How to Find the Derivative with Respect to ##r##?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on finding the derivative of a function with respect to the variable ##r##, specifically when the function is expressed in terms of ##\log(r)##. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and the application of the chain rule in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a derivative of a function with respect to ##\log(r)## and seeks guidance on how to find the derivative with respect to ##r##.
  • The same participant proposes that the derivative can be computed by multiplying the derivative with respect to ##\log(r)## by the derivative of ##\log(r)## with respect to ##r##.
  • Several participants affirm this approach, stating it is a correct application of the chain rule for derivatives.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of using the chain rule to find the derivative with respect to ##r##, with no significant disagreement noted.

ecastro
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I have a derivative of a function with respect to ##\log \left(r\right)##:

\begin{equation*}
\frac{dN\left(r\right)}{d \log\left(r\right)} = \frac{N}{\sqrt{2\pi} \log\left(\sigma\right)} \exp\left\{-\frac{\left[\log \left(r\right) - \log\left(r_M\right)\right]^2}{2 \left[\log\left(\sigma\right)\right]^2}\right\}
\end{equation*}

I need to know the derivative of this function with respect to ##r##, that is ##\frac{dN\left(r\right)}{dr}##, how shall I do this? I was told that I just need to multiply the function with the derivative of the logarithm, that is

\begin{equation*}
\frac{dN\left(r\right)}{dr} = \frac{dN\left(r\right)}{d \log\left(r\right)} \cdot \frac{d \log\left(r\right)}{dr}
\end{equation*}

Is this correct? Even though ##N\left(r\right)## is a function of ##\log\left(r\right)##?
 
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Yes this is correct, it is a well known theorem for the derivative of the composition of two functions (in your case the two functions are N(y) and y(r)=logr)), known as chain rule for derivatives.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_rule
 
Yes, its correct, it is the chain rule in one variable.
 
Alright. Thank you for your help!
 
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