Solve Derivative of y = x2sinx

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y = x 2sinx, exploring different methods of differentiation, including implicit differentiation and the product rule. Participants are examining the correct application of logarithmic differentiation and the chain rule in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using logarithmic differentiation and the product rule to find the derivative. Questions arise about the correct interpretation of the function and the application of differentiation rules, particularly regarding the handling of constants and variables in exponentiation.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with some participants confirming the correctness of initial attempts while others suggest alternative methods. Questions about the interpretation of terms and the application of differentiation rules indicate a productive dialogue, though no consensus has been reached on a single method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the notation and the differentiation of expressions involving constants and variables. There is also mention of potential issues with evaluating derivatives at specific points, highlighting the need for clarity in the application of rules.

goonking
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Homework Statement


y = x 2sinx

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, so If I see an x in an exponent, I would want to use ln to 'bring it out', right?

ln y = ln (x 2sinx) = ln x + ln 2sinx = ln x + sinx ln2

now I take the derivative :

y'/y = 1/x + cosx ln2

multiply both sides by y

y' = [1/x + cosx ln2] (x 2sinx)

is everything correct?
 
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Yes it looks correct. You could have also done a product rule + chain rule expansion. That way you could avoid the implicit form,
 
Brian T said:
Yes it looks correct. You could have also done a product rule + chain rule expansion. That way you could avoid the implicit form,
ok, cool. Thanks!
 
goonking said:

Homework Statement


y = x 2sinx

Is x multiplied by 2sin x, or is it something else?
 
SteamKing said:
Is x multiplied by 2sin x, or is it something else?
yes , multiplied.
 
Brian T said:
Yes it looks correct. You could have also done a product rule + chain rule expansion. That way you could avoid the implicit form,
could you show your work for that?
 
goonking said:

Homework Statement


y = x 2sinx

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, so If I see an x in an exponent, I would want to use ln to 'bring it out', right?

ln y = ln (x 2sinx) = ln x + ln 2sinx = ln x + sinx ln2

now I take the derivative :

y'/y = 1/x + cosx ln2

multiply both sides by y

y' = [1/x + cosx ln2] (x 2sinx)

is everything correct?

It is correct, but should be re-written as ##y' = 2^{\sin(x)} + \ln(2)\, \cos(x)\, x \, 2^{\sin(x)}##. The way YOU wrote it would not allow you to easily get ##y'(0)## because it would involve the "illegal" fraction ##\frac{0}{0}##. The way I wrote it presents no problems at ##x = 0##.
 
goonking said:
could you show your work for that?

y = x 2sinx

Product rule says y'(x) = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x). Choose f(x) = x, and g(x) = 2sinx. (although order doesn't really matter)

Now, all you have to do is compute the derivative of f, the derivative of g, and then plug. The derivative of g also involves the chain rule. Try figuring it out for yourself, it should be more rewarding. You already know the answer so you'll know if you've got it. Good luck :D
 
Ray Vickson said:
It is correct, but should be re-written as ##y' = 2^{\sin(x)} + \ln(2)\, \cos(x)\, x \, 2^{\sin(x)}##. The way YOU wrote it would not allow you to easily get ##y'(0)## because it would involve the "illegal" fraction ##\frac{0}{0}##. The way I wrote it presents no problems at ##x = 0##.
Wait, how did you get 2sin(x)+ln(2)cos(x) when I got 1/x + ln2 cosx?
 
  • #10
Brian T said:
y = x 2sinx

Product rule says y'(x) = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x). Choose f(x) = x, and g(x) = 2sinx. (although order doesn't really matter)

Now, all you have to do is compute the derivative of f, the derivative of g, and then plug. The derivative of g also involves the chain rule. Try figuring it out for yourself, it should be more rewarding. You already know the answer so you'll know if you've got it. Good luck :D
but to get the derivative of 2sinx, I need to use ln right? is there any other way?
 
  • #11
goonking said:
Wait, how did you get 2sin(x)+ln(2)cos(x) when I got 1/x + ln2 cosx?

He just distributed the term you had outside your parenthesis.

goonking said:
but to get the derivative of 2sinx, I need to use ln right? is there any other way?

The derivative of some scalar a, raised to the x, is:
\frac{d}{dx}[a^x] = (a^x)ln(a) ... as a side note unrelated to this problem, think about when the scalar a = e.
So, applying the chain rule the derivative of scalar a, raised to some f(x), is:
\frac{d}{dx}[a^{f(x)}] = (a^{f(x)})ln(a)f'(x)
 
  • #12
Brian T said:
He just distributed the term you had outside your parenthesis.
The derivative of some scalar a, raised to the x, is:
\frac{d}{dx}[a^x] = (a^x)ln(a) ... as a side note unrelated to this problem, think about when the scalar a = e.
So, applying the chain rule the derivative of scalar a, raised to some f(x), is:
\frac{d}{dx}[a^{f(x)}] = (a^{f(x)})ln(a)f'(x)
scalar a = constant right?

also, this whole time, i thought \frac{d}{dx}[a^x] = (x)ln(a) , i thought you only move the exponent out, but you moved both the base AND exponent.

edit: Oh, I think i understand now. if you have a constant to the x power, like 52x then it becomes 52x ln5 ⋅2

but what if it is a variable to a power of another variable, for example y5x

is it going to be y5x ln y ⋅5 ?
 
Last edited:
  • #13
goonking said:
scalar a = constant right?

also, this whole time, i thought \frac{d}{dx}[a^x] = (x)ln(a) , i thought you only move the exponent out, but you moved both the base AND exponent.

edit: Oh, I think i understand now. if you have a constant to the x power, like 52x then it becomes 52x ln5 ⋅2

but what if it is a variable to a power of another variable, for example y5x
Here's how it works. As long as x > 0, you can write x as ##e^{ln(x)}##.
So ##5^{2x} = (e^{ln(5)})^{2x}##
Using one of the rules of exponents, the above is equal to ##e^{2x*ln(5)}##. This form is much easier to differentiate.
goonking said:
is it going to be y5x ln y ⋅5 ?
 
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