Differentiating Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating logarithmic and exponential functions, specifically focusing on the differentiation of functions involving bases and logarithmic expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of functions like y = 3^x (log(3) x) and question the application of the product rule. There are discussions about rewriting logarithmic expressions and simplifying derivatives.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into rewriting logarithmic terms and applying properties of logarithms. There is an ongoing exploration of different differentiation techniques, with various interpretations of the results being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the implications of applying different differentiation rules and the assumptions behind logarithmic identities. There are mentions of specific answers that differ from participants' calculations, indicating potential misunderstandings or misapplications of rules.

nothing123
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a question i couldn't get the right answer to:

Differentiate
1. y= 3^x (log(3) x)

[3 = base (dont know the right syntax for typing up logs on the web)]


what i have so far:
y = 3^x (ln 3) (log(3) x) + 3^x / xln3

right answer: 3^x (ln 3) + 3^x / xln3

if we apply the product rule, where did the (log(3) x) go?
 
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Are you sure the right answer isn't [tex](3^x)ln(x)+ \frac{3^x}{x\cdot ln(3)}[/tex]?

In that case it's just a simplified form of your answer where you write [tex]log_3(x)[/tex] as [tex]\frac{ln(x)}{ln(3)}[/tex] and the ln(3) cancels out.
 
Last edited:
yes, it is...you're absolutely right. thanks!
 
quick question again, how does 2/ln4 = 1/ln2?
 
Well think about it. Can you use any of the properties of logs to write ln(4) in terms of ln(2)?
 
ahhh...ln(4) = ln(2)^2 = 2ln(2).

i have one more problem I am having trouble differentiating

y = x(3x)^(x^2) - i hope that's understandable (basically 3x to the power of x^2)

so y' = (3x)^(x^2) + x(3x)^x^2*ln(3x)* 2x*3

i just did product rule and chain rule but this is not even close to the right answer which is: x(3x)^x^2 * [1/x + x + 2x*ln(3x)]

i don't know how they got 3 terms inside the square brackets when there's only one set of product rule (i.e f'g + fg')
 
sorry one more:

Differentiate
y = x^(1/ln(x))

y' = 1/ln(x) * x^(1/ln(x) - 1)

just doing power rule here but the answer is 0
 
y = x^(1/ln(x))...
Apply ln to both sides...
ln y = 1 / ln x * ln x
ln y = 1
y'/y = 0 (Chain rule)
y' = 0.
 
Last edited:
The fact that you find 0 means that y had to be a constant, right?
Now if y = x^(1/ln(x)) then ln(y) = 1/ln(x).ln(x) = 1, as shown above.
Well, if ln(y) = 1, then y has to be e so x^(1/ln(x)) is actually e :smile:
 
  • #10
nothing123 said:
sorry one more:

Differentiate
y = x^(1/ln(x))

y' = 1/ln(x) * x^(1/ln(x) - 1)

just doing power rule here but the answer is 0
There's one more way, which can be applied to this problem. There's a property of logs faying:
[tex]\log_a b = \frac{1}{\log_b a}[/tex]
This can be proved by using the fact that 1 = logbb
[tex]\Leftrightarrow \log_a b = \frac{\log_b b}{\log_b a}[/tex]
[tex]\Leftrightarrow \log_a b = \log_a b[/tex] (which is true)
So applying that property here, we have:
[tex]x ^ {\frac{1}{\ln x}} = x ^ {\log_x e} = e[/tex]
Now, can you differentiate it? :)
 
  • #11
My way's the coolest. ;)
 

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