Is the Chain Rule Needed to Differentiate 6e^{0.013t}?

In summary, to find the derivative of f(t) = 6e^{0.013t}, we use the chain rule by letting u = 0.013t and finding the derivative of e^u, which is e^u, and the derivative of u, which is 0.013. Thus, the final derivative is 6e^{0.013t} * 0.013.
  • #1
swears
87
0
[tex]f(t) = 6e^{0.013t} [/tex]

How do I find the derivative of this?

I'm confused. Do I have to use the chain rule here or the product rule, or both?
 
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  • #2
You will have to use the chain rule on this. Do you know the derivative of e^x?

Example of the chain rule.
[tex]f(x) = 5(2x+1)^3[/tex]. To find the derivative, use the chain rule.

[tex] dy/dx = 5 ( 3(2x +1)^2 *2). = 30(2x+1)^2 [/tex].

If it helps you, you can call 2x +1 "u" and say [tex] dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx [/tex].

du/dx = 2. dy/du = 3u^2. Don't forget the constant five outside.
 
  • #3
Isen't the derivative of e^x itself? or do I need to use the natural log.

Here's my attempt from looking at your example :

[tex] 6(0.013t(e)^{0.013t} * e^{0.013t} [/tex]
 
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  • #4
Close...

The derivative of [tex] e^u = e^u * du/dt [/tex].

So, Let's call u = .013 t

Now, we have [tex] e^u [/tex] We know the derivative of [tex] e^u = e^u du/dt [/tex].

So, [tex] dy/dt = e^u * du/dt. [/tex]

What is du/dt? We know u = .013t. Can we get du/dt from that? Does this help a bit?
 
  • #5
Hmm, I'm not sure if I'm getting the whole U thing sorry.

I have the chain rule being D/DX F(G(X)) = F'(G(X)) * G'(X)

I'm not even sure which part of the equation is F and which is G. If someone could explain that to me, I might have a better chance of plugging this in right.

I think it's the exponents, and the e that is throwing me off.
 
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  • #6
I think you're being confused by the notation. I'll attempt to clear it up, then I"ll try to help you out.
F(g(x) means we have a function inside another function. So, let's look at what we have here:

e^.013t. That .013t is contained in an "e^x" like function, where x = .013t. Well, we can call that .013t = G(t) if we want.

Now, we want an F(g(t). We're going to call e^x "F(x)." Now, we have F(x) = e^x. . What does this mean?

Well, it means we can replace x for something like F(1) = e^1. Or, F(5) = e^5.

Or, usefully:

F(g(t)) = e^(g(t)) = e^.013t

So, Now we have that F(g(t)) form. The differentiation says

F'(g(t)) * g'(t).

This means we need two things: We need the derivative of F'(g(t)) (the derivative of e^x) and the derivative of G(t) (.013t) and then we multiply them together.

Does this help?

Example:

y = (x^2 + 3)^3 .

We want to express it in the form of F(g(x)). Notice how we have an inside function (x^2 + 3) and an outside function a Something^3. Well, we'll call the inside function g(x) = x^2 + 3. That outside ^3 function will be called F(u) = u^3

So, we have [tex]F(g(x)) = (x^2 + 3)^3 [ /tex]

The chain rule says "Take the derivative of the outside funciton and multiply it by the derivative of the inside funciton" or F'(g(x)) * g'(x)

So, the derivative of the outside function ^3 = 3u^2. (Remember, that "u" here is actually standing for our x^2 + 3)
The derivative of our inside function (the x^2 +3 ) is G'(x) = 2x

Now, Multiply 3u^2 * 2x

Remember, we said u = g(x) = x^2 +3

So, our derivative is

3(x^2 +3)^2 *2x

The trick here is to see an "Inside function" and an "Outside function". THe outside function contains the inside function. Does this help at all, or do you want me to help walk you through it a bit more?
 
  • #7
Thanks for that write up.

I tried again and I got this: [tex] f'(t) = .013*6e^{-.987T}(.013)[/tex]

I felt like I was supposed to do something with the 6 but wasn't sure.
 
  • #8
the derivative of e^x is e^x, it is not e^{x-1}.
 
  • #9
Here, perhaps an example of an actual exponential function would help.

f(x) = ce^(ax^2)

Where c and a are constants.

Let u = ax^2

Let f(u) = e^u

So, the derivative dy/dx

[tex] dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx [/tex]

8So, We can find du/dx = 2ax.

We can find dy/du = e^u. (The derivative of e^x is e^x, as Matt pointed out).

So, fill in where things go, dy/du = e^u du/dx = 2ax

[tex]dy/dx = 2cax * e^u [/tex] Remember how I said u = ax^2? So replace u.

dy/dx = 2cax e^(ax^2)

Another example

8e^9x = y.

dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx.
u = 9x

du/dx = 9

8e^u = y. Dy/du = e^u


8e^u *9 = dy/dx = 72e^u = 72e^9x

Do these examples clear it up a bit more?
 
  • #10
Yes, thanks for your time and effort.

Now I get :

[tex]f(t) = 6e^{0.013t}[/tex]

[tex]let u = 0.013t[/tex]

[tex]f(t) = 6e^u[/tex]

[tex]\frac {dy}{dt} = \frac {dy}{du} * \frac {du}{dt}[/tex]

[tex] 6e^{0.013t} * (0.013) [/tex]
 

FAQ: Is the Chain Rule Needed to Differentiate 6e^{0.013t}?

What is the chain rule?

The chain rule is a mathematical formula used to find the derivative of composite functions. It allows us to calculate the rate of change of a function within another function.

Why is the chain rule important?

The chain rule is important because it is a fundamental tool in calculus and is used to solve many problems in physics, engineering, economics, and other fields. It is also essential for understanding more complex concepts such as multivariable calculus and differential equations.

How do you apply the chain rule?

To apply the chain rule, we first identify the inner and outer functions of the composite function. Then, we take the derivative of the outer function and multiply it by the derivative of the inner function. This process can be repeated for multiple nested functions.

What are common mistakes when using the chain rule?

Some common mistakes when using the chain rule include forgetting to apply the derivative to the inner function, mixing up the order of the functions, and not properly simplifying the derivative expression.

How can I practice and improve my understanding of the chain rule?

You can practice and improve your understanding of the chain rule by working through various problems and examples, using online resources such as tutorials and practice quizzes, and seeking help from a tutor or teacher if needed. It is also important to have a solid understanding of basic derivative rules before attempting to use the chain rule.

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