Math Problem Statement

Differentiate the expression y = x^y with respect to x.

Solution

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Given Expression:

Let y=xxx...\text{Let } y = x^{x^{x^{...}}} y=xyy = x^y

We are asked to differentiate this expression with respect to xx.

Solution:

To differentiate y=xyy = x^y, we'll use implicit differentiation.

  1. Take the natural logarithm of both sides: ln(y)=ln(xy)\ln(y) = \ln(x^y) ln(y)=yln(x)\ln(y) = y \cdot \ln(x)

  2. Differentiate both sides with respect to xx: 1ydydx=ln(x)dydx+yx\frac{1}{y} \cdot \frac{dy}{dx} = \ln(x) \cdot \frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{y}{x}

  3. Isolate dydx\frac{dy}{dx}: 1ydydxln(x)dydx=yx\frac{1}{y} \cdot \frac{dy}{dx} - \ln(x) \cdot \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{y}{x} dydx(1yln(x))=yx\frac{dy}{dx} \cdot \left(\frac{1}{y} - \ln(x)\right) = \frac{y}{x} dydx=y2x(1yln(x))\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{y^2}{x(1 - y \ln(x))}

Thus, the derivative of yy with respect to xx is: dydx=y2x(1yln(x))\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{y^2}{x(1 - y \ln(x))}

Would you like more details on any of these steps, or do you have any questions?

Expanding Questions:

  1. How does implicit differentiation work in general?
  2. Can you explain why we took the natural logarithm of both sides?
  3. What is the role of logarithmic differentiation in solving this problem?
  4. How does the chain rule apply to the differentiation in this problem?
  5. What happens to the expression if x=ex = e?

Tip:

When differentiating complex functions, especially those involving exponents with variables in both the base and exponent, logarithmic differentiation is often a powerful technique to simplify the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Implicit Differentiation
Logarithmic Differentiation
Exponential Functions

Formulas

y = x^y
ln(y) = ln(x^y)
dy/dx = y^2 / [x(1 - y ln(x))]

Theorems

Chain Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or Early College Level