When differentiating functions, particularly those in the format of one function multiplied by another, the product rule is essential. It's used when you encounter expressions like \( x \ln x \), where both \( x \) and \( \ln x \) are functions of \( x \). The product rule in calculus states that if you have two functions, \( u(x) \) and \( v(x) \), then the derivative of their product is given by:
- \( \frac{d}{dx}[u(x)v(x)] = u'(x)v(x) + u(x)v'(x) \)
In our exercise, given \( y = 3 - x + x \ln x \), we applied the product rule to the term \( x \ln x \). Here, \( u(x) = x \) and \( v(x) = \ln x \). Differentiating, we find:
- \( u'(x) = 1 \)
- \( v'(x) = \frac{1}{x} \)
So, \( \frac{d}{dx}(x \ln x) = 1 \cdot \ln x + x \cdot \frac{1}{x} = \ln x + 1 \). This indicates how the product rule helps break down complex differentiations into manageable steps.