Derivatives of natural logarithmic functions

In summary, the derivative of f(x) = ln (12x-5/9x-2) is incorrect and instead should be (4/3)(1/ln(e))(9x-2/12x-5). In order to solve for this, you need to use the chain rule and either set y = (12x-5)/(9x-2) or use the ln(a/b) = ln(a)-ln(b) formula and then apply the sum rule. It is important to not just guess and to work systematically when solving for derivatives.
  • #1
fr33pl4gu3
82
0
f(x) = ln (12x-5/9x-2)

f'(x) = (4/3) (1/ln10)(9x-2/12x-5)

Is this correct??
 
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  • #2
Instead of ln(10) you should put ln(base of the logarithm), in this case; ln(e) = 1. When deriving log(x) (base 10), you can rewrite to ln(x)/ln(10). ln(10) is just a constant, so the derivative of this is 1/ln(10) * 1/x.

Also, I think you didn't do the chain rule quite right.
 
  • #3
Then, is this
f(x) = ln (12x-5)
g(x) = ln (9x-2)
f'(x) = 12/12x-5
g'(x) = 9/9x-2

Correct??
 
  • #4
Is this correct:

(12/12(ln9x-2)-5)-(9/9x-2)
 
Last edited:
  • #5
fr33pl4gu3 said:
(12/12(ln9x-2)-5)-(9/9x-2)
This should not have ln inside. What is d/dx ln(12x-5) ? You've got it from above, just put it into this one.
 
  • #6
I have the feeling you are guessing more than working systematically. Actually there are two ways to solve this. One is by using the chain rule:
set y = (12x - 5) / (9x - 2). Then the derivative of ln(y) is 1/y . dy/dx.

The other way is to first use ln(a/b) = ln(a) - ln(b) and then use the sum rule to differentiate (you still need the chain rule!).
 

1. What are derivatives of natural logarithmic functions?

Derivatives of natural logarithmic functions refer to the rate of change of a natural logarithmic function at a specific point on its curve. In other words, it measures how much the function is changing at a particular point.

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

To find the derivative of a natural logarithmic function, you can use the following formula: d/dx (ln(x)) = 1/x. This means that the derivative of ln(x) is equal to 1 divided by x.

3. Why are derivatives of natural logarithmic functions important?

Derivatives of natural logarithmic functions are important because they help us understand the behavior of a function and its graph. They also have many applications in fields such as physics, economics, and engineering.

4. What is the chain rule for derivatives of natural logarithmic functions?

The chain rule for derivatives of natural logarithmic functions states that the derivative of ln(u) is equal to 1/u multiplied by the derivative of u. In other words, you can find the derivative of a natural logarithmic function with an inner function by first finding the derivative of the inner function and then multiplying it by 1/u.

5. Can you give an example of a natural logarithmic function and its derivative?

One example of a natural logarithmic function is y = ln(x). Its derivative would be dy/dx = 1/x. This means that at any point on the curve of ln(x), the rate of change is equal to 1 divided by the x-value of that point.

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