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Write a Python class that inputs a polynomial in standard algebraic notation and outputs the first derivative of that polynomial. Both the inputted polynomial and its derivative should be represented as strings.

User Lollerskates
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2 Answers

9 votes
9 votes

Final answer:

The question addresses creating a Python class for differentiating polynomials. The class takes in a polynomial in standard notation as a string input, computes its derivative, and represents both as strings. The provided code example demonstrates how to implement such a class using the power rule for differentiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Creating a Python class to process and differentiate a polynomial equation is a task that combines programming skills with mathematical knowledge. Assume we deal with a polynomial in the form 'ax^n + bx^(n-1) + ...', where a, b, ..., are coefficients, and n represents the power of the variable x. The process to derive a polynomial involves applying the power rule of differentiation: multiply the coefficient by the power and reduce the power by one.

The following is a rudimentary Python class that will accomplish the task:

class PolynomialDerivative:
def __init__(self, polynomial):
self.polynomial = polynomial

def differentiate(self):
terms = self.polynomial.split('+')
derivative_terms = []
for term in terms:
parts = term.split('x^')
if len(parts) == 2:
coeff, power = int(parts[0]), int(parts[1])
if power != 1:
new_coeff = coeff * power
new_power = power - 1
derivative_terms.append(f'{new_coeff}x^{new_power}')
else:
derivative_terms.append(str(coeff))
elif 'x' in term:
coeff = term.split('x')[0]
derivative_terms.append(coeff)
else:
continue
return ' + '.join(derivative_terms)

The class PolynomialDerivative takes a polynomial as input and outputs its derivative, both as strings. The differentiate method splits the input string into terms, calculates the derivative for each term using the power rule, and assembles the resulting derivative back into a string. If implemented correctly, this class will provide the desired output.

User Crimeminister
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16 votes
16 votes

Answer:Python code: This will work for equations that have "+" symbol .If you want to change the code to work for "-" also then change the code accordingly. import re def readEquation(eq): terms = eq.s

Step-by-step explanation:

User MattK
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3.0k points