What is the derivative of u(w)=k-e^(-aw)

1. Jul 22, 2008

3.141592654

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I have two questions. First:

What is the derivative of u(w)=k-e^(-aw)

Second:

For U(w)=sqrt(w), prove that U(pie(x)+(1-pie)y) > pie*U(x)+(1-pie)U(y)

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

For the first one, I haven't seen this type of problem in so long that I just don't remember how to take a derivative in this form. Would it be:

u'(w)= -(-aw)e^(-aw-1)*-a
=(aw)e^(a^2w+a)?

I wasn't sure if the chain rule was appropriate here.

For the second question, I have:

sqrt(pie(x)+(1-pie)y) > pie*sqrt(x)+(1-pie)sqrt(y) so...

(pie(x)+(1-pie)y)^(1/2) > pie*(x)^1/2+(1-pie)(y)^1/2

From here I don't know where to go. I don't have much experience with proofs so can anyone give some guidance? Thanks for your help!

2. Jul 22, 2008

Dick

Re: questions

e^(aw) is not a power law. d/dw(exp(aw)) is a*exp(aw). Try again.

3. Jul 23, 2008

3.141592654

Re: questions

Sorry I'm a little confused by your reply, does that mean for U(w)=k-e^(-aw) that
U'(w)=(k-e^(-aw))' =-a(-e)^(-aw) =ae^(-aw)? Thanks again for your help.

4. Jul 23, 2008

Dick

Re: questions

The answer is right. -a(-e)^(-aw) is a bit confusing. You might want to move a parenthesis in there.

5. Jul 23, 2008

3.141592654

Re: questions

hmm I see the notation is a bit weird. But the answer comes out correct if written as
-a(-e^(-aw)) right? Thanks again.

6. Jul 23, 2008

Dick

Re: questions

Sure. I just didn't like (-e)^(-aw).