A question in logarithmic differentiation

In summary, logarithmic differentiation is often used in exercises in textbooks to find the derivative of a function when it is equal to 0 for some values of x. This allows us to use the definition directly or prove that the derivative does not exist for those values. However, this is usually not an important point as the function can be recovered using limits. Examples of using logarithmic differentiation include finding the derivative of u^v and u*v, where we can easily recover the derivative by taking the limit if v is a constant or if u and v are equal. The use of logarithmic differentiation is not affected by the function being negative, as we do not take the absolute value of the function before finding the derivative.
  • #1
Nanas
39
0
In most of exercises of textbooks when ask me to differentiate f using logarithmic differentiation

some time f(x) = 0 for some values of x , so I I used logarithmic Differentiation for all x in domain of f , such that f(x) not equal zero. then prove using the definition directly that for these x the formula obtained , or prove that it doesn't exist for this zero. Is that right because most of books I had seen when give an examples of logarithmic differentiation don't care for this point I don't Know that this not important point or not.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
It would help if you gave specific examples. Usually this is not an important point, either the function is not differentiable at the zero or it can be recovered by limits.
consider these common examples let u and v be differentiable functions of x
we consder the quotient f'/f and can use the trivial fact that f'=f [log(f)]'
1)f=u^v
f'=u^v [log(u^v)]'=u^v [v log(u)]'=u^v [u' v/u+v' log(u)]=
in the case v=constant we easily recover f' by limit
in the case u=v f' does not exist
2)f=u v
f'=u v [log(u v)]'=u v [log(u)+log(v)]'=u v [u'/u+v'/v]->u' v+u v'
here if u or v is zero we can recover f' by limits
 
  • #3
lurflurf said:
we consder the quotient f'/f and can use the trivial fact that f'=f [log(f)]'

It's certainly not trivial, especially when f is negative.
 
  • #4
lurflurf said:
It would help if you gave specific examples. Usually this is not an important point, either the function is not differentiable at the zero or it can be recovered by limits.
consider these common examples let u and v be differentiable functions of x
we consder the quotient f'/f and can use the trivial fact that f'=f [log(f)]'
1)f=u^v
f'=u^v [log(u^v)]'=u^v [v log(u)]'=u^v [u' v/u+v' log(u)]=
in the case v=constant we easily recover f' by limit
in the case u=v f' does not exist
2)f=u v
f'=u v [log(u v)]'=u v [log(u)+log(v)]'=u v [u'/u+v'/v]->u' v+u v'
here if u or v is zero we can recover f' by limits

Why you didn't take absolute value first.
sorry but , What do you mean exactly by recovering by limit
 
  • #5
Also when we we evaluate the limit of intermediate power forms we use logarithmic differentiation but we didn't take the absolute value of the function first also it may be negative for some values in its domain.Please help me at this point also .
 

1. What is logarithmic differentiation?

Logarithmic differentiation is a technique used in calculus to differentiate functions that are in the form of a quotient, product, or power. It involves taking the natural logarithm of both sides of an equation and then using the properties of logarithms to simplify the expression. This technique is particularly useful when dealing with complicated functions or functions with exponents.

2. Why is logarithmic differentiation useful?

Logarithmic differentiation is useful because it allows us to differentiate functions that would be difficult or impossible to differentiate using traditional methods. It also helps to simplify expressions and make them easier to work with.

3. How do you use logarithmic differentiation?

To use logarithmic differentiation, you first take the natural logarithm of both sides of the equation. Then, you use the properties of logarithms to simplify the expression and rewrite it in a way that makes it easier to differentiate. Finally, you take the derivative of both sides and solve for the variable of interest.

4. What are the advantages of using logarithmic differentiation?

The main advantage of using logarithmic differentiation is that it allows us to differentiate functions that would be difficult or impossible to differentiate using traditional methods. It also helps to simplify expressions and make them easier to work with. Additionally, logarithmic differentiation can be used to solve exponential and logarithmic equations.

5. Are there any limitations to logarithmic differentiation?

Like any mathematical technique, logarithmic differentiation has its limitations. It is only applicable to functions that can be expressed in terms of a quotient, product, or power. It also cannot be used for functions that involve a mixture of addition and multiplication. Additionally, it may not always yield the simplest form of the derivative, so it is important to simplify the expression after taking the derivative.

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