Differentiating natural logs and exponential functions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating natural logarithmic and exponential functions, specifically focusing on two problems involving the differentiation of expressions that include both types of functions. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and homework-related queries.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about differentiating the expression \(\frac{e^{3^x}}{\ln x}\) and incorrectly states that \(\ln x\) cannot be differentiated.
  • Another participant corrects this misunderstanding, suggesting that \(\ln x\) can be differentiated and provides a hint involving a substitution.
  • There is a discussion about using the quotient rule for differentiation, with one participant unsure about how to apply it correctly.
  • One participant expresses frustration with their mathematical skills and questions their approach to the first problem.
  • For the second problem, a participant proposes an answer but is met with skepticism regarding its correctness, prompting a request for clarification on their differentiation process.
  • Participants suggest looking up the quotient rule, product rule, and chain rule to aid in understanding differentiation better.
  • There is a request for a step-by-step explanation of the differentiation process for the second expression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problems, and there are multiple competing views regarding the differentiation techniques to be used. The discussion remains unresolved, particularly concerning the correctness of the proposed answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about differentiation rules and their application, indicating a need for further research and clarification on foundational concepts.

Mirth
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Hey all, I'm really having a hard time figuring out a couple of problems in which I have to differentiate:

1: [tex]\frac{e^3^x}{\ln x}[/tex]

I just don't know how to put it together... I know that [tex]e^3^x[/tex] is [tex]3e^3^x[/tex], and I know that you can't different [tex]\ln x[/tex], so I don't know what to do from there...

And:

2: [tex]\ln(e^-^2^x + e^-^x)[/tex]

Totally not sure what to do there... Any help would be appreciated, I've looked online for similar examples and couldn't really find anything relevant to help me. Thanks!
 
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Let's take the first question first,
Mirth said:
Hey all, I'm really having a hard time figuring out a couple of problems in which I have to differentiate:

1: [tex]\frac{e^3^x}{\ln x}[/tex]

I just don't know how to put it together... I know that [tex]e^3^x[/tex] is [tex]3e^3^x[/tex]
Correct.
Mirth said:
and I know that you can't different [tex]\ln x[/tex], so I don't know what to do from there...
Erm... yes you can!

HINT: Let y = lnx, then x = ey. Now differentiate x = ey with respect to x.
 
Hootenanny said:
Let's take the first question first,

Correct.

Erm... yes you can!

HINT: Let y = lnx, then x = ey. Now differentiate x = ey with respect to x.

Hrm, I'm feeling a bit retarded so bear with me, hehe. So, [tex]\frac {1}{x}[/tex]?
 
Mirth said:
Hrm, I'm feeling a bit retarded so bear with me, hehe. So, [tex]\frac {1}{x}[/tex]?
Correct :biggrin:

So as far as putting it all together, can you suggest anything? Perhaps some sort of rule...?
 
I'm really retarded at math, ugh... Hehe. So I have [tex]\frac {3e^3^x}{1/x}[/tex] ... Pretty sure I'm lost on what to do from there. :(
 
Mirth said:
I'm really retarded at math, ugh... Hehe. So I have [tex]\frac {3e^3^x}{1/x}[/tex] ... Pretty sure I'm lost on what to do from there. :(
No that is not correct.

[tex]\frac{d}{dx} \frac{f\left(x\right)}{g\left(x\right)} \neq \frac{f^\prime\left(x\right)}{g^\prime\left(x\right)}[/tex]

What 'rules' of differentiation do you know?
 
Not sure of any rules by name... I'm going to have to research more examples, I'm so rusty in math that I am unsure...
 
Mirth said:
Not sure of any rules by name... I'm going to have to research more examples, I'm so rusty in math that I am unsure...
Try searching for the quotient rule, or the product rule and chain rule.
 
I kinda give up on the first one, heh... Can someone tell me if I have #2 right?:

Answer: [tex]\frac {1 - e^-^2^x}{e^-^x + e^-^2^x}[/tex]
 
  • #10
Mirth said:
I kinda give up on the first one, heh... Can someone tell me if I have #2 right?:

Answer: [tex]\frac {1 - e^-^2^x}{e^-^x + e^-^2^x}[/tex]

The quotient rule and product rule explains how to differentiate two functions that divide are divided by or multiplied by each other. Just look that up and identify f(x) and g(x) (that is the standard notation at least).

For #2, it isn't correct. What did you do to come up with that answer?
 
  • #11
Mirth, can you show us step by step how you differentiated that expression?
 
  • #12
Hi Mirth! :smile:
Mirth said:
Not sure of any rules by name...

ok, do you recognise this one by face :wink:

(fg)' = … ? :smile:
 

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