A question in logarithmic differentiation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of logarithmic differentiation, particularly in cases where the function being differentiated may equal zero for certain values of x. Participants explore the implications of this situation on the differentiation process and the validity of results obtained through logarithmic differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is appropriate to use logarithmic differentiation for all x in the domain of f, specifically when f(x) equals zero for some values.
  • Another participant suggests that this concern is usually not significant, as the function may not be differentiable at zero or can be recovered by limits.
  • Examples are provided to illustrate the differentiation process, including cases where f = u^v and f = uv, highlighting how limits can be used to recover derivatives when functions are zero.
  • A participant challenges the notion that the relationship f' = f [log(f)]' is trivial, especially when f is negative.
  • Questions arise regarding the necessity of taking the absolute value of the function before applying logarithmic differentiation, particularly in cases where the function may be negative.
  • Concerns are raised about evaluating limits of intermediate power forms without taking absolute values first.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of considering the behavior of functions at zero when using logarithmic differentiation. While some argue it is not a significant issue, others emphasize the need for caution, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of differentiability and the behavior of functions at zero, as well as the potential for confusion regarding the application of logarithmic differentiation to negative values.

Nanas
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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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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
 
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.
 
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
 
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 .
 

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