How Do You Differentiate the Function y = 2^x + x - 4?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the function y = 2^x + x - 4. Participants explore various methods for finding the derivative, including the use of logarithms and the chain rule, while addressing the challenges faced in the differentiation process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to differentiate the function y = 2^x + x - 4 and seeks guidance.
  • Another suggests rewriting 2^x as e^(x log(2)) and applying the chain rule to find the derivative.
  • A participant mentions the general rule for differentiating a^x and provides a formula for the derivative.
  • Some participants reiterate the differentiation process, arriving at the result y' = 2^x * ln(2) + 1, but there is contention over whether this is the correct approach.
  • One participant questions the inclusion of the "+1" in the derivative result, seeking clarification.
  • Another participant suggests that the "+1" comes from differentiating the linear term (x - 4) in the original function.
  • There is a shift in the discussion when a participant introduces a new question unrelated to the original topic, asking for help with a different function involving trigonometric terms.
  • Responses to the new question indicate confusion and a suggestion to start a new thread for unrelated inquiries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the differentiation methods, with some agreeing on the use of logarithmic differentiation while others challenge the correctness of the results presented. The introduction of a new question further complicates the discussion, leading to a lack of resolution on the original topic.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over specific terms and results, indicating a need for clearer communication regarding the differentiation process and the relevance of certain terms in the context of the original function.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in calculus, particularly those seeking to understand the differentiation of exponential functions and the application of various differentiation techniques.

mr bob
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Just came across a question today with 2^x and realized i didnt know how to differentiate it. The entire function i had to differentiate was
[math]y = 2^x + x -4[math]

I tried taking logs but couldn't get anywhere near the true answer.

What is the correct method for this?

Thank's a lot!
 
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Rewrite [itex]2^{x}=e^{xlog(2)}[/itex] and use the chain rule on your right-hand side in order to find an expression for [itex]\frac{d}{dx}2^{x}[/itex]
 
Do you know the rule for the derivative of an expression [tex]a^x[/tex]?
 
mr bob said:
Just came across a question today with 2^x and realized i didnt know how to differentiate it. The entire function i had to differentiate was
[math]y = 2^x + x -4[math]

I tried taking logs but couldn't get anywhere near the true answer.

What is the correct method for this?

Thank's a lot!

y = a^u

y' = lna * a^u * u'

y = 2^x y' = ln2 * 2^x * 1
derivative of (x-4) is 1

so the answer is y' = 2^x * ln2 + 1
 
physicscrap said:
y = a^u

y' = lna * a^u * u'

y = 2^x y' = ln2 * 2^x * 1
derivative of (x-4) is 1

so the answer is y' = 2^x * ln2 + 1
DO NOT EVER POST COMPLETE SOLUTION. THE OP NEEDS TO GIVE IT A TRY HIMSELF!
--------------------
mr bob, just try what arildno suggested you.
[tex]2^{x}=e^{xlog(2)}[/tex]
Now differentiate both sides with respect to x, we have:
[tex](2^{x})'=(e^{xlog(2)})' = ?[/tex]
--------------------
Or one can try another way:
Let:
[tex]y = 2 ^ x[/tex]
Take log of both sides:
[tex]\ln y = \ln (2 ^ x) = x \ln 2[/tex]
Now differentiate both sides wth respect to x gives:
[tex](\ln y)' = (x \ln 2)'[/tex]
[tex]\Leftrightarrow \frac{y'_x}{y} = \ln 2[/tex]
[tex]\Leftrightarrow y'_x = y \ln 2 = 2 ^ x \star ln 2[/tex]
Now let's try the first way to see if you arrive at the same answer.
From there, can you solve your problem? :)
 
that is wrong!

physicscrap said:
y = a^u

y' = lna * a^u * u'

y = 2^x y' = ln2 * 2^x * 1
derivative of (x-4) is 1

so the answer is y' = 2^x * ln2 + 1
sorry to say so but you see the obvious right there!
please correct. thanks
 
WARGREYMONKKTL said:
sorry to say so but you see the obvious right there!
please correct. thanks


What are you talking about? I can't see anything wrong with that...
 
sorry because i don't understand the term "+1" in the result y'
please explain .
 
WARGREYMONKKTL said:
sorry because i don't understand the term "+1" in the result y'
please explain .

Did you look at the original post? Look at the funtion that we are trying to differentiate here and maybe you'll figure it out.
 
  • #10
ok i agree with you!
sorry aabout that.
i want to ask a question if you can solve?
y= ksin2x.tan3x all over 3cos4x with x is an accute angle and k is a constant.
can you have the general derivative and the value of that function at the point which is the inteception of y with y =-x and the value of k is 1:)
this is not a challenge but a hard question to ask you.
this is my apology
see ya!
 
  • #11
WARGREYMONKKTL said:
ok i agree with you!
sorry aabout that.
i want to ask a question if you can solve?
y= ksin2x.tan3x all over 3cos4x with x is an accute angle and k is a constant.
can you have the general derivative and the value of that function at the point which is the inteception of y with y =-x and the value of k is 1:)
this is not a challenge but a hard question to ask you.
this is my apology
see ya!

I'm sorry, but I can't make heads or tails of what you just said, I get the part where you say what the function is but what is that about a general derivative and a point which is an intersection of something?
 
  • #12
WARGREYMONKKTL said:
ok i agree with you!
sorry aabout that.
i want to ask a question if you can solve?
y= ksin2x.tan3x all over 3cos4x with x is an accute angle and k is a constant.
can you have the general derivative and the value of that function at the point which is the inteception of y with y =-x and the value of k is 1:)
this is not a challenge but a hard question to ask you.
this is my apology
see ya!

First, it's a really bad idea to "hijack" someone elses thread to ask your onw question- start your own thread. Second, even without using LaTex you ought to be able to write that more clearly. I think you mean
y= ksin(2x)tan(3x)/(3cos(4x)).

If you know anything at all about calculus you should see that neither k nor the fact that "x is an acute angle" are relevant. Yes, it certainly has a "general derivative"- its tedious but just apply the product, quotient, and chain rules.

As for solving x= sin(2x)tan(3x)/(3cos(4x)), that's much harder. In general equations like that cannot be solved algebraically. I would recommend using Newton's method to get a numerical solution.
 
  • #13
i am sorry.
let take my apology.
actually i just plan to play with you.
i am a jounor in high school.
i don't want this will be a mathematical fight between us.
please forgive me for that.
can you give me the result for the Newton's method. i really don't know about that method.
thanks!
 
  • #14
WARGREYMONKKTL said:
i am sorry.
let take my apology.
actually i just plan to play with you.
i am a jounor in high school.
i don't want this will be a mathematical fight between us.
please forgive me for that.
can you give me the result for the Newton's method. i really don't know about that method.
thanks!
Here's an article on Newton's method.
It state that:
[tex]x_{n + 1} = x_n - \frac{f(x_n)}{f'(x_n)}[/tex]
Now the solution to the equation f(x) = 0 is given by:
[tex]x = \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} x_n[/tex]
There's also an example in the article, just apply it here, and see what you get.
Can you go from here? :)
 

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