Using chain rule to differentiate x^x

[Shakas]

Homework Statement

Use the chain rule to find (d/dx)(x^x) by using the function f(y,z)=y^z.

Homework Equations

Chain rule: \frac{dz}{dt} = \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} \frac{dx}{dt} + \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dt}

The Attempt at a Solution

I honestly have no clue on how to use chain rule in this problem. I have spent about an hour trying to set up a chain rule equation and I have given up hope on finding one.

The partial derivatives of f(y,z) are:
\frac{\partial x}{\partial y} = zy^z-1
\frac{\partial x}{\partial z} = y^zln(y)

I have a strong feeling that I need to set up parametric equations somewhere to cancel out and get dy/dx, but I can't seem to find any possible way.

I know how to find the derivative using one-variable calculus, and it comes to out be [dy/dz = x^x(1+ln(x))]. Any hints on how to setup a chain rule equation would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[slider142]

Let y(t) = t and let z(t) = t. What you're looking for is then df/dt, which the fits the chain rule you posted nicely.

 

[Shakas]

Let y(t) = t and let z(t) = t. What you're looking for is then df/dt, which the fits the chain rule you posted nicely.

Alright so taking it a step further:

\frac{df}{dt} = \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \frac{dy}{dt} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial z} \frac{dz}{dt}

y(t)=t

z(t)=t

\frac{dy}{dt} = 1

\frac{dz}{dt} = 1

\frac{df}{dt} = \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial z}

\frac{df}{dt} = zy^z-1 + y^z ln(y)

\frac{df}{dt} = \frac{zy^z}{y} + y^z ln(y)

\frac{df}{dt} = y^z (\frac{z}{y} + ln(y))

y=x

z=x

\frac{dy}{dx} = x^x (\frac{x}{x} + ln(x))

\frac{dy}{dx} = x^x (1+ln(x))

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[blake knight]

The answer to your problem: (d/dx)(x^x) = y(x^x)...z is to be canceled out along the operations..try differentiating both sides of the equations.

First let y=x^x and
f(y,z)=u=y^z--->from here solve for y in terms of z, you can do that by getting the ln of both sides.
You will arrive at having: y=e^lnu.

Hope this could be of any help.