How do you find derivative of xe^(x^2)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lo.Lee.Ta.
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The derivative of the function f(x) = xe^(-x^2) is correctly calculated as e^(-x^2)(1 - 2x^2). The discussion highlights the application of the product rule in differentiation, where y = uv leads to dy/dx = du/dx * v + u * dv/dx. The confusion arose from the initial misinterpretation of the function, which was clarified when the correct form was identified as xe^(-x^2) instead of xe^(x^2).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the product rule in calculus
  • Familiarity with exponential functions and their derivatives
  • Knowledge of u-substitution in integration and differentiation
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the product rule in calculus in more depth
  • Learn about the chain rule and its application in differentiation
  • Explore the properties of exponential functions, particularly e^(-x^2)
  • Practice solving derivatives of composite functions
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on calculus and differentiation techniques, as well as anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of exponential functions.

Lo.Lee.Ta.
Messages
217
Reaction score
0
1. This may seem like a dumb question, but I don't really know the steps of how to find this derivative...

f(x)= xex2

2. The answer is supposed to be: e-x2*(1-2x2)

I thought to do u-substitution.

u= x2

du= 2xdx

1/2du = xdx

(1/2)eudu

(1/2)ueu-1

(1/2)(x2)(ex2-1)

hhhh =_= How is the real answer supposed to be: e-x2(1-2x2)?

Thanks :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
you need to apply the product rule y=uv dy/dx = du/dx * v + u * dv/dx

and for the dv/dx you need to use the dy/dx = e^u du/dx

There's also some confusion here: y = x * e ^ (x^2) or is it y = x * e ^ (-x^2)
 
Last edited:
The product rule for this would be:

(1)(ex2) + (x)(2xex2)

= ex2 + 2x2ex2

If I factor out ex2, I would get:

ex2(1 + 2x2)

Similar, but they have negatives! How is that? :?
 
Is it possible that the problem was supposed to have e^{-x^2}? That is the only explanation I can see.
 
Hey, you were right! I copied it down wrong! #O_O

It was xe-x2

e-x2(1-2x2)
 

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K