Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
3. Techniques of Differentiation
Higher Order Derivatives
Problem 3.3.70
Textbook Question
Find f′(x), f′′(x), and f′′′(x) for the following functions.
f(x) = 3x2 + 5ex

1
Start by identifying the function f(x) = 3x^2 + 5e^x. We need to find the first, second, and third derivatives of this function.
To find the first derivative f′(x), apply the power rule to the term 3x^2 and the derivative of e^x to the term 5e^x. The power rule states that the derivative of x^n is n*x^(n-1).
For the term 3x^2, using the power rule, the derivative is 2*3*x^(2-1) = 6x. For the term 5e^x, the derivative of e^x is e^x, so the derivative is 5e^x.
Combine the derivatives from the previous step to get f′(x) = 6x + 5e^x.
To find the second derivative f′′(x), differentiate f′(x) = 6x + 5e^x again. Apply the power rule to 6x and the derivative of e^x to 5e^x. Then, differentiate once more to find the third derivative f′′′(x).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Differentiation
Differentiation is the process of finding the derivative of a function, which represents the rate of change of the function with respect to its variable. It involves applying rules such as the power rule, product rule, and chain rule to compute the first derivative, denoted as f′(x). Understanding differentiation is essential for analyzing the behavior of functions, including their slopes and rates of change.
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Higher-Order Derivatives
Higher-order derivatives are derivatives of derivatives. The second derivative, f′′(x), provides information about the concavity of the function, while the third derivative, f′′′(x), can indicate the rate of change of the concavity. These derivatives are crucial for understanding the function's behavior beyond just its slope, including identifying points of inflection and acceleration.
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Exponential Functions
Exponential functions, such as e^x, are functions where a constant base is raised to a variable exponent. They have unique properties, including that their derivative is equal to the function itself, which simplifies differentiation. Recognizing how to differentiate exponential functions is vital when working with mixed functions, as seen in the given function f(x) = 3x² + 5e^x.
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