Can the Nth Derivative Formula for ln(x) Be Extended to ln(x+c)?

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In summary: However, can this be extended to find the nth derivative of ln(x+c), where c is any constant?The answer is yes, and the formula for the nth derivative of ln(x+c) is given by:$$\frac{d^n}{dx^n} \ln(x+c) = \frac{(n-1)!(-1)^{n+1}}{(x+c)^n}$$This formula can be derived by using the chain rule or the definition of the derivative, and by letting u = x+c. Similarly, you can also use implicit differentiation to derive a formula for the derivative of y = ln(g(x)). However, this method can become more complicated when dealing with more complicated functions.In summary, the formula for
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islandboy401
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Is there a formula or a method to derive the nth derivative of ln (x+c)...(where c is any number...such as 1, 2, 3, etc)?

I know that there is a formula for the nth derivative of ln x, but I was wondering if this formula can be extended to one we can use when we are dealing with the nth derivative of something slightly more complicated.
 
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Use the chain rule or the definition of the derivative to show that f(n)(x + c) is the same as f(n)(u) if you let u = x + c.
 
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  • #3
You should try to derive a formula for the derivative of y = ln(g(x)). The way I would do that is using implicit differentiation, namely:

[tex] y = ln(g(x)) [/tex]

[tex] e^{y} = g(x) [/tex]

[tex] \frac{dy}{dx} e^{y} = \frac{dg}{dx} [/tex]

[tex] \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{g'(x)}{g(x)} [/tex]

Hope this helps.
 
  • #4
yes
[log(x+C)]'=1/(x+C)
[log(x+C)]''=-1/(x+C)^2
(D^n)[log(x+C)]=(n-1)!(-1)^(n+1)/(x+C)^n
for n=1,2,3,4,...

is can be done for other simple functions like sin(x), exp(x), and x^a. The trouble with more complicated functions is complicated sums arise.

The derivative of the natural logarithm function, ln(x), with respect to x is given by:

$$\frac{d}{dx} \ln(x) = \frac{1}{x}$$

So, the derivative of ln(x) is 1/x. This is a fundamental result in calculus and is often used when finding derivatives of logarithmic functions.
 
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FAQ: Can the Nth Derivative Formula for ln(x) Be Extended to ln(x+c)?

What is the formula for finding the nth derivative of ln(x+c)?

The formula for finding the nth derivative of ln(x+c) is (-1)n(n-1)!/xn(x+c).

Can the nth derivative of ln(x+c) be simplified?

Yes, the nth derivative of ln(x+c) can be simplified using the formula (-1)n(n-1)!/xn(x+c).

What is the pattern for finding the nth derivative of ln(x+c)?

The pattern for finding the nth derivative of ln(x+c) is (-1)n(n-1)!/xn(x+c).

How do you find the first derivative of ln(x+c)?

The first derivative of ln(x+c) is 1/(x+c).

Can the nth derivative of ln(x+c) be negative?

Yes, the nth derivative of ln(x+c) can be negative depending on the value of n and x. For example, if n is odd and x is negative, the nth derivative will be negative.

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