Having a problem working through an equation

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter DeusAbscondus
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around difficulties in applying the product rule for differentiation, specifically in finding the second derivative of a function. Participants share their experiences with the complexity of the equations involved and seek assistance in identifying errors in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Homework-related, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • DeusAbs expresses difficulty with product rule problems and presents an equation where they believe they made an error in finding the second derivative.
  • Some participants question whether a notation error exists in the original equation, suggesting that a number may have been misrepresented.
  • Several participants confirm that they arrive at the same answer as DeusAbs, prompting a request for clarification on the differentiation process.
  • One participant provides a detailed breakdown of the differentiation process, including the application of the product rule and the resulting factors.
  • Another participant acknowledges the contributions of others and expresses relief at having resolved their confusion regarding the differentiation.
  • DeusAbs shares their enthusiasm for learning despite feeling less skilled, indicating a desire for continued engagement in math-related questions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the complexity of the problem and the need for clarification on the differentiation process. However, there is no consensus on the specific error in the calculations presented by DeusAbs, as multiple interpretations and confirmations of the derivative exist.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention potential notation issues and the reliability of LaTeX formatting, indicating that communication of mathematical expressions may have contributed to misunderstandings.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in calculus, particularly those struggling with differentiation techniques and the product rule, may find this discussion beneficial.

DeusAbscondus
Messages
176
Reaction score
0
I am finding product rule problems difficult.Trying to find the second derivative makes them explode into unweildly equations that are hard to deal with and factorize without making errors. Here is one I have got wrong; can someone spot where:

$72x^2(2x^4-1)^2+24x^3.2(2x^4-1)$
$=72x^2(2x^4-1)2+48x^3(2x^4-1)$
$=24x^2(2x^4-1)[3(2x^4-1)+2]$
$=24x^2(2x^4-1)(6x^4-1)$

$\text{But answer given in my text is: }$
$24x^2(2x^4-1)(22x^4-3)$

Can anyone help see the point where I went astray?
thanks kindly,
DeusAbs
 
Physics news on Phys.org
DeusAbscondus said:
I am finding product rule problems difficult.Trying to find the second derivative makes them explode into unweildly equations that are hard to deal with and factorize without making errors. Here is one I have got wrong; can someone spot where:

$72x^2(2x^4-1)^2+24x^3.2(2x^4-1)$
$=72x^2(2x^4-1)^2+48x^3(2x^4-1)$ SS4: Is that two a typo, I'm guessing it should be to the power 2[/color]
$=24x^2(2x^4-1)[3(2x^4-1)+2]$
$=24x^2(2x^4-1)(6x^4-1)$

$\text{But answer given in my text is: }$
$24x^2(2x^4-1)(22x^4-3)$

Can anyone help see the point where I went astray?
thanks kindly,
DeusAbs

I get the same answer as you. Did you take the derivative correctly? If you want post the function you need to take the second derivative of with any working you've done.
 
SuperSonic4 said:
I get the same answer as you. Did you take the derivative correctly? If you want post the function you need to take the second derivative of with any working you've done.

Hey, you are really nice man! Thanks for speedy response: i actually got it!
Still, nice to have confirmed that i was on the right track.D'Abs

(PS you can be sure you'll never run out of questions from me: keen as mustard and not greatly skilled: I am no natural at this, but i LOVE it!)
 
Hello, DeusAbscondus!

\text{Differentiate }\:h(x) \:=\: 24x^3(2x^4-1)^2

h'(x) \;=\;72x^2(2x^4-1)^2+24x^3\cdot2(2x^4-1) . Here!

\text{Answer: }\:24x^2(2x^4-1)(22x^4-3)
\text{We have: }\:h(x) \;=\;\overbrace{24x^3}^{f(x)}\cdot\overbrace{(2x^4-1)^2}^{g(x)}

\text{Product Rule: }\;h'(x) \;=\;\overbrace{72x^2}^{f'(x)}\cdot\overbrace{(2x^4-1)^2}^{g(x)} + \overbrace{24x^3}^{f(x)}\cdot \overbrace{2(2x^4-1)\color{red}{(8x^3)}}^{g'(x)}

. . . . . . h'(x) \;=\;72x^2(2x^4-1)^2 + 384x^6(2x^4-1)

\text{Factor: }\;h'(x) \;=\;24x^2(2x^4-1)\cdot\left(3[2x^4-1] + 16x^4\right)

. . . . . . h'(x) \;=\;24x^2(2x^4-1)\,(6x^4-3 + 16x^4)

. . . . . . h'(x) \;=\;24x^2(2x^4-1)(22x^4-3)LaTeX isn't dependable?
 
soroban said:
Hello, DeusAbscondus!


\text{We have: }\:h(x) \;=\;\overbrace{24x^3}^{f(x)}\cdot\overbrace{(2x^4-1)^2}^{g(x)}

\text{Product Rule: }\;h'(x) \;=\;\overbrace{72x^2}^{f'(x)}\cdot\overbrace{(2x^4-1)^2}^{g(x)} + \overbrace{24x^3}^{f(x)}\cdot \overbrace{2(2x^4-1)\color{red}{(8x^3)}}^{g'(x)}

. . . . . . h'(x) \;=\;72x^2(2x^4-1)^2 + 384x^6(2x^4-1)

\text{Factor: }\;h'(x) \;=\;24x^2(2x^4-1)\cdot\left(3[2x^4-1] + 16x^4\right)

. . . . . . h'(x) \;=\;24x^2(2x^4-1)\,(6x^4-3 + 16x^4)

. . . . . . h'(x) \;=\;24x^2(2x^4-1)(22x^4-3)LaTeX isn't dependable?

soroban, I don't know how you managed to reconstitute the problem, but you got it...!
And so did I, not 30 mins after making initial post.
You were correct of course: (as was SuperSonic4) I hadn't derived the second properly.

I've been floating on a cushion of relief and feel my self-confidence seeping back deep into my maths bones.
Thanks heaps for input!
D'abs
PS the significance of your cryptic comment re. Latex intrigues while it escapes me... please explain some time?
 
Last edited:
DeusAbscondus said:
(PS you can be sure you'll never run out of questions from me: keen as mustard and not greatly skilled: I am no natural at this, but i LOVE it!)

Well, MHB is all about people like you, so anything you think could improve MHB would be welcome to hear. Please post such things in the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f25/ forum, and keep asking math questions!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K