Logarithm differentiation + chain rule

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of the function y = √(2ln(x) + 1) using the chain rule and implicit differentiation. Participants explore the implications of their differentiation methods and the nature of the resulting derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their differentiation using the chain rule and arrives at dy/dx = (2/x) * (1/2) * (1/√(2ln(x) + 1).
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of this differentiation and its alignment with the desired result of dy/dx = 1/(xy).
  • A simpler method using implicit differentiation is suggested, leading to the same derivative result.
  • Concerns are raised about the interpretation of parentheses in the original function, which could affect the differentiation process.
  • One participant questions how squaring the equation affects the uniqueness of the derivative, noting that the square root function is nonnegative.
  • Another participant clarifies that squaring does not introduce extraneous solutions in this case, as y must be nonnegative.
  • Further discussion addresses the technicality of choosing the positive root when differentiating, with one participant expressing a desire for clarity on this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the correctness of the differentiation methods presented, but there is an ongoing debate regarding the implications of squaring the equation and the choice of the positive root in the context of the derivative.

Contextual Notes

There are discussions about the interpretation of mathematical expressions and the implications of squaring equations, which may lead to confusion regarding multiple values for the derivative.

JamesGoh
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For this function

y=\sqrt{2ln(x)+1}

if I use the chain rule properly, should I be getting this answer?

\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{2}{x} \times \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{\sqrt{2ln(x)+1}}

My aim of doing this is to verify that

\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{1}{xy}
 
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That's right and equal to what you want!
 
Shyan said:
That's right and equal to what you want!
Exactly what Shaun said.
If you equate that to what information you need.

BINGO! You will get your answer
 
As a simpler alternative to using the chain rule, you can do this:

##y = \sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1} ##
##\Rightarrow y^2 = 2\ln(x) + 1##
Differentiating implicitly,
##2y\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2}{x}##
##\Rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{xy}##
 
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Yes, that is correct. Just to show the math:

d/dx[√2ln(x)+1]
=1/2√2ln(x)+1 * 2/x
=2/x * 1/2 * 1/√2ln(x)+1
 
You are missing several sets of parentheses.
Apogee said:
Yes, that is correct. Just to show the math:

d/dx[√2ln(x)+1]
Most would interpret the part in brackets above as √2 * ln(x)+1, rather than √(2ln(x)+1).
Apogee said:
=1/2√2ln(x)+1 * 2/x
Most would interpret the above as
1/2 * √2ln(x) + 2/x, which I don't think is what you intended.
Apogee said:
=2/x * 1/2 * 1/√2ln(x)+1
 
You're right, perhaps I should have put 2ln(x) + 1 in parentheses, but I think he gets what I mean haha. Nonetheless, I appreciate the correction. Thank you!
 
Mark44 said:
As a simpler alternative to using the chain rule, you can do this:

##y = \sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1} ##
##\Rightarrow y^2 = 2\ln(x) + 1##
Differentiating implicitly,
##2y\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2}{x}##
##\Rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{xy}##

Hm, how does this take into account the fact that squaring the equation will give multiple values?

##y^2=2\ln(x)+1## is a set of two equations, namely $$y= \sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1}$$ and $$y= -\sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1}$$
Will the derivative also be multiple valued? It doesn't seem like it since ##\frac{1}{xy}## is a singled valued funtion. What am I missing?
 
Mark44 said:
As a simpler alternative to using the chain rule, you can do this:

##y = \sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1} ##
##\Rightarrow y^2 = 2\ln(x) + 1##
Differentiating implicitly,
##2y\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2}{x}##
##\Rightarrow \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{xy}##
paradoxymoron said:
Hm, how does this take into account the fact that squaring the equation will give multiple values?
Actually it doesn't in this case. That's something that I considered but didn't mention before. In the first equation, the square root term is necessarily nonnegative, which means that y must also be nonnegative. So squaring both sides doesn't introduce extraneous solutions that weren't present in the original equation.
paradoxymoron said:
##y^2=2\ln(x)+1## is a set of two equations, namely $$y= \sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1}$$ and $$y= -\sqrt{2\ln(x) + 1}$$
Will the derivative also be multiple valued?
I don't understand what you're asking. The derivative will not be multiple valued.
paradoxymoron said:
It doesn't seem like it since ##\frac{1}{xy}## is a singled valued funtion. What am I missing?
 
  • #10
Mark44 said:
I don't understand what you're asking. The derivative will not be multiple valued.

What I'm trying to ask is that since we found the derivative is ##\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{1}{xy}##, we have two options for ##y## now, the positive or negative root, since we squared the term to make the differentiation simpler. Why do we necessarily choose the positive one? I know I'm just being technical, sorry about my arrogance, but it's a pet-peeve of mine.
 
  • #11
paradoxymoron said:
What I'm trying to ask is that since we found the derivative is ##\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{1}{xy}##, we have two options for ##y## now, the positive or negative root, since we squared the term to make the differentiation simpler.
No we don't in this case, which I explained in post #9. Since y is the square root of some expression, y is necessarily nonnegative. Take a look again at what I wrote, and see if that answers your questions.


paradoxymoron said:
Why do we necessarily choose the positive one? I know I'm just being technical, sorry about my arrogance, but it's a pet-peeve of mine.
 

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