Derivative of a Logarithm with a Variable Base

[scientifico]

Homework Statement

Hello, I have to calculate the derivative of y = log_x (x+1) so I used the formula of the derivative of a n-base logarithm and I get y' = 1/((x+1)logx) but that's wrong, why ?

Thanks

Homework Equations

log_a x = 1/(xlog(a))

 

[dextercioby]

Use that log_a {b} = ln{b}/ln{a}.

 

[scientifico]

But why that formula doesn't work ?

 

[dextercioby]

Well, just raise your formula to the power a and use that a^{something} = e^{ln a (something)}

 

[HallsofIvy]

That's wrong because you have assumed a formula, d(log_a(x))/dx= 1/(x ln(a)), that is true for constant base, is also true when the base is a variable. The fact that it is a variable means that base adds its own "variation" to the derivative.

I would start with y= log_x(x+ 1), then write x+ 1= x^y. Now differentiate both sides with respect to x: 1= x^{-y}ln(x)(dy/dx)+ x so that dy/dx= (1- x)x^y/ln(x)

 

[jedishrfu]

so now you would have y=ln(x+1)/ln(x) and so you'd use the product rule on y = ln(x+1) * (1/ln(x)).

 

[scientifico]

So why the base changing formula is valid for a variable base too ?

 

[jedishrfu]

So why the base changing formula is valid for a variable base too ?

It's valid for any base logarithm the fact that in your example it's a variable base doesn't matter. What's nice is that it take the variable base out of the picture and makes your problem somewhat simpler.

 

[HallsofIvy]

So why the base changing formula is valid for a variable base too ?

Why wouldn't it be? Each value of a variable is a number so what ever is true for a number is true for each value of the variable. It is only when you are doing things that involve the way the variable changes, such as taking a derivative or an integral, that you have to take into account that it is an integral.