Problem 267

Question

$$ \text { If } y=(x+10)^{6}, \text { find }\left(\frac{d^{3} y}{d x^{3}}\right)_{x=2} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The third derivative of the function \(y = (x + 10)^{6}\) is \(\frac{d^3 y}{dx^3} = 120(x + 10)^3\). When evaluated at x = 2, \(\left(\frac{d^3 y}{dx^3}\right)_{x=2} = 207,360\).
1Step 1: Compute the first derivative with respect to x#
We are given the function \(y = (x + 10)^{6}\). To compute the first derivative with respect to x, we use the power rule of differentiation: \[\frac{d}{dx}(x^n) = nx^{n-1}\] Therefore, the first derivative of y with respect to x is: \[\frac{dy}{dx} = 6(x + 10)^{5}\]
2Step 2: Compute the second derivative with respect to x#
Now, we need to compute the second derivative of y with respect to x. To do this, we need to differentiate the first derivative with respect to x. We again use the power rule for differentiation: \[\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} = \frac{d}{dx} (6(x + 10)^{5}) = 6 \cdot 5 (x + 10)^{5-1} = 30(x + 10)^4\]
3Step 3: Compute the third derivative with respect to x#
Next, we compute the third derivative of y with respect to x by differentiating the second derivative with respect to x. Once more, we use the power rule of differentiation: \[\frac{d^3 y}{dx^3} = \frac{d}{dx} (30(x + 10)^{4}) = 30 \cdot 4 (x + 10)^{4-1} = 120(x + 10)^3\]
4Step 4: Evaluate the third derivative at x = 2#
Finally, we are asked to find the value of the third derivative at x = 2. To do this, we simply substitute x = 2 into the expression for the third derivative: \[\left(\frac{d^3 y}{dx^3}\right)_{x=2} = 120(2 + 10)^3 = 120 \cdot 12^3 = 120 \cdot 1728 = 207,360\] The value of the third derivative of y with respect to x at x = 2 is 207,360.

Key Concepts

Power RuleHigher-order DerivativesEvaluation at a Point
Power Rule
The power rule is a fundamental concept in differential calculus. It provides a straightforward way to find the derivative of a function that is a power of a variable. This rule states that if you have a function of the form \(y = x^n\), where \(n\) is a constant, the derivative of \(y\) with respect to \(x\) is \(\frac{d}{dx}(x^n) = nx^{n-1}\).

In our given exercise, the function is \(y = (x + 10)^{6}\). To find the first derivative, we apply the power rule directly to obtain \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 6(x + 10)^{5}\). The power rule is useful because it simplifies finding derivatives of polynomial functions. Its simplicity and consistency make it a preferred method when faced with powers of variables. Remember to always multiply the given power by the original expression raised to one power less.
Higher-order Derivatives
In calculus, higher-order derivatives refer to the process of differentiating a function multiple times. The first derivative represents the rate of change, like velocity in physics. However, higher-order derivatives can indicate further rates of change, like acceleration.

For the given function \(y = (x + 10)^{6}\), we start with the first derivative: \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 6(x + 10)^{5}\). We then find the second derivative by applying the power rule again to get \(\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} = 30(x + 10)^{4}\). This process can be continued to find the third derivative: \(\frac{d^3 y}{dx^3} = 120(x + 10)^{3}\).

The notation \(\frac{d^n y}{dx^n}\) is used to indicate \(n\)-th order derivatives. Higher-order derivatives are valuable in various fields, such as physics and engineering, for understanding dynamics.
Evaluation at a Point
Once we have the derivative, we can evaluate it at a specific point to find the rate of change at that location. This process involves substituting a particular \(x\)-value into the derivative equation.

In the exercise, we needed to find the third derivative of \(y = (x + 10)^{6}\) evaluated at \(x = 2\). We obtained the third derivative: \(\frac{d^3 y}{dx^3} = 120(x + 10)^{3}\). By substituting \(x = 2\) into this expression, we computed \(120(2 + 10)^3 = 207,360\).

This step is crucial because it gives the exact rate of change at a specific \(x\) value, which can be particularly useful in practical applications. In real-world scenarios, evaluating derivatives at certain points can provide insights into the behavior of physical systems or changes occurring at precise moments.