Finding Derivatives of -2z*e^-(z^2)

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In summary, the 1st and 2nd derivatives of the equation -2z*e^-(z^2) can be found using the product rule, which states that the derivative of a product of two functions is equal to the first function multiplied by the derivative of the second function, plus the second function multiplied by the derivative of the first function. After applying this rule, the 1st derivative is -2z*(-2z)e^-(z^2) + [e^-(z^2)*(-2)] and the 2nd derivative is 4z^2*e^-(z^2) - 2e^-(z^2).
  • #1
T.Engineer
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find the 1st and 2nd derivative of the following equation

-2z*e^-(z^2)
step by step.
Thanks alot!
 
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  • #2
Any ideas on this one? if this is a function of z, and you're differentiating with respect to z, does the product rule sound familiar?
 
  • #3
radou said:
Any ideas on this one? if this is a function of z, and you're differentiating with respect to z, does the product rule sound familiar?

Ok, I get it
it is -2Z (-2z)e^-(z^2) - [e^-(z^2)*(-2)]
and then:
4z^2 * e^-(z^2) + 2e^-(z^2)
Thanks alot!
 
  • #4
T.Engineer said:
it is -2Z (-2z)e^-(z^2) --- [e^-(z^2)*(-2)]

Yep, that's the way to go.
But are you sure about that minus sign?
Can you quote the product rule?
 
  • #5
CompuChip said:
Yep, that's the way to go.
But are you sure about that minus sign?
Can you quote the product rule?

Oh, I am so sorry it is
-2Z (-2z)e^-(z^2)+ [e^-(z^2)*(-2)]
So, we will have
4z^2*e^-(z^2)-2e^-(z^2)
 
  • #6
that looks right. Remember, (first) *(derivative of the second) + (second) * (derivative of first). Of course you can change the order, same answer.
 
  • #7
thanks a lot for all!
 

FAQ: Finding Derivatives of -2z*e^-(z^2)

What is the 1st derivative?

The 1st derivative is a measure of how a function changes at a specific point. It represents the slope or rate of change of the function at that point.

How is the 1st derivative calculated?

The 1st derivative is calculated by taking the limit of the difference quotient as the change in the input variable approaches zero. This can also be written as the derivative of the function f(x) with respect to x or f'(x).

What does the 1st derivative tell us about a function?

The 1st derivative tells us about the direction and steepness of the function at a specific point. A positive 1st derivative indicates an increasing function, while a negative 1st derivative indicates a decreasing function. The magnitude of the 1st derivative also gives us information about the rate of change of the function.

What is the 2nd derivative?

The 2nd derivative is a measure of how the 1st derivative changes at a specific point. It represents the concavity or curvature of the function at that point.

How is the 2nd derivative related to the 1st derivative?

The 2nd derivative is the derivative of the 1st derivative. In other words, it is the rate of change of the slope or rate of change of the function. A positive 2nd derivative indicates a function that is concave up, while a negative 2nd derivative indicates a function that is concave down. The 2nd derivative can also help us identify points of inflection in a function.

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