# COnfused: what is the derivative of ln(2x)?

 P: 51 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data What is the derivative of ln(2x)? I was just thinking about this, and I got 2 answers. I am in Calc 2 right now. 2. Relevant equations Derivative of ln(x) = 1/x 3. The attempt at a solution Since d/dx lna = (1/a)*(derivative of a) Thus d/dx ln2x = (1/2x)*(2) BUT I can also do this, I think: d/dx ln2x = 2d/dx lnx = 2*1/x = 2/x I am CONFUSED!! lol !:) Please tell me which is the correct method! :) Thanks! :)
 P: 225 both the methods are incorrect d/dx(log 2x)=(1/2x)d/dx(2x) =1/x
P: 895
 Quote by Arshad_Physic Since d/dx lna = (1/a)*(derivative of a) Thus d/dx ln2x = (1/(2x))*(2)
This is correct. Note that ln(ax) = ln(a) + ln(x). Since ln(a) is a constant, the derivative is always 1/x, irrespective of 'a'. In geometric terms, 'a' simply moves the graph of the logarithm up or down; it does not change the shape of the graph.

 BUT I can also do this, I think: d/dx ln2x = 2d/dx lnx
This is wrong. The natural logarithm is not linear: you cannot pull the 2 out of the ln, irrespective of the derivative. ln(2x) is not 2ln(x) any more than cos(2x) = 2cos(x). It would be a good idea to review the definition and properties of logarithms.

 P: 51 COnfused: what is the derivative of ln(2x)? Thanks Slider and Monty!! :)
 P: 22 (d(ln 2x)/ dx) / (d(2x)/ dx) = 2/2x/2 = 1/2x
Math
Emeritus
Thanks
PF Gold
P: 39,338
 Quote by bobn (d(ln 2x)/ dx) / (d(2x)/ dx) = 2/2x/2 = 1/2x
100% wrong! Go back and read the previous responses to this question. The derivative is 1/x.
 P: 22 ohh sorry I calculatd, derivative of ln2x wrt to 2x.
 P: 24 1/2x
HW Helper
P: 3,307
 Quote by fan_103 1/2x
try reading the other posts... d(ln2x)/dx = 1/x
 P: 2 anti derivative of 1/x or x^-1 = ln (x) natural log of x =ln x +c so the derivative of c + ln (2x)dx=1/2x +C'
Mentor
P: 21,216
 Quote by duke222 anti derivative of 1/x or x^-1 = ln (x) natural log of x =ln x +c so the derivative of c + ln (2x)dx=1/2x +C'
Wrong on two counts:
1. d/dx(c) = 0 - not c'
2. d/dx(ln(2x)) = 1/x - you are forgetting to use the chain rule.
 Sci Advisor PF Gold P: 1,776 I didn't see it mentioned but observe also you can apply the properties of logarithms: $$d/dx \, \ln(2x) = d/dx\, [\ln(x) + \ln(2)] = 1/x + 0$$

 Related Discussions Calculus & Beyond Homework 1 Calculus 9 General Physics 5 Advanced Physics Homework 3 Differential Geometry 3