Calculating the Derivative of an Exponential Function with Logarithms?

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  • Thread starter karush
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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
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Find $f'(x)$
$\displaystyle
f(x)={3}^{2x+5}+\log_3(x^2+4)$

Didn't know how to do the $\log_3(x^2+4)$
 
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  • #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.

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