How Do You Apply the Product Rule to Differentiate uxe^-x?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on differentiating the function uxe-x using the product rule. The product rule is defined as d/dx(f(x)g(x)) = f(x)g'(x) + g(x)f'(x). The correct differentiation approach involves treating ux as a single unit, leading to the derivative y' = -uxe-x + ue-x. This method is confirmed by referencing the general rule for differentiating products of three variables.

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Homework Statement


I need to differentiate uxe^-x in order to do a reduction order question.


Homework Equations


d/dxf(x)g(x) = f(x)g'(x) + g(x)f'(x) <--- that's the product rule about 2 variable


The Attempt at a Solution


I would assume
y' = -uxe^-x + u'xe^-x

I was told elsewhere you would consider the ux as a single unit as opposed to the u and xe^-x though resulting in
-uxe^-x + ue^-x

any help would be appreciated.
 
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welcome to pf!

hi jackalope1234! welcome to pf! :wink:

general rule: (ABC)' = A'BC + AB'C + ABC' :smile:

(because it's (AB)'C + (AB)C')
 
I assumed "general rule: (ABC)' = A'BC + AB'C + ABC' " would be the method thank you for confirming. thank you for the welcome, maybe this forum will pull me away from starcraft 2 :D.
 

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