Math Problem Statement

In preparation for the NEXT problem, find the derivative of the SINGLE VARIABLE function. h(x) = e^x^(4 − x + 1)

Solution

To find the derivative of h(x)=ex4x+1h(x) = e^{x^{4 - x + 1}}, let us proceed step by step:


Step 1: Write down the function.

The function is given as: h(x)=ex4x+1h(x) = e^{x^{4 - x + 1}}


Step 2: Apply the chain rule.

The chain rule states: ddx(eu)=eududx\frac{d}{dx} \big( e^u \big) = e^u \cdot \frac{du}{dx}

Here, u=x4x+1u = x^{4 - x + 1}. So, the derivative is: h(x)=ex4x+1ddx(x4x+1)h'(x) = e^{x^{4 - x + 1}} \cdot \frac{d}{dx} \big( x^{4 - x + 1} \big)


Step 3: Differentiate u=x4x+1u = x^{4 - x + 1}.

To differentiate u=x4x+1u = x^{4 - x + 1}, we use the general power rule for derivatives of xvx^v, which states: ddx(xv)=xv(ln(x)dvdx+vx)\frac{d}{dx} \big( x^v \big) = x^v \cdot \big( \ln(x) \cdot \frac{dv}{dx} + \frac{v}{x} \big)

Here, v=4x+1=5xv = 4 - x + 1 = 5 - x. Therefore: ddx(x4x+1)=x5x(ln(x)ddx(x+5)+5xx)\frac{d}{dx} \big( x^{4 - x + 1} \big) = x^{5 - x} \cdot \Big( \ln(x) \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(-x + 5) + \frac{5 - x}{x} \Big)

  1. ddx(x+5)=1\frac{d}{dx}(-x + 5) = -1
  2. Substitute everything into the expression: ddx(x4x+1)=x5x(ln(x)(1)+5xx)\frac{d}{dx} \big( x^{4 - x + 1} \big) = x^{5 - x} \cdot \Big( \ln(x) \cdot (-1) + \frac{5 - x}{x} \Big)

Simplify the terms: ddx(x4x+1)=x5x(5xxln(x))\frac{d}{dx} \big( x^{4 - x + 1} \big) = x^{5 - x} \cdot \Big( \frac{5 - x}{x} - \ln(x) \Big)


Step 4: Substitute back into the derivative of h(x)h(x).

Now, substitute back into h(x)h'(x): h(x)=ex5xx5x(5xxln(x))h'(x) = e^{x^{5 - x}} \cdot x^{5 - x} \cdot \Big( \frac{5 - x}{x} - \ln(x) \Big)


Final Answer:

h(x)=ex5xx5x(5xxln(x))h'(x) = e^{x^{5 - x}} \cdot x^{5 - x} \cdot \Big( \frac{5 - x}{x} - \ln(x) \Big)

Let me know if you would like further clarifications or additional examples.


Relative Questions:

  1. How does the chain rule apply to exponential functions like eue^u?
  2. What are the conditions for differentiating powers like xvx^v, where vv is a variable?
  3. Can you show how to simplify further when x>0x > 0?
  4. What is the interpretation of this derivative in terms of rate of change?
  5. How do logarithmic functions play a role in differentiation?

Tip:

When differentiating xvx^v where vv depends on xx, always remember to combine the product rule with the natural logarithm chain rule for precise results.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Chain Rule
Power Rule
Logarithmic Differentiation

Formulas

Chain rule: d/dx(e^u) = e^u * du/dx
General power rule: d/dx(x^v) = x^v * (ln(x) * dv/dx + v/x)

Theorems

Chain Rule for Differentiation
Power Rule for Variable Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College Level