How do I use product rule when differentiating?

Problems like this usually look something like: Find the differential of (x2 e2x). The product rule is used when we have to differentiate two different functions multiplied by eachother, so we should always look for this when doing questions. In this example, the functions are f(x) = x2 , and g(x) = e2x. To differentiate this, we have to find f'(x) and g'(x), that is, the differential of the two functions. The product rule is f'(x)*g(x)+g'(x)*f(x). This looks daunting but it's not as bad as it seems.
The easy way to look at these questions is to just split the thing you're given into two parts, then differentiate those parts, and apply the formula. Like all maths questions the only way to get good is to practice a lot. So heres some examples!...

Answered by Jasvir K. Maths tutor

2639 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A sweet is modelled as a sphere of radius 10mm and is sucked. After five minutes, the radius has decreased to 7mm. The rate of decrease of the radius is inversely proportional to the square of the radius. How long does it take for the sweet to dissolve?


Express 2/P(P-2) in Partial Fractions (C4)


If cos(x)= 1/3 and x is acute, then find tan(x).


Why is there more than one solution to x^2 = 4?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences