Please check this differentiation result

  • Thread starter Thread starter cabellos
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Differentiation
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on differentiating the function \( e^{-x}(1-x)^{1/2} \). The initial attempt incorrectly applies the product rule, particularly in the second term of the differentiation. The correct differentiation involves using the product rule and chain rule, resulting in the expression \( -e^{-x}(1-x)^{1/2} + e^{-x}(1-x)^{-1/2} \cdot (-\frac{1}{2}) \). This highlights the importance of correctly applying differentiation rules in calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically differentiation techniques
  • Familiarity with the product rule and chain rule in differentiation
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their derivatives
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the product rule for differentiation in calculus
  • Study the chain rule and its application in differentiating composite functions
  • Practice differentiating exponential functions with polynomial expressions
  • Explore examples of differentiating functions involving square roots
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone looking to improve their skills in differentiation techniques.

cabellos
Messages
76
Reaction score
1
I have to differentiate (e^-x) ((1-x)^1/2)

my answer is:

(-e^-x) ((1-x)^1/2) + (e^-x)/((-1/2 + 1/2x)^-1/2))

is this correct?

thankyou
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the second part I believe the -1/2 term is outside the underroot
 
cabellos said:
I have to differentiate (e^-x) ((1-x)^1/2)

my answer is:

(-e^-x) ((1-x)^1/2) + (e^-x)/((-1/2 + 1/2x)^-1/2))

is this correct?

thankyou

You want to differentiate this: e^{-x}(1-x)^{1/2}? You have used the product rule correctly, but the second term is incorrect. The second term is e^{-x}\frac{d}{dx}(1-x)^{1/2}=e^{-x}(1-x)^{-1/2}\cdot(-\frac{1}{2})

Note that, when using the chain rule on the parentheses, whatever's inside the parentheses does not change.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
690
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K