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

1. Oct 17, 2009

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

What is the derivative of ln(2x)?

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! :)

2. Oct 17, 2009

### monty37

both the methods are incorrect
d/dx(log 2x)=(1/2x)d/dx(2x)
=1/x

3. Oct 17, 2009

### slider142

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.

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.

4. Oct 17, 2009

Thanks Slider and Monty!! :)

5. Oct 18, 2009

### bobn

(d(ln 2x)/ dx) / (d(2x)/ dx) = 2/2x/2 = 1/2x

6. Oct 18, 2009

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
100% wrong! Go back and read the previous responses to this question. The derivative is 1/x.

7. Oct 18, 2009

### bobn

ohh sorry I calculatd, derivative of ln2x wrt to 2x.

8. Oct 19, 2009

### fan_103

1/2x

9. Oct 19, 2009

### lanedance

try reading the other posts... d(ln2x)/dx = 1/x

10. Jan 18, 2010

### 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'

11. Jan 18, 2010

### Staff: Mentor

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.

12. Jan 18, 2010

### jambaugh

I didn't see it mentioned but observe also you can apply the properties of logarithms:

$$d/dx \, \ln(2x) = d/dx\, [\ln(x) + \ln(2)] = 1/x + 0$$