Skip to main content
Ch. 7 - Transcendental Functions
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 7.3.11

In Exercises 7–26, find the derivative of y with respect to x, t, or θ, as appropriate.
y = xe^x-e^x

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the function given: \(y = xe^x - e^x\).
Recognize that the function is composed of two terms: \(xe^x\) and \(-e^x\), and you will need to differentiate each term separately.
For the first term \(xe^x\), apply the product rule for differentiation, which states: \(\frac{d}{dx}[u v] = u' v + u v'\). Here, let \(u = x\) and \(v = e^x\).
Calculate the derivatives of \(u\) and \(v\): \(u' = \frac{d}{dx}[x] = 1\) and \(v' = \frac{d}{dx}[e^x] = e^x\).
Apply the product rule to the first term: \(\frac{d}{dx}[xe^x] = 1 \cdot e^x + x \cdot e^x = e^x + xe^x\). Then differentiate the second term \(-e^x\) as \(-e^x\). Finally, combine these results to write the derivative of \(y\).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Derivative of Exponential Functions

The derivative of the exponential function e^x is e^x itself. This property is fundamental when differentiating expressions involving e^x, as it simplifies the process and helps in applying rules like the product and chain rules effectively.
Recommended video:
04:50
Derivatives of General Exponential Functions

Product Rule

The product rule is used to differentiate functions that are products of two differentiable functions. It states that the derivative of f(x)g(x) is f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x). This rule is essential for differentiating terms like xe^x.
Recommended video:
05:18
The Product Rule

Basic Differentiation Rules

Basic differentiation rules include the power rule, constant multiple rule, and sum/difference rule. These rules allow us to differentiate terms like x and combine derivatives of multiple terms, such as in y = xe^x - e^x.
Recommended video:
04:00
Solutions to Basic Differential Equations