Derivative of s(t) = (976(.835)^t -1) + 176t using log differentiation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function s(t) = (976(.835)^t - 1) + 176t. Participants are exploring the application of logarithmic differentiation and questioning the necessity and effectiveness of using natural logarithms in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest that taking the natural logarithm may not be the best approach for this problem, questioning the original poster's reasoning for using ln to simplify the equation. Others propose isolating terms before applying logarithms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the merits of different differentiation techniques, including the use of properties of derivatives versus logarithmic differentiation. There is an ongoing exploration of how to apply these concepts correctly, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the application of the power rule and chain rule in the context of differentiating exponential functions with variable exponents. Participants are also considering the complexity introduced by logarithmic differentiation in this specific problem.

  • #31
SammyS said:
What is logb(A) ?

logb(A) is the exponent that you use with a base of b to get A as a result.

Okay, that is kind of a tricky concept but I get it the idea of the property. I get the fact that A = e^ln(A). However in regard to the function:

s(t) = 976[.835^t - 1] + 176t

I'm trying to figure out how to apply it. The way I'm understanding this property is that it is used when trying to eliminate a log from an equation.

And so I'm not exactly sure how it can be applied to find the derivative.

If I have fx = b^x,

and I take ln of both sides: lnfx = ln(b^x)

Should I apply the property at this point to both sides: e^(lnfx) = e^ln(b^x)

Then I get e^(lnfx) = e^xlnb

And then, I would guess maybe to just cancel out the e's and: lnfx = xlnb.

And then just evaluate the derivative: (lnfx)' = (xlnb)'

i doubt this is correct, it just feels like I'm going in circles or something.
 
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  • #32
LearninDaMath said:
Okay, that is kind of a tricky concept but I get it the idea of the property. I get the fact that A = e^ln(A). However in regard to the function:

s(t) = 976[.835^t - 1] + 176t

I'm trying to figure out how to apply it. The way I'm understanding this property is that it is used when trying to eliminate a log from an equation.

...
No.

It's used so that you have et rather than 0.835t .

Of course you can memorize: the derivative of bt is ln(b)et .
 
  • #33
SammyS said:
No.

It's used so that you have et rather than 0.835t .

Of course you can memorize: the derivative of bt is ln(b)et .


Okay, so if f(x) = b^x, then its derivative equals f'x = (lnb)(b^x)

So how is it possible that f'(x) could ever equal lnb(e^x)?

In otherwords supposing b = 10, then how can ln10(10^x) be equivalent to ln10(e^x)?

EDIT: I'm sure that ln10(10^x) ≠ ln10(e^x),

So I'm trying to understand what connection I should be making.
 
Last edited:
  • #34
Also, would I be raising both sides of the equation to make each side "e to the power of?" since whatever you do to one side of the equation, you do to the other.. and at what point would I apply this? Should I isolate .835^t to one side, then apply e to both sides, then take derivative? Or some other order? Or is isolating .835^t not even the way to start?
 
  • #35
LearninDaMath said:
Okay, so if f(x) = b^x, then its derivative equals f'x = (lnb)(b^x)

So how is it possible that f'(x) could ever equal lnb(e^x)?

In otherwords supposing b = 10, then how can ln10(10^x) be equivalent to ln10(e^x)?

EDIT: I'm sure that ln10(10^x) ≠ ln10(e^x),

So I'm trying to understand what connection I should be making.
Sorry about that. I had a brain cramp !

Should have been,
\displaystyle f'(x)=\ln(b)\,e^{x\,\ln(b)}=\ln(b)\,b^x​
 

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