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Ch. 7 - Transcendental Functions
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 7.3.13

In Exercises 7–26, find the derivative of y with respect to x, t, or θ, as appropriate.
y = (x^2 - 2x + 2)e^(x)

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Identify the function y = (x^2 - 2x + 2) e^{x} as a product of two functions: u = (x^2 - 2x + 2) and v = e^{x}.
Recall the product rule for derivatives: if y = u v, then \( \frac{dy}{dx} = u' v + u v' \).
Find the derivative of u with respect to x: \( u = x^2 - 2x + 2 \), so \( u' = 2x - 2 \).
Find the derivative of v with respect to x: \( v = e^{x} \), so \( v' = e^{x} \).
Apply the product rule: \( \frac{dy}{dx} = (2x - 2) e^{x} + (x^2 - 2x + 2) e^{x} \).

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Key Concepts

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

Product Rule

The product rule is used to differentiate functions that are products of two or more functions. It states that the derivative of f(x)g(x) is f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x). This rule is essential when differentiating y = (x^2 - 2x + 2)e^x, where both parts depend on x.
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Derivative of Polynomial Functions

Polynomial functions like x^2 - 2x + 2 are differentiated term-by-term using the power rule. The power rule states that d/dx[x^n] = nx^(n-1). Understanding how to differentiate each term correctly is crucial for applying the product rule effectively.
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Derivative of Exponential Functions

The derivative of the exponential function e^x is e^x itself. This property simplifies differentiation when e^x is part of the function. Recognizing this helps in applying the product rule to functions involving e^x.
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