How do you obtain the derivative of (sin(x))^x?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of obtaining the derivative of the function (sin(x))^x. Participants explore various methods of differentiation, including implicit differentiation and logarithmic differentiation, while also addressing potential complications arising from the function's domain.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with y = sin(x)^x and using logarithmic differentiation to derive ln(y) = x ln(sin(x)).
  • Another participant provides an alternative approach using the exponential form, stating that (d/dx)sin(x)^x = (d/dx)e^xln(sin(x)).
  • A different participant outlines a step-by-step differentiation process, emphasizing the use of the product and chain rule.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of using ln(sin(x)) since sin(x) is not always positive, prompting a discussion about the function's domain.
  • Some participants explore the implications of differentiating (-1)^x and how it complicates the differentiation of sin(x)^x for certain intervals.
  • Frustration is expressed by a participant who feels that there is something missing in the suggested methods, particularly regarding the handling of (-1)^x.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of using logarithmic differentiation for sin(x)^x, especially concerning its domain. There is no consensus on how to handle the complications introduced by (-1)^x in the differentiation process.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential issues with the logarithm of negative values and the need for careful consideration of the function's domain when differentiating. Some mathematical steps remain unresolved, particularly regarding the differentiation of (-1)^x.

The_Brain
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What are the steps used to obtain the derivative of (sin(x))^x? I know it's (sin(x))^x [xcot(x) + ln(sinx)] however I don't know how to get there.
 
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Edit:

y = sin(x)^x
ln(y) = x ln(sin(x))

Now differentiate implicitly.

cookiemonster
 
Last edited:
or: (d/dx)sin(x)^x = (d/dx)e^xln(sin(x)) = (ln(sin(x))+xcosx/sinx)sin(x)^x, that's what you got.
 
1st
lny=ln((sinx)^x)
lny=xln(sinx)
then take the derivative and use product and chain rule ;)

dy/dx(1/y)=x(1/sinx)cosx + ln(sinx)
then simplfy

dy/dx(1/y) = xcotx+lnsinx
dy/dx=y[xcotx+lnsinx]

plug in for y

dy/dx= (sinx)^x[xcotx+lnsinx]

message me if you need any explanations.
 
dw soz
 
Last edited:
Thats a fun one to solve.

how do you integrate (sin(x))^x?

For the second derivative, I got

(((sin(x))^x)*(ln(sinx)+x/tanx))*(ln(sinx)+x*cotx)+((sin(x))^x)*(cotx-cotx/((sin(x))^2)

but got no way of checking
 
Last edited:
uh guys, are you even allowed to do ln(sinx), i mean sinx isn't always positive right?
 
Then do it for 0\le x\le \pi and use sin(x+ n\pi)= (-1)^n sin(x) for x outside that range.
 
kk, so how do i differentiate (-1)^x?
edit: sorry i misread your post

my question is: how do do ln((-1)^n*sinx)?
 
  • #10
if I take -Pi<x<0 then I can write:

sin(x)^x=(-1)^x*(-sin(x))^x
so sin(x)^x=(-1)^x*exp(x*ln(-sin(x))) but then I'm stuck in the differentiation because of the (-1)^x
 
  • #11
The problem is not just differentiating (-1)^x. How are you defining (-1)^x?
 
  • #12
I dunno, hence my question: how do you guys manage to differentiate sinx^x?

When I try to differentiate it using the suggested method which I get stuck because of the (-1)^x for values of x on the intervals of the form [2kPi-Pi,2kPi].

This is frustrating I know, everywhere I look people use the same method, but to me there is something missing , or maybe there is something wrong with my thinking :(
 

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