What Was the Function g in This Week's Differentiation Problem?

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    2015
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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on a differentiation problem where a student incorrectly applied the product rule, believing that $(fg)'=f'g'$. The function used was $f(x)=e^{x^2}$, with the domain specified as $\left(\tfrac12, \infty\right)$. Despite the mistake, the student arrived at the correct answer, prompting a search for the function $g$. The solutions provided by users kiwi and Aryth were recognized as correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differentiation rules, specifically the Product Rule.
  • Familiarity with exponential functions, particularly $e^{x^2}$.
  • Knowledge of function domains and intervals.
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and their applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Product Rule for differentiation in calculus.
  • Explore the properties of exponential functions, focusing on $e^{x^2}$.
  • Study common mistakes in differentiation and how to avoid them.
  • Practice solving differentiation problems with varying function types and domains.
USEFUL FOR

Students learning calculus, educators teaching differentiation, and anyone interested in understanding common pitfalls in applying differentiation rules.

Ackbach
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Here is this week's POTW:

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A student forgot the Product Rule for differentiation and made the mistake of thinking that $(fg)'=f'g'$. However, he was lucky and got the correct answer. The function $f$ that he used was $f(x)=e^{x^2}$ and the domain of his problem was the interval $\left(\tfrac12, \infty\right)$. What was the function $g$?

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to kiwi and Aryth for their correct solutions! Kiwi's solution follows:

f'=2xf

(fg)'=g'f+gf'=g'f+2xfg=(2xg+g')f

f'g'=2xg'f

So to give the correct answer we require:

(fg)'=f'g'

\therefore (2xg+g')f=2xg'f

\therefore \frac {g'}g=\frac{2x}{2x-1}

\therefore \ln (g)=\int \frac{2x}{2x-1}dx

\therefore \ln (g)= \int 1 + \frac{1}{2x-1}dx=\frac 12(2x+\ln(2x-1))+C=x+\ln(\sqrt{2x-1}))+C

\therefore g= Ae^x \sqrt{2x-1}
 

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