Derivative and Integral Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding derivatives and evaluating integrals, specifically involving logarithmic differentiation and integration techniques. The original poster presents two problems: one related to the derivative of a logarithmic expression and another involving the integral of a function with an exponential term.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of logarithmic differentiation and the power rule for derivatives. There are questions about the correctness of the original poster's approach and the need for clarification on the variables involved. Some participants suggest simplifying expressions before differentiation and inquire about the derivative of related functions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various insights and suggestions for approaching the problems. There is a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and share personal strategies for remembering differentiation formulas. No explicit consensus has been reached, but several productive lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the relationships between variables and the potential need for additional information regarding the functions involved. There is also a mention of the personal choice in memorizing calculus formulas, indicating a subjective aspect to the discussion.

Oneiromancy
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1. y = 3^^{}log_{}_{}_2^{}(t) Find dy/dx ... I tried using logarithmic differentiation but that didn't work.

2. \int x^{2x}(1 + ln x)dx\ ... I set u = x^{2x} but my du didn't quite work out right.
 
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a^b=e^(b*ln(a)). log_a(b)=ln(b)/ln(a). I don't think you are trying hard enough. Try again, and show us what you tried this time if you are still having problems.
 
Oneiromancy said:
1. y = 3^^{}log_{}_{}_2^{}(t) Find dy/dx


Are you sure? Unless t is some function of x, that derivative is identically zero.
 
I meant dy/dt. :)

I will try to solve these again a little later, thanks.
 
use the power rule
(u^v)'=v*u^(v-1)*u'+u^v*log(u)*v'
or
[log(u^v)]'=v{[log(u)]'+log(u)[log(v)]'}
 
Last edited:
lurflurf said:
use the power rule
(u^v)'=v*u^(v-1)*u'+u^v*log(u)*v'
or
[log(u^v)]'=v{[log(u)]'+log(u)[log(v)]'}

I wouldn't recommend you do that unless you are willing to carry those formulas around in your head for the rest of your life. You don't need them. Sorry, lurflurf. Did you really remember those, or did you derive them just now??
 
Last edited:
I understand how to get the answer now, thanks.
 
Dick said:
I wouldn't recommend you do that unless you are willing to carry those formulas around in your head for the rest of your life. You don't need them. Sorry, lurflurf. Did you really remember those, or did you derive them just now??

I really remember those.
I think if you are going to remember 15-20 differentiation formulas that would be one of them.
If one recalls
(u^v)'=v*u^(v-1)*u' when v'=0 obvious since [x^a]'=a*x^(a-1)
(u^v)'=u^v*log(u)*v' when u'=0 obvious since [exp(a*x)]'=a*exp(a*x)
one knows by the chainn rule the sum generalizes to the case where neither is constant
it is actually easier to recall
(u^v)'=v*u^(v-1)*u'+u^v*log(u)*v'
that two separate equations

One must decide how many calculus formulas to carry in ones head (or written on the back of ones hand) at different points in life.
That formula is more helful than say
[log(sin(a*x))]'=a*cot(a*x)
and less useful than
c'=0
your results may very
in particular if I ever forget that formula it is easer to derive the general result when needed and apply it than to derive a special case.
 
Interesting. I just do (u^v)'=[e^(ln(u)*v)]' and go from there. But you are quite right. The number and selection of calculus formulas you need to carry in your head is a personal choice. But I don't think I'd ever even seen those before.
 
  • #10
Oneiromancy said:
1. y = 3^^{}log_{}_{}_2^{}(t) Find dy/dx ... I tried using logarithmic differentiation but that didn't work.

Just simplify your expression before taking the derivative.

2. \int x^{2x}(1 + ln x)dx\ ... I set u = x^{2x} but my du didn't quite work out right.

Have you ever found the derivative of x^x before? Knowing that could be quite helpful.
 

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