Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

Let h(x)=arctan⁡(x2e3x)h(x)=\arctan\bigl(x^{2}e^{3x}\bigr). (a) Find an explicit formula for h′(x)h'(x). (b) Evaluate h′(0)h'(0) and express the numerical result exactly.
Intuitive explanation

The key is recognizing that arctan⁡\arctan is a composite function wrapping a product. To find h′(x)h'(x), apply the chain rule: differentiate the outer arctan⁡\arctan layer (which gives 11+u2\frac{1}{1+u^2} where u=x2e3xu=x^2e^{3x}), then multiply by the derivative of the inner function x2e3xx^2e^{3x} using the product rule. This layered approach—chain rule on the outside, product rule on the inside—is the standard way to handle compositions of transcendental functions.

Intuitive explanation

The key is recognizing that arctan⁡\arctan is a composite function wrapping a product. To find h′(x)h'(x), apply the chain rule: differentiate the outer arctan⁡\arctan layer (which gives 11+u2\frac{1}{1+u^2} where u=x2e3xu=x^2e^{3x}), then multiply by the derivative of the inner function x2e3xx^2e^{3x} using the product rule. This layered approach—chain rule on the outside, product rule on the inside—is the standard way to handle compositions of transcendental functions.

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