/dx[f^7x^8]$$
$$ f^7*d/dx[x^8]$$
$$8f^7x^7$$Second derivative:

$$d/dx8f^7x^7$$
$$8f^7*d/dx[x^7]$$
$$=8*7x^6f^7$$
$$56f^7x^6$$
 
I would let:

$$g(x)=xf^7(x)$$

Differentiate w.r.t $x$, using the product and chain rules:

$$g'(x)=x(7f^6(x)f'(x))+(1)f^7(x)=7xf^6(x)f'(x)+f^7(x)=f^6(x)(7xf'(x)+f(x))$$

Now, differentiate again:

$$g''(x)=f^6(x)(7xf''(x)+7f'(x)+f'(x))+6f^5(x)f'(x)(7xf'(x)+f(x))=f^5(x)(f(x)(7xf''(x)+8f'(x))+6f'(x)(7xf'(x)+f(x)))$$

$$g''(x)=7f^5(x)(xf(x)f''(x)+2f(x)f'(x)+6xf'^2(x))$$

Now, can you find $g''(0)$?
 

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