Derivative using Logarithmic differentation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y = √(x(x+1)) using logarithmic differentiation. Participants are analyzing the steps involved in the differentiation process and comparing their results to a provided answer from a textbook.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present their attempts at applying logarithmic differentiation, detailing their steps and calculations. Some express concerns about skipped steps and potential mistakes in the derivation process. Questions arise regarding the accuracy of specific transformations and the handling of logarithmic properties.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the differentiation steps, with some participants pointing out errors and suggesting corrections. Multiple interpretations of the logarithmic properties are being explored, and while some guidance has been offered, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of assistance they can provide to one another. The discussion highlights the importance of careful step-by-step verification in mathematical derivations.

TommG
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Need to find derivative using logarithmic differentiation
y = \sqrt{x(x+1)}

My attempt
ln y = ln \sqrt{x(x+1)}

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x(x+1)

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x + ln(x+1)

\frac{1}{y}= (\frac{1}{2}) \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{x(x+1)}(\frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}{2x} + \frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}{x+1}

answer in book \frac{2x+1}{2\sqrt{x(x+1))}}
 
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TommG said:
Need to find derivative using logarithmic differentiation
y = \sqrt{x(x+1)}

My attempt
ln y = ln \sqrt{x(x+1)}

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x(x+1)

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x + ln(x+1)

\frac{1}{y}= (\frac{1}{2}) \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{x(x+1)}(\frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}{2x} + \frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}{x+1}

answer in book \frac{2x+1}{2\sqrt{x(x+1))}}

You skipped a few steps, do it more carefully and you'll see that there were mistakes.
 
verty said:
You skipped a few steps, do it more carefully and you'll see that there were mistakes.

I made some corrections

ln y = ln \sqrt{x(x+1)}

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x(x+1)

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x + ln(x+1)

\frac{1}{y}= (\frac{1}{2}) \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{x+1+x}{x(x+1)})

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{2x+1}{x(x+1)})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{x(x+1)}(\frac{2x+1}{x(x+1)})

\frac{dy}{dx}= (\frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}(2x+1)}{x(x+1)})

answer in book \frac{2x+1}{2\sqrt{x(x+1))}}
 
Can you see that your answer is twice as large as the book's answer? You've lost a factor of 1/2 somewhere.
 
$$a\ln(bc)=a\ln(b)+a\ln(c)\neq a\ln(b)+\ln(c)$$

Somewhere in your derivation you made this mistake. Hopefully you can find it.
 
TommG said:
I made some corrections

ln y = ln \sqrt{x(x+1)}

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x(x+1)

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x + ln(x+1)
This is where you made your mistake.
ln(y)= \frac{1}{2}(ln(x)+ ln(x+ 1))= \frac{1}{2}ln(x)+ \frac{1}{2}ln(x+ 1)

\frac{1}{y}= (\frac{1}{2}) \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{x+1+x}{x(x+1)})

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{2x+1}{x(x+1)})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{x(x+1)}(\frac{2x+1}{x(x+1)})

\frac{dy}{dx}= (\frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}(2x+1)}{x(x+1)})

answer in book \frac{2x+1}{2\sqrt{x(x+1))}}
 
TommG said:
Need to find derivative using logarithmic differentiation
y = \sqrt{x(x+1)}

My attempt
ln y = ln \sqrt{x(x+1)}

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x(x+1)

ln y = \frac{1}{2}ln x + ln(x+1)

\frac{1}{y}= (\frac{1}{2}) \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{1}{y}= \frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1}

\frac{dy}{dx}= y(\frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \sqrt{x(x+1)}(\frac{1}{2x} + \frac{1}{x+1})

\frac{dy}{dx}= \frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}{2x} + \frac{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}{x+1}

answer in book \frac{2x+1}{2\sqrt{x(x+1))}}

So, although you have found the mistake that lead to the wrong answer I still have to ask: What is going on on lines 4 and 5?
 

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