Math Problem Statement

If y = x sin(x), then find y_n.

Solution

The expression given is y=xsinxy = x \sin x, and we are asked to find yny_n, which typically refers to the nn-th derivative of yy with respect to xx.

Let's start by finding the first few derivatives:

  1. First derivative (y1y_1): Using the product rule ddx(uv)=uv+uv\frac{d}{dx}(uv) = u'v + uv', where u=xu = x and v=sinxv = \sin x: y1=ddx(xsinx)=1sinx+xcosx=sinx+xcosxy_1 = \frac{d}{dx}(x \sin x) = 1 \cdot \sin x + x \cdot \cos x = \sin x + x \cos x

  2. Second derivative (y2y_2): Differentiating y1=sinx+xcosxy_1 = \sin x + x \cos x again: y2=cosx+(1cosx+x(sinx))=cosx+cosxxsinx=2cosxxsinxy_2 = \cos x + (1 \cdot \cos x + x \cdot (-\sin x)) = \cos x + \cos x - x \sin x = 2 \cos x - x \sin x

  3. Third derivative (y3y_3): Differentiating y2=2cosxxsinxy_2 = 2 \cos x - x \sin x again: y3=2sinx(1sinx+xcosx)=2sinxsinxxcosx=3sinxxcosxy_3 = -2 \sin x - (1 \cdot \sin x + x \cdot \cos x) = -2 \sin x - \sin x - x \cos x = -3 \sin x - x \cos x

From these initial derivatives, you can observe that the derivatives follow a certain recursive pattern involving sines and cosines with powers of xx.

Would you like further details on how to extend this pattern for the nn-th derivative yny_n? Here are some related questions to extend your understanding:

  1. How is the product rule applied for differentiating products of two functions?
  2. What general patterns arise when differentiating trigonometric functions multiple times?
  3. What methods can be used to simplify the computation of higher-order derivatives?
  4. Can the Leibniz rule (general product rule) help in finding higher-order derivatives?
  5. How does the recursive nature of trigonometric derivatives manifest in this example?

Tip: When dealing with higher-order derivatives of trigonometric functions, it's useful to recognize repeating cycles in sine and cosine derivatives, which often help simplify expressions.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Higher-order derivatives
Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

Product Rule: (uv)' = u'v + uv'
Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions: d/dx(sin x) = cos x, d/dx(cos x) = -sin x

Theorems

Product Rule
Trigonometric Differentiation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12