Is My Calculation of Derivatives Using the Chain Rule Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the first and second derivatives of the function u sin(x^2) using the chain rule and product rule. Participants are examining the correctness of derivative calculations and exploring the application of these differentiation rules.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive the first and second derivatives, with some questioning the accuracy of their expressions and others suggesting alternative approaches, such as treating parts of the function as single entities for differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the calculations, indicating areas that may need reevaluation. There is a recognition of the complexity of the expressions involved, and while some guidance has been offered, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the derivatives presented.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that u is a function of x, which is influencing the differentiation process. Participants are also noting potential missing terms in the derivatives, indicating that the calculations may not be complete.

goldfronts1
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I am trying to find the first and second derivative using the chain rule of the following:

u sin(x^2)

This is what I have but I don't think it is correct. Can someone pls let me know?

first derivative: u * 2x cos(x^2) + sin(x^2) u'

second derivative:
u * 2( x * -2sin(x^2) + cos(x^2)) + 2xcos(x^2)* u' + sin(x^2)*u" + u'* 2xcos(x^2)

Any help thanks
 
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That's pretty close: the first term (for your second derivative) is not correct but I think if you take a second look you will figure it out (you just missed one detail). Otherwise, you can combine like terms to clean it up a bit, but it's still a long expression.
 
I don't get it :(
 
i am assuming u is an other function right?

Think of it this way

[(u2x)cos(x^2)]' in other words think first of (u2x) as a single function, so you can differentiate this using the product rule for (u2x) and
cos(x^2) right? after that apply again the product rule wherever you end up with (u2x)' and you'll be fine.
 
This is what I get

2ucos(x^2)-4x^2sin(x^2)+4xcos(x^2)u'+sin(x^2)u"

Is this correct?
Thanks
 
goldfronts1 said:
This is what I get

2ucos(x^2)-4x^2sin(x^2)+4xcos(x^2)u'+sin(x^2)u"

Is this correct?
Thanks


You have this question on another post as well, and it looked fine to me as well there.
Well i take this back, you are short of an x in there.
you should have -2xsin(x^2) somewhere at the beginning, on your original result, at fpost #1.
 
Last edited:
goldfronts1 said:
This is what I get

2ucos(x^2)-4x^2sin(x^2)+4xcos(x^2)u'+sin(x^2)u"

Is this correct?
Thanks
This looks fine.
 

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