Please correct my proof for the derivative of log x

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    Derivative Log Proof
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The discussion clarifies the proof for the derivative of log base b, specifically log(b)x. The correct differentiation process involves applying the chain rule, resulting in the derivative being 1/(x * ln b) rather than 1/x. The initial misunderstanding stemmed from incorrectly differentiating the left side of the equation without accounting for the natural logarithm of b. This correction emphasizes the importance of proper differentiation techniques in calculus.

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I found this proof on a website for the derivative of ln x:

y = ln x.
e^y = x,
dy/dx * e^y = 1,
dy/dx * x = 1,
dy/dx = 1/x.

My question is, why can't we use a similar method to prove the derivative of log(b)x = 1/x, like this:

y = log(b) x.
b^y = x,
dy/dx * b^y = 1,
dy/dx * x = 1,
dy/dx = 1/x.

Thanks so much everyone.
 
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The differentiation rule only applies to e^x. If you think about it, b^x=(e^lnb)^x = e^(xlnb). Clearly the derivative of this is not the same as b^x.
 
Thanks Klungo, I get it now. I did not differentiate the left side in line 2 properly with respect to x.

Just to document the solution:

Instead of:
y = log(b) x.
b^y = x,
dy/dx * b^y = 1,
dy/dx * x = 1,
dy/dx = 1/x.

it should be:

y = log(b) x.
b^y = x,
dy/dx * b^y * lnb = 1,
dy/dx * x * lnb = 1,
dy/dx = 1/(x * lnb).

This is because when we differentiate b^y(x) with respect to x, it is as though we differentiate h(x) = h(y(x)). Thus we must use the chain rule, and get:
h'(x) = h'(y) * dy/dx.
that is,
d/dx b^y = b^y * lnb * dy/dx.
 

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