Derivatives of natural numbers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the derivative of the function b^x, specifically the proof that (d/dx) b^x = (ln b)*(b^x). Participants are exploring the application of the chain rule and the properties of derivatives involving natural logarithms and constants.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the steps involved in differentiating e^((ln b)*x) and questioning the application of the chain rule. There is confusion regarding the derivative of ln(b) and its implications when b is treated as a constant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the differentiation process. Some have clarified that d/dx(ln(b)*x) results in ln(b), while others are still grappling with the implications of treating ln(b) as a constant. There is no explicit consensus, but productive dialogue is occurring.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the rules of differentiation, particularly in the context of constants and the product rule. There is a mention of confusion regarding the treatment of ln(b) and its derivative, which is central to the ongoing discussion.

apples
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1.
I was trying to understand the proof of
(d/dx) b^x = (ln b)*(b^x)
it says:
b= e^(ln b)
so, b^x= e^((ln b)*x))
So now we use the chain rule:
(d/dx) b^x = (d/dx) e^((ln b)*x))

I understand everything so far, but not the next step.
It says then that
(d/dx) e^((ln b)*x))= (ln b)*e^(ln b)*x)

how did they get this, i am confused about the bold part. I am forgetting something about taking the derivative of the natural number 'e'?
I know that d/dx e^x = x

so how does the ln b come behind e^x above?

what does (d/dx) e^f(x) equal to?

is (d/dx) e^f(x) = f '(x)* e^f(x) ?
if so then
1 + ln b
should come behind that because
d/dx (ln b)*x is equal to 1 + ln b


Please help me
thank you
 
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uhh

hello?
 
ok i found out that
(d/dx) e^f(x) = f '(x)* e^f(x)

still i am confused about the other thing.
 
d/dx(ln(b)*x)=ln(b). Not ln(b)+1. Why would you think it's that? b is a constant. d/dx(ln(b))=0.
 
Because when you use the product rule on
d/dx (ln(b) * x) you get (1 + ln (b))
 
d/dx(ln(x)*x)=(1+ln(x)). There's a b in there. Not two x's.
 
so could you please tell me how to solve
d/dx (ln(b) * x)
 
d/dx(ln(b))=(d/dx(b))/b. If b is a constant then d/dx(b)=0, right? d/dx(ln(b)*x)=ln(b).
 
Wow, I'm so stupid.

Thanks a lot! You saved my day!
 
  • #10
apples said:
so could you please tell me how to solve
d/dx (ln(b) * x)

ln(b) is a constant.

[tex]\frac {d} {dx} ln(b) x = ln(b) \frac {dx} {dx} = ln(b)[/tex]
 
  • #11
look at the definition of derivatives and you will surely understand how does that fomula work
 

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