Stuck on Natural Log Derivative Problem?

AI Thread Summary
To find the second derivative of y = ln(x^8), the correct differentiation process involves first rewriting the equation as y = 8ln(x). The first derivative is then calculated as dy/dx = 8/x. Differentiating again gives the second derivative, d²y/dx² = -8/x², which matches the book's answer. The key is to maintain proper operator precedence during differentiation. Understanding these steps clarifies the solution to the problem.
compute_a_nerd
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Hello all. I am stuck on this homework problem. It wants me to find
<br /> \frac {d^2y} {dx^2} <br />
when y= ln x^8
The book answer is \frac {-8}{x^2}
But I only can get \frac {-8}{x^9)}

Please give me some guidance
Thanks
 
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compute_a_nerd said:
Hello all. I am stuck on this homework problem. It wants me to find
<br /> \frac {d^2y} {dx^2} <br />
when y= ln x^8
The book answer is \frac {-8}{x^2}
But I only can get \frac {-8}{x^9)}

Please give me some guidance
Thanks

Need to keep very clear the precedence of operators so write it as:

y=ln(x^8)

Now, just differentiate once to get 8/x, one more time to get the book's answer.
 
Thx so much
 
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