Calculating the Derivative of an Exponential Function with Logarithms?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter karush
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Derivative
In summary, we use the chain rule to find the derivative of f(x), which is equal to 2x divided by the natural logarithm of 3 times x squared plus 4, or can also be found using the change of base formula for logarithms. Major help from others was also appreciated.
  • #1
karush
Gold Member
MHB
3,269
5
Find $f'(x)$
$\displaystyle
f(x)={3}^{2x+5}+\log_3(x^2+4)$

Didn't know how to do the $\log_3(x^2+4)$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
$$y=\log_3(x^2+4)$$

$$3^y=x^2+4$$

$$y\ln(3)=\ln(x^2+4)$$

$$y'\ln(3)=\frac{2x}{x^2+4}$$

$$y'=\frac{2x}{\ln(3)\left(x^2+4\right)}$$
 
  • #3
I'm in math heaven😎
 
  • #4
The change of base formula for logs* may also be used:

$$\begin{align*}y&=\log_3(x^2+4) \\
&=\frac{\ln(x^2+4)}{\ln(3)} \\
y'&=\frac{2x}{\ln(3)(x^2+4)}\end{align*}$$

*Proof of the change of base formula:

$$\begin{align*}y&=\log_a(b) \\
a^y&=b \\
y\log_c(a)&=\log_c(b) \\
&y=\frac{\log_c(b)}{\log_c(a)}\end{align*}$$
 
  • #5
Or just use the fact that [tex]\frac{d(log_a(x))}{dx}= \frac{1}{log_e(a)}\frac{1}{x}[/tex].

That follows from the "change of base" formula greg1313 gave: [tex]\frac{d(log_a(x))}{dx}[/tex][tex]= \frac{d\left(\frac{log_e(x)}{log_e(a)}\right)}{dx}[/tex][tex]= \frac{1}{log_e(a)}\frac{dlog_e(x)}{dx}= \frac{1}{log_e(a)}\frac{1}{x}[/tex].

Generally, [tex]\frac{da^x}{dx}= ln(a) a^x[/tex] and [tex]\frac{dlog_a(x)}{dx}= \frac{1}{ln(a)}\frac{1}{x}[/tex].
 
  • #6
Thanks everyone. Major help☕
 

FAQ: Calculating the Derivative of an Exponential Function with Logarithms?

What is the formula for finding the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$?

The formula for finding the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$ is $3^{2x+5}\ln(3)(2)$.

What does the variable x represent in the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$?

The variable x represents the independent variable in the function $3^{2x+5}$.

How do you simplify the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$?

To simplify the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$, you can use the power rule for exponential functions, which states that the derivative of $a^{x}$ is $a^{x}\ln(a)$, where a is the base of the exponential function.

What is the significance of the number 3 in the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$?

The number 3 is the base of the exponential function $3^{2x+5}$ and is used in the power rule for exponential functions to find the derivative.

Can the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$ be negative?

Yes, the derivative of $3^{2x+5}$ can be negative. The derivative represents the rate of change of the function, so it can be positive or negative depending on the value of the independent variable x.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
821
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
959
Replies
2
Views
870
Back
Top