Understanding the Product Rule: A Closer Look at Solving y=2x(1-x)^2

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the function y=2x(1-x)^2, specifically focusing on the application of the product rule and the quotient rule in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of the function using the product rule and question the necessity of additional steps presented in the textbook. There are inquiries about the correct application of differentiation rules, including the product and quotient rules, and the implications of rewriting terms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the steps taken in the differentiation process, with some expressing confusion over the notation used and the validity of applying the product rule to the given function. There is no clear consensus on the approach, but various interpretations and methods are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the potential for misunderstanding due to the presentation of the function and the differentiation process, as well as the distinction between polynomial functions and those requiring the product rule.

fitz_calc
Messages
41
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


y=2x(1-x)^2


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



y=2x(1-x)^2

y`=-x
-----------------
(1-x)^1/2

I thought i was done here. The book takes a few more steps. it adds:

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

to this:

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


Why does the last step exist?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
and one more question. i just got to a problem with sqrt(x+1) in the denominator. my original thought was to put it in the numerator to the power of -1/2 and use the product rule.

my book uses the quotient rule instead. how do i know which one is the best one to use?
 
Last edited:
fitz_calc said:

Homework Statement


y=2x(1-x)^2

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



y=2x(1-x)^2

y`=-x
-----------------
(1-x)^1/2

I thought i was done here. The book takes a few more steps. it adds:

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

to this:

2(1-x)^1/2 (1-x)^1/2
------------ x -----------
1 (1-x)^1/2Why does the last step exist?

Are the dotted lines supposed to indicate that ir is a fraction?

And have you used the chain rule yet?

What is the original function now?
Is it [tex]y=2x(1-x)^2[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
Did you do the product rule right?

f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x)?

Or secondly, you can follow the definition of the limit and right

lim as x approaches deltax 2(x+dx)(1-(x+dx)^2 all over dx

where dx = delta x

Use that to confirm if yo did the product rule right, I can't understand the way you wrote your work. Looking at your original function, I don't understand how you got a fraction.
 
Last edited:
PowerIso said:
Did you do the product rule right?

f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x)?

PowerIso, can you understand what he's writing? If the original function is just [tex]y=2x(1-x)^2[/tex]

I see no need for the product rule as this is just a polynomial of the third degree...Power Rule.

Casey

Edit: I saw your edit...the fraction is messing me up too..that is why I believe he maybe copied the original function wrong...maybe he meant something else.:confused:
 
Last edited:
Yes I can understand that, but his question regarded the product rule, so I tackled this problem with that view.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K