Derivatives of Log: Find f'(x) for f(x) = log10(x/x-1)

In summary, the question asks for the derivative of the function f(x) = log10(x/x-1). The attempt at a solution involved using the formula d/dx loga(u) = 1/u*ln(a) * (d/dx u). However, there were a few errors in using the quotient rule and not accounting for grouping symbols. The correct solution is -1/(x-1)^2 * 1/ln10 or -1/(x^2-x) * 1/ln10. It may be easier to use the property log(ab) = log(a) + log(b) to simplify the expression before taking the derivative.
  • #1
10min
7
0

Homework Statement


Question is
f(x) = log10(x/x-1), find f `(x)


Homework Equations


so I used the formula
d/dx loga(u) = 1/uLNa . (d/dx U)


The Attempt at a Solution


(1/(x/x-1)*ln10)*1/(x-1)^2 I used quotent rule for d/dx U part.

editing

Final Answer I got is

1/x(x-1)ln10
or
1/x2-x ln10
Please help
thank you
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
it may be easier to use the log property
log(ab)=log(a)+log(b)
log(x/(x-1))=log(x)-log(x-1)
[log10(x/(x-1))]'=[log(x/(x-1))]'/log(10)
=[log(x)-log(x-1)]'/log(10)
=([log(x)]'-[log(x-1)]')/log(10)
 
  • #3
so many answer is not right
 
  • #4
10min said:
so many answer is not right

Just a sign error
Quotient rule is
(u/v)'=(u'v-uv')/v^2
so
(x/(x-1))'=(x'(x-1)-x(x-1)')/(x-1)^2
=(1(x-1)-x(1))/(x-1)^2
=-1/(x-1)^2
not
1/(x-1)
also watch your grouping symbols
1/x2-x ln10
is confusing
try
1/[(x^2-x)ln 10]
or

[1/(x^2-x)]/ln 10
 

1. What is the derivative of f(x) = log10(x/x-1)?

The derivative of f(x) = log10(x/x-1) is equal to 1/(x(x-1)ln(10)).

2. How do you find the derivative of a logarithmic function?

To find the derivative of a logarithmic function, use the formula f'(x) = 1/(xln(a)), where a is the base of the logarithm.

3. Can the derivative of a logarithmic function be simplified?

Yes, the derivative of a logarithmic function can be simplified by using the properties of logarithms and simplifying the expression.

4. Is the derivative of a logarithmic function always positive?

No, the derivative of a logarithmic function can be positive or negative depending on the value of x. If x is greater than 1, the derivative will be positive. If x is less than 1, the derivative will be negative.

5. What is the significance of the derivative of a logarithmic function?

The derivative of a logarithmic function represents the rate of change of the function at a given point. It can also be used to find the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at a specific point.

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