Derivatives of General Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function y = ln(tan x). The user correctly applies the chain rule for derivatives, utilizing the formula d/dx of ln[f(x)] = f'(x)/f(x) and identifies that f(x) is tan x, leading to the derivative sec² x/tan x. However, the user questions the discrepancy with the book's answer of 1/(sin x cos x). The resolution involves proving the equivalence of sec² x/tan x and 1/(sin x cos x) by expressing sec and tan in terms of sine and cosine.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, particularly tan, sec, sin, and cos
  • Ability to apply the chain rule in differentiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithmic differentiation in depth
  • Learn how to derive trigonometric identities, especially involving sec and tan
  • Practice more complex derivatives involving composite functions
  • Explore applications of derivatives in real-world scenarios, such as optimization problems
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus courses, particularly those struggling with derivatives of logarithmic and trigonometric functions, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

Dustobusto
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So in my math class we're studying derivatives involving ln(), tanh, coth, etc..

I need to say this first. I skipped precalc and trig and went straight to calculus, so whenever I see a trig problem, I can only go off of what I've learned "along the way." This problem has baffled me, please help me out. It seems rather simple in nature so it shouldn't take too long to solve this.

Homework Statement



Find the derivative:

y = ln(tan x)

Homework Equations



So there are a ton of rules involving ln() functions. Here's a couple

The derivative (d/dx) of ln(x) = 1/x
d/dx of ln[f(x)] = derivative of f(x) over f(x) or f'(x)/f(x)

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I learned that in these scenarios, tan x, sec x, sin x, etc. are considered composite functions. So I used f'(x)/f(x) to solve.

f(x) is clearly tan x. The book says the derivative of tan x = sec2 x. So I end up with, as my answer

sec2 x/ tan x.

The back of the book gives 1/(sin x cos x)

Am I missing a trigonometric rule here? Did I perform this incorrectly?
 
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You did it perfectly. All you need to do now is to show that

[tex]\frac{sec^2(x)}{\tan(x)} = \frac{1}{\sin(x)\cos(x)}[/tex]

Try to prove this by expressing both sec and tan in terms of sin and cos.
 
ok nice to know
 

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