How to find the derivative of this?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y = (p^(x^p))(x^p), where p is a positive constant. Participants are exploring the application of logarithmic differentiation and the properties of logarithms in their attempts to derive the expression for dy/dx.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of logarithmic differentiation, questioning the correctness of their logarithmic manipulations and the application of derivative rules. There are attempts to clarify the expression for ln(y) and how to differentiate it correctly.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided feedback on each other's attempts, pointing out potential errors in the logarithmic expressions and suggesting corrections. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct grouping and differentiation steps, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that p is a positive constant, and there is a focus on ensuring the correct application of logarithmic properties and differentiation rules. Some participants have noted the importance of accurately representing the exponents in their logarithmic expressions.

ab94
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Homework Statement



Find dy/dx of this:
Assume p>0, y=(p^(x^p))(x^p)

Homework Equations



1. d/dx f(x)g(x)h(x) = f'(x)g(x)h(x)+f(x)g'(x)h(x)+f(x)g(x)h'(x)


The Attempt at a Solution



ln(y)= p(ln(p^x))x^p

1/y y'=p'(ln(p^x))x^p + p(logp)x^p + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1) --use "revlevent" equation

1/y y'= 0 + plogp(x^p) + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1) -- simplify derivatives

y'= y(plogp(x^p) + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1)) -- multiply both sides by y

y'= (p^(x^p))(x^p)(plogp(x^p) + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1)) -- sub in y from beginning




Can someone point out where my error is, and how to fix it?

Thanks
 
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ab94 said:

Homework Statement



Find dy/dx of this:
Assume p>0, y=(p^(x^p))(x^p)

Homework Equations



1. d/dx f(x)g(x)h(x) = f'(x)g(x)h(x)+f(x)g'(x)h(x)+f(x)g(x)h'(x)

The Attempt at a Solution



ln(y)= p(ln(p^x))x^p

1/y y'=p'(ln(p^x))x^p + p(logp)x^p + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1) --use "relevant" equation

1/y y'= 0 + plogp(x^p) + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1) -- simplify derivatives

y'= y(plogp(x^p) + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1)) -- multiply both sides by y

y'= (p^(x^p))(x^p)(plogp(x^p) + p(ln(p^x))px^(p-1)) -- sub in y from beginning

Can someone point out where my error is, and how to fix it?

Thanks
Hello, ab94. Welcome to PF !

Is this \displaystyle y=(p^{x^p})(x^p)\ ?

Then you have ln(y) wrong.
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
Hello, ab94. Welcome to PF !

Is this \displaystyle y=(p^{x^p)}(x^p)\ ?

Then you have ln(y) wrong.

Yes, that's what it is. So I can't take ln of both sides and say

ln(y)=ln(p^x^p)
ln(y)= pln(p^x) ?

I thought We could bring down exponents when using that ln property.
 
ab94 said:
Yes, that's what it is. So I can't take ln of both sides and say

ln(y)=ln(p^x^p)
ln(y)= pln(p^x) ?

I thought We could bring down exponents when using that ln property.
No.

\displaystyle \ln(y)=\ln\left((p^{x^p})(x^p)\right)

Now use some properties of logs & differentiate.
 
SammyS said:
No.

\displaystyle \ln(y)=\ln\left((p^{x^p})(x^p)\right)

Now use some properties of logs & differentiate.

so then would I split up the ln's into

ln(y)=ln(p^x^p) + ln(x^p) ?

If so I ended with y' = p^x^p(x^p) (plogp + p/x) ...don't think that's right
 
ab94 said:
so then would I split up the ln's into

ln(y)=ln(p^x^p) + ln(x^p) ?

If so I ended with y' = p^x^p(x^p) (plogp + p/x) ...don't think that's right
Show your steps, please.
 
You almost got it.

How did you expand ##ln(p^{x^{p}})##

After this, take the derivative.

A little late edit.
 
BloodyFrozen said:
You almost got it.

$$ ln(y)~=~x^{p}\cdot ln(p)+p\cdot ln(x)$$

You see what I did there? It was the first term on the right side that you made an error.

After this, take the derivative.

Ohh thanks, I was taking the highest exponent (p) instead of the entire exponent (xp). I'll post my solution after I work it out
 
Last edited:
ab94 said:
Ohh thanks, I was taking the highest exponent (p) instead of the entire exponent (xp). I'll post my solution after I work it out

Good.
 
  • #10
Ok so:

ln(y)= ln(p^x^p) + ln(x^p)
ln(y)=(x^p)ln(p) + (p)ln(x)
1/y y'= (px^(p-1))ln(p) + (x^p)/p + 0 + p/x

therfore y'= p^x^p(x^p)(px^(p-1))ln(p) + (x^p)/p + + p/x

Is this correct? or is there an error
 
  • #11
ab94 said:
Ok so:

ln(y)= ln(p^x^p) + ln(x^p)
ln(y)=(x^p)ln(p) + (p)ln(x)
1/y y'= (px^(p-1))ln(p) + (x^p)/p + 0 + p/x

therfore y'= p^x^p(x^p)(px^(p-1))ln(p) + (x^p)/p + + p/x

Is this correct? or is there an error

You have the general idea, but your grouping is wrong.

$$\frac{dy}{dx} ~=~ y\cdot [px^{p-1}ln(x)+\frac{x^{p}}{p}+\frac{p}{x}]$$
 
  • #12
BloodyFrozen said:
You have the general idea, but your grouping is wrong.

$$\frac{dy}{dx} ~=~ y\cdot [px^{p-1}ln(x)+\frac{x^{p}}{p}+\frac{p}{x}]$$

Nvm I got the right answer, I used wolframalpha and I subtracted my answer from theirs, and got 0. (i fixed my own error up there ^)

Thanks for the help
 
  • #13
By the way: \displaystyle p=e^{\ln(p)}

Therefore,

\displaystyle y=(p^{x^p})(x^p)
\displaystyle <br /> =e^{\ln(p)x^p}(x^p)

Taking the derivative:

\displaystyle y&#039;=\ln(p)\,p\,x^{p-1}e^{\ln(p)x^p}(x^p)+e^{\ln(p)x^p}px^{p-1}

For this problem it looks like a better way than doing the logarithmic derivative.
 

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