Higher order derivatives calculation

In summary, the conversation is discussing a proof by induction involving the $n$th order derivative of a product formula. The person is trying to understand why $(-4)^M$ is an ordinary power while the numbers in parentheses indicate derivatives. The other person provides an example using $F(x) = e^x$ and then proceeds to explain the induction process and how the induction hypothesis supports the proof. They then continue the conversation by discussing the proof for $F(x) = (e^x)\sin(x)$ and how this completes the proof by induction.
  • #1
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Does anyone know why this is true?
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  • #2
Is $M$ a non-negative integer?
Do the numbers in parentheses all indicate derivatives, while $(-4)^M$ is an ordinary power?
I cannot see why what you wrote would be true, then. For example, it fails for $F(x) = e^x$.
 
  • #3
Thank you for your answer. F(x) = (e^x)*sin(x). The numbers in parenthesis indicate derivatives
 
  • #4
I think I would begin by looking at the $n$th order derivative of a product formula:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d^n}{dx^n}\left(f(x)\cdot g(x)\right)=\sum_{k=0}^n\left({n \choose k}f^{(n-k)}(x)\cdot g^{(k)}(x)\right)\)

And use this formula in an inductive proof, where the formula in question is your induction hypothesis $P_M$, where $M\in\mathbb{N_0}$.

Can you proceed?
 
  • #5
As a follow up, let's first compute:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d^4}{dx^4}\left(e^x\sin(x)\right)=e^x\sin(x)+4e^x\cos(x)-6e^x\sin(x)-4e^x\cos(x)+e^x\sin(x)=-4e^x\sin(x)\)

And so our induction hypothesis is:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d^{4(M+1)}}{dx^{4(M+1)}}\left(e^x\sin(x)\right)=(-4)^{M+1}\left(e^x\sin(x)\right)\)

It is easy to see now, that taking the 4th derivative of both sides, we get:

\(\displaystyle \frac{d^{4((M+1)+1)}}{dx^{4((M+1)+1)}}\left(e^x\sin(x)\right)=(-4)^{(M+1)+1}\left(e^x\sin(x)\right)\)

Since we have obtained $P_{M+2}$ from $P_{M+1}$, this completes our proof by induction.
 

FAQ: Higher order derivatives calculation

What are higher order derivatives?

Higher order derivatives refer to the derivatives of functions that have been differentiated multiple times. In other words, they are the derivatives of derivatives.

Why are higher order derivatives important?

Higher order derivatives are important because they allow us to understand the rate of change of a function at various points, including the curvature and concavity of the function. They also have applications in optimization and curve fitting.

How do you calculate higher order derivatives?

To calculate higher order derivatives, you use the same rules as you would for first order derivatives, such as the power rule, product rule, and chain rule. However, you apply these rules to the derivative of the previous derivative, and continue until you have the desired order of derivative.

What is the notation used for higher order derivatives?

The notation used for higher order derivatives is similar to that of first order derivatives, but with additional prime symbols. For example, the second derivative of a function f(x) would be written as f''(x), and the third derivative would be written as f'''(x).

Can higher order derivatives be negative or fractional?

Yes, higher order derivatives can be negative or fractional. The sign of a higher order derivative depends on the concavity of the function, while the fraction indicates the rate of change of the rate of change of the function.

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