Making this derivative look prettier

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flappy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the first and second derivatives of the function f(x) = x^{1/3} * e^{-x^2}. The original poster attempts to simplify these derivatives and identify inflection points.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of the first and second derivatives, with the original poster expressing confusion about the second derivative and how to factor it. There is also a question regarding the presence of a common factor in the expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing encouragement and suggesting that the original poster continue with their calculations. There is an acknowledgment of a common factor that may aid in simplification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of derivative simplification and are considering the implications for finding inflection points. There is a focus on ensuring the expressions are manageable for further analysis.

Flappy
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the 1st and 2nd derivative:

[tex]f(x) = x^{1/3}* e^{-x^2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]f'(x) = x^{1/3} * -2xe^{-x^2} + e^{-x^2} * \frac {1}{3}x^{-2/3}[/tex]

I simplified this to:
[tex][e^{-x^2}]*[-2x^{4/3} + \frac {1}{3}x^{-2/3}][/tex]

Also to find the x values is

[tex]-2x^{4/3} + \frac {1}{3}x^{-2/3}[/tex]
[tex]x^{-2/3}*[-2x^{2} + \frac {1}{3}][/tex]

[tex]x^{2} = 1/6[/tex]
[tex]x = +- \sqrt{1/6}[/tex]

Okay now I'm trying to make the 2nd derivative be simplified so I can solve for the inflection points.

[tex]f''(x) = [e^{-x^{2}}]*[\frac {-8}{3}x^{1/3} - \frac {2}{9}x^{-5/3}] + [-2x^{4/3} + \frac {1}{3}x^{-2/3}]*[-2xe^{-x^{2}}][/tex]

Im kind of stuck after this. I think it would involve taking out an [tex]e^{-x{2}}[/tex] but it's very confusing.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
… just keep going …

Hi Flappy! :smile:

Just keep going … you should get [tex]}x^{-5/3} e^{-x^2}[/tex] times a quadratic in x^2. :smile:
 
Hmm I tried to do this:

[tex]e^{-x^{2}}[ -\frac {8}{3}x^{1/3} - \frac {2}{9}x^{-5/3} + 4x^{7/3} - \frac {2}{3}x^{1/3}][/tex]

I multiplied the -2x and then took out the e^(-x^2). Would this be right? I'm not sure where you're getting x^(-5/3)
 
Ah, i think i see it. There's a common factor of x^(-5/3)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K