How do I differentiate a three-term product using the product rule?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the function y = etsintcost using the product rule, which involves a three-term product. Participants are exploring the correct application of the product rule and addressing discrepancies between their results and a textbook answer.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the product rule and the identification of terms u, v, and w. There is an examination of the differentiation steps and an inquiry into the source of an additional term in the textbook answer.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the original poster's substitution and reasoning. There is a suggestion to use the double angle formula to reconcile the differences in the derivative results. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the differentiation process without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework guidelines, focusing on understanding the differentiation process rather than providing direct solutions. There is an acknowledgment of the need for careful substitution in trigonometric identities.

McKendrigo
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Homework Statement


Using the product rule, differentiate the following function:


Homework Equations


y = etsintcost


The Attempt at a Solution


The three term product rule says:

d/dx (uvw) = u'vw + uv'w + uvw'

I find u = et, u' = et, v = sint, v' = cost, w = cost and w' = -sint

Thus, dy/dx = etsintcost + etcos2t - etsin2t

= et(sintcost + cos2t -sin2t)

and since cos2t + sin2t = 1 we can finally re-write this as:

dy/dx = = et(sintcost - 1)

However my textbook answer states that:
dy/dx = = et(2cos2t + sintcost - 1)

I'm really not sure where this extra 2cos2t term comes from. Any help?

Thanks in advance!
 
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McKendrigo said:

Homework Statement


Using the product rule, differentiate the following function:

Homework Equations


y = etsintcost

The Attempt at a Solution


The three term product rule says:

d/dx (uvw) = u'vw + uv'w + uvw'

I find u = et, u' = et, v = sint, v' = cost, w = cost and w' = -sint

Thus, dy/dx = etsintcost + etcos2t - etsin2t

= et(sintcost + cos2t -sin2t)

and since cos2t + sin2t = 1 we can finally re-write this as:

dy/dx = = et(sintcost - 1)

However my textbook answer states that:
dy/dx = = et(2cos2t + sintcost - 1)

I'm really not sure where this extra 2cos2t term comes from. Any help?

Thanks in advance!

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

Your mistake was in the substitution you made, if sin^2x+cos^2x=1 then -(sin^2x+cos^2x)=-1 and that isn't what you had in the derivative equation.
 
Arrrrrrgh! Thanks for pointing that out!

Use the double angle formula:

cos2t - sin2t = 2cos2t -1

instead and it all works out fine.

Thanks again for your help.
 
Yep :smile: Equivalently just rearrange the basic equation sin^2x+cos^2x=1 to sin^2x=1-cos^2x and substitute in, but you probably already know that! :biggrin:
 

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