How to Find y^m When y = x^(-3) + x

  • Thread starter Thread starter priscilla98
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the expression y = x^(-3) + x and asks to find y^m, where the nature of m is unclear. Participants are exploring the implications of the notation and its relation to derivatives or powers.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about whether y^m refers to y raised to a power or the mth derivative of y. There are attempts to clarify the notation and its implications.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the meaning of the problem and the notation used. Some have suggested that y^m could be interpreted as y raised to a power, while others argue it might indicate a derivative. Multiple interpretations are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the value of m and how it relates to the multiple-choice answers provided. The notation is causing confusion, with participants debating whether it indicates a power or a derivative.

priscilla98
Messages
93
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



y = x^ -3 + x. Find y^m.

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm a little confused on how to find y^m. Would I use the derivatives to find this?

For example:

y = x^ -3 + x

y = -2x^ -2 + x

Okay now I am confused by this
 
Physics news on Phys.org


priscilla98 said:

Homework Statement



y = x^ -3 + x. Find y^m.

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm a little confused on how to find y^m. Would I use the derivatives to find this?

For example:

y = x^ -3 + x

y = -2x^ -2 + x

Okay now I am confused by this
I don't see that this problem has anything to do with derivatives. ym ordinarily indicates that y is being raised to a power, so that y2 would be (x-3 + x)2.

If the problem asks for y(m), with parentheses around the exponent, then that typically indicates the mth derivative.

Your examples don't make any sense. If y = x-3 + x, then y won't also be equal to -2x-2UP] + x.
 


Mark44 said:
I don't see that this problem has anything to do with derivatives. ym ordinarily indicates that y is being raised to a power, so that y2 would be (x-3 + x)2.

If the problem asks for y(m), with parentheses around the exponent, then that typically indicates the mth derivative.

Your examples don't make any sense. If y = x-3 + x, then y won't also be equal to -2x-2UP] + x.



Okay since y^m = y^2 and you state because of this y = (-x^3 + x)^2. Now, would you evaluate this equation further?
 


y = -x^3 + x is also similar to the graph of y = x^3 except that this graph is the opposite of y = x^3
 


Okay this is a multiple choice question

a) -6
b) -60x^-6
c) -60x^-6 + x^-2
d) -60x^-6 - x^-2

When I put y = -x^3 + x on my graphing calculator. I see the coordinates (-4, 60) and (4, -60)
 


What exactly is the question? Are you given m? I don't see any connection between the answers you show and the problem as you have stated it.
 


Mark44 said:
What exactly is the question? Are you given m? I don't see any connection between the answers you show and the problem as you have stated it.

Okay, then this is the whole question::: But this is a multiple choice question

y = x^ -3 + x. Find y^m.

a) -6
b) -60x^-6
c) -60x^-6 + x^-2
d) -60x^-6 - x^-2
 


I really do appreciate the help, thanks. It's just that I'm really confused on this equation.
 


The question is probably:

y = x^ {-3} + x.

Find y"'.

a) -6
b) -60x^-6
c) -60x^-6 + x^-2
d) -60x^-6 - x^-2
 
  • #10


That would probably be it. So, now it be would be y = (x^-3 + x)^3, right?
 
  • #11


priscilla98 said:
That would probably be it. So, now it be would be y = (x^-3 + x)^3, right?
Well, is it or isn't it? Where are you getting the m? Here we are at post #11 in this thread, and we don't even know what the problem is yet.

It's impossible for us to help you if you don't even know what the problem is asking for. Are you misreading ''' as m? The ''' notation indicates the third derivative, and m indicates the mth power of what it is an exponent on.
 
  • #12


Mark44 said:
Well, is it or isn't it? Where are you getting the m? Here we are at post #11 in this thread, and we don't even know what the problem is yet.

It's impossible for us to help you if you don't even know what the problem is asking for. Are you misreading ''' as m? The ''' notation indicates the third derivative, and m indicates the mth power of what it is an exponent on.


I'm getting the m from the problem. It states as my first post is

y = x^-3 + x. Now, find y^m. I have even given the multiple choices for this question. You're right, you can' really help me if I don't understand it. Okay, now you state that first the mth derivative was the second now it's a third, fine okay. But by using the mth derivative would we use dx/dy? I know I am confused on this that's why I posted this question. But i don't understand how this question leads to the choices below

a) - 6
b) -60x^-6
c) -60x^-6 + x^-2
d) -60x^-6 - x^-2
 
  • #13


ym doesn't lead to any of the choices given, but y(m) does for one value of m. The notation of an exponent in parentheses usually means the derivative of that order. In this case y(m) means
\frac{d^my}{dx^m}

Start by calculating y' (same as dy/dx), y'' (same as d2y/dx2), and so on.
 
  • #14


Mark44 said:
ym doesn't lead to any of the choices given, but y(m) does for one value of m. The notation of an exponent in parentheses usually means the derivative of that order. In this case y(m) means
\frac{d^my}{dx^m}

Start by calculating y' (same as dy/dx), y'' (same as d2y/dx2), and so on.


By using dy/dx for y = x^-3 + x, would it be this below

dy d d
--- = --- (x^-3) + --- (x)
dx dx dx
 
  • #15


Start with y = x-3 + x
Find y'.
Find y''.
Find y'''.

Are you having trouble differentiating the expression in the first equation above?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K