Time Derivative: How Does 2x Differ from x² Differ?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the time derivatives of a function and its square. It clarifies that the expression 2 multiplied by the first and second time derivatives of a function equals the time derivative of the square of the first derivative, which is derived using the chain rule. The chain rule is applied to show that the derivative of the square of a function leads to the factor of 2 times the function times its first derivative. The conversation also highlights an initial misunderstanding regarding the formulation of the derivatives, which was corrected through collaborative clarification. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of accurately applying calculus principles to understand the relationships between derivatives.
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I'm wondering, how does 2 multiplied by the first and second time derivatives of x equal the time derivative of the time derivative of x squared. Thanks.
 
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Ummm... You mean,
2\frac{d^2}{dt^2} f(t) = \frac{d}{dt} \left(\frac{d}{dt} f(t) \right)^2
This would be done by the chain rule. That is,
\frac{d}{dx} (f(x))^2 = 2f(x)\frac{d}{dx}f(x)
In this sense, we take the two from the power of d/dt f(t) and take that as a coefficient, reduce the power by one, and then take the time derivative of d/dt f(t). I originally interpreted your question as
2\frac{d}{dt}\frac{d^2}{dt^2} f(t) = \frac{d}{dt} \left(\frac{d}{dt} f(t) \right)^2
but I do not feel this expression is true.

EDIT: Ok, let's fix this.

Ummm... You mean,
2\frac{d}{dt}f(t)\frac{d^2}{dt^2} f(t) = \frac{d}{dt} \left(\frac{d}{dt} f(t) \right)^2
This would be done by the chain rule. That is,
\frac{d}{dx} (f(x))^2 = 2f(x)\frac{d}{dx}f(x)
In this sense, we take the two from the power of d/dt f(t) and take that as a coefficient, reduce the power by one, and then take the time derivative of d/dt f(t).
 
Last edited:
Let v = dx/dt and a = dv/dt. Then I believe he means, why does 2va = d/dt (v^2)?

It immediately follows from the chain rule:

d/dt(v^2) = 2v*d/dt(v) = 2va
 
nicksauce said:
Let v = dx/dt and a = dv/dt. Then I believe he means, why does 2va = d/dt (v^2)?

It immediately follows from the chain rule:

d/dt(v^2) = 2v*d/dt(v) = 2va

Ahh gotcha, I missed an f in there when I wrote it out on paper.

2\frac{d}{dt}f(t)\frac{d^2}{dt^2} f(t) = \frac{d}{dt} \left(\frac{d}{dt} f(t) \right)^2

Of course that would make my original statement wrong too...

I need more coffee.
 
Awesome, thanks a lot for the help. I appreciate it.
 
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