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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative of the expression $$xf^7(x)$$ evaluated at $$x=0$$. Participants explore the application of the chain rule and product rule in differentiation, as well as the interpretation of the problem's wording.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the expression can be interpreted as $$\frac {d^2}{dx^2}\bigl(x(f(x))^7\bigr)$$ evaluated at $$x=0$$.
  • One participant suggests using the chain rule with $$u=xf^7$$ and $$y=u^7$$, although they express uncertainty about this approach.
  • Another participant outlines the differentiation steps for the first and second derivatives, leading to an expression involving $$f^7$$ and its derivatives.
  • One participant introduces a function $$g(x)=xf^7(x)$$ and applies the product and chain rules to find the first and second derivatives, ultimately asking for the evaluation of $$g''(0)$$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the problem or the correct method for differentiation. Multiple approaches and interpretations are presented, indicating ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights ambiguities in the problem statement and the assumptions made by participants regarding the differentiation process. There are unresolved steps in the differentiation and evaluation at $$x=0$$.

needOfHelpCMath
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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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