LaTeX Latex Derivative Help - Mistake Fixed

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The discussion revolves around the application of the chain rule and product rule in calculus, specifically in the context of derivatives involving exponential functions. The user initially presents a derivative equation involving x and u, where x = e^u, and attempts to differentiate y with respect to u. Confusion arises regarding the notation and the relationship between variables, particularly the use of dx/du versus dy/du. Clarifications are made about the correct application of the chain rule, emphasizing that dy/du should be expressed in terms of dy/dx and dx/du. The user acknowledges a mistake in their understanding and expresses a desire to clarify the differentiation process. Overall, the thread highlights common pitfalls in applying calculus rules and the importance of clear notation in mathematical expressions.
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I posted the same thread twice. Oops. :-p
 
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Derivative

x = e^u, where u is a function of x.

Using the chain rule:
\frac{dy}{du} = e^u\frac{dy}{dx}

Using the product rule:
\frac{d^2y}{du^2} = \frac{d}{du}(e^u\frac{dy}{dx}) = e^u\frac{dy}{dx}+e^u\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\cdot\frac{dx}{du}

Why is it \frac{dx}{du}?
 
Last edited:
What's this "y"-thingy?
It doesn't appear in your first line
 
(latex hint: you can use [ itex ] tags for formulas that go in a paragraph)

(Did you mean y = e^u?)


Anyways, the chain rule says that:

<br /> \frac{dp}{dq} = \frac{dp}{dr} \frac{dr}{dq}<br />

In your calculation, you had to compute:

<br /> \frac{d}{du} \left( \frac{dy}{dx} \right)<br />

So, throw it into the chain rule and see what you get.
 
Bleh, I'm new to latex so I accidentally pressed the post thread button instead of the preview post one.

Anyway, let me elaborate.

x = e^u, where u is a function of x.

Using the chain rule:
\frac{dy}{du} = \frac{dy}{dx} \cdot \frac{dx}{du} = e^u \frac{dy}{dx}

Now, using the product rule:
\frac{d^2y}{du^2} = \frac{d}{du}(\frac{dy}{du}) = \frac{d}{du}(e^u \frac{dy}{dx}) = e^u \frac{dy}{dx} + e^u \frac{d^2}{dx^2} \cdot \frac{dx}{du}

My question is:
Shouldn't \frac{dx}{du} be \frac{dy}{du}?
 
Last edited:
Nevermind. I see where I went wrong.
 

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