Skip to main content
Ch. 3 - Derivatives
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 3.9.27

Find the derivative of the following functions.
y = x² (1 - In x²)

Verified step by step guidance
1
First, identify the function y = x² (1 - ln(x²)). This is a product of two functions: u(x) = x² and v(x) = 1 - ln(x²).
To find the derivative of y, apply the product rule: (u*v)' = u'v + uv'.
Calculate u'(x), the derivative of u(x) = x². Using the power rule, u'(x) = 2x.
Calculate v'(x), the derivative of v(x) = 1 - ln(x²). Use the chain rule: v'(x) = -d/dx[ln(x²)] = -2/x.
Substitute u'(x), v(x), u(x), and v'(x) into the product rule formula: y' = (2x)(1 - ln(x²)) + (x²)(-2/x). Simplify the expression to find the derivative.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
6m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Derivative

The derivative of a function measures how the function's output value changes as its input value changes. It is a fundamental concept in calculus that provides the slope of the tangent line to the curve at any given point. The derivative is often denoted as f'(x) or dy/dx and can be calculated using various rules, such as the power rule, product rule, and chain rule.
Recommended video:
05:44
Derivatives

Product Rule

The product rule is a formula used to find the derivative of the product of two functions. If u(x) and v(x) are two differentiable functions, the product rule states that the derivative of their product is given by u'v + uv'. This rule is essential when differentiating functions that are multiplied together, as seen in the given function y = x²(1 - ln x²).
Recommended video:
05:18
The Product Rule

Natural Logarithm

The natural logarithm, denoted as ln, is the logarithm to the base e, where e is approximately equal to 2.71828. It is a key function in calculus, particularly in differentiation and integration. The derivative of ln(x) is 1/x, and understanding how to differentiate functions involving natural logarithms is crucial for solving problems that include ln terms, such as ln(x²) in the given function.
Recommended video:
05:18
Derivative of the Natural Logarithmic Function