Need to find the second derivative of:

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the second derivative of the function f(x) = (1/125)e^(5x)(5x - 2). Participants are exploring the application of the product rule in the context of calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the product rule for derivatives, with some expressing uncertainty about their calculations and the rules involved. There are attempts to clarify the steps needed to find the first and second derivatives.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on applying the product rule and have encouraged others to share their progress. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the application of the rules, and participants are actively seeking clarification on their attempts.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of participants feeling overwhelmed by the rules of differentiation and the complexity of the problem. The original poster expresses a lack of confidence in their mathematical skills, which may affect their understanding of the topic.

619snake
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f(x)= 1/125(e5x)(5x-2)I think this is the first derivative but I ain't good at math and gives me some headaches I used the product rule.. but still I have doubts =(

f '(x)= 1/125(5)(e5x)(5x-2) + (5)(1/125(e5x)

Please help me! :cry:
I need to understand how to do this
 
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Assuming you have [tex]f(x) = \frac{1}{125}e^{5x}(5x - 2),[/tex] you need to apply the product rule.

Given [tex]f(x) = g(x)h(x),[/tex]

[tex]f'(x) = g'(x)h(x) + g(x)h'(x).[/tex]

And you'll need the product rule again to find f''(x). Also, I'd leave the constant 1/125 out in front while taking the derivatives until the end.
 
Thanks Raskolnikov! Now I only need to identify which rule I need to use in each case.
 
619snake said:
f '(x)= 1/125(5)(e5x)(5x-2) + (5)(1/125(e5x)

Yep, you got it right (though I think you're overloading on parentheses :P)! For the second derivative, you have to use the product rule again on the first term since it has both a factor of e^5x and a factor of (5x - 2). However, you don't need the product rule for the 2nd term since it's just e^5x.

Try to find f''(x). Just post whatever answer you get or where you're getting stuck, and I'll help you from there if you need.
 
I'm not sure about this... as I said.. I haven't mastered this rules :cry: and is getting really messed up

f"(x)= ([tex]\frac{1}{125}[/tex])(25)e[tex]^{5x}[/tex](5x-2) + 5([tex]\frac{1}{125}[/tex](5)e[tex]^{5x}[/tex]) + ([tex]\frac{1}{125}[/tex](5)e[tex]^{5x}[/tex])...

I don't know... think I got confused :confused:
 
Close! You forgot another factor of 5 on the last term. Don't worry, you'll get better with practice.

So it should simplify to:

[tex]f''(x) = \frac{1}{5}e^{5x}(5x - 2) + \frac{2}{5}e^{5x}.[/tex]
 

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