Why Are These the Formulas for Derivatives and Logarithms?

In summary, the formula for finding a derivative for x^n is nx^(n-1) and the anti derivative is 1/(n+1) x^(n+1). This formula is derived from the derivative power rule and the antiderivative power rule, which are based on the limit of a function as the variable approaches 0. The general rule for (x^z)'=zx^(z-1) is proven using the definition and generalized binomial formula. The antiderivative of 1/x is ln(x) and can be proven using the fundamental theorem of calculus or implicit differentiation.
  • #1
blah
10
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The formula for finding a derivative for x^n is nx^(n-1) and the anti derivative is 1/(n+1) x^(n+1)
Why is this the formula?
 
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  • #2
If you take the derivative of a function using the (derivative) power rule, then you can always reverse it using the antiderivative power rule, its mainly just a reverse of it.

Like if you were to take the derivative of [tex]x^2[/tex], then using the power rule it would be [tex]2x^1[/tex] or just 2x. If you were to find the antiderivative of that using [tex]\frac{x^n+1}{n+1}[/tex] (agh supposed to be x^(n+1) not (x^n)+1) then it would be [tex]x^2[/tex] again.

If you're asking how it works, the derivative power rule derives itself from the limit of [tex]\frac{f(x+h) - f(h)}{h}[/tex] as h approaches 0. The antiderivative is a little more complicated and doesn't work in all instances (like when n=-1) so some other methods like natural logarithms need to be used.
 
  • #3
[tex]\frac{d}{dx}x^{n}=nx^{n-1} \Rightarrow \int{x^{n-1}dx}=\frac{x^{n}}{n}[/tex]
 
  • #4
The general rule of

[tex] (x^{z})'=z x^{z-1},z\in \mathbb{C} [/tex]

is proven using the definition & generalized binomial formula (the one with Gamma Euler/Pochhammer symbols).

Once u've proven the Leibniz rule & implicitely the part integration mechanism,u can use the latter to

[tex] \int x^{z} \ dx = x^{z}\cdot x-\int (x^{z})'\cdot x \ dx =x^{z+1}-z\int x^{z} \ dx\Rightarrow \int x^{z} \ dx =\frac{1}{z+1} x^{z+1} +C ,z\neq -1

[/tex]

q.e.d.

Daniel.
 
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  • #5
Why is

integral(1/x dx)=ln(x) ?

I can't find the derivation of this in google, afgh.

thanks
 
  • #6
I've proven the general case for a complex exp.other than "-1".For this singular case,i'm using the FTC which says

[tex] \int f(x) \ dx=F(x)+C \Rightarrow \frac{dF(x)}{dx}=f(x) [/tex]

Then i know that

[tex] \frac{d\ln x}{dx} =\frac{1}{x} [/tex]

Ergo

[tex] \int \frac{1}{x} \ dx=\ln x+C [/tex]

Daniel.
 
  • #7
Sometimes
[tex]\int_1^x \frac{1}{t}dt = \ln(x)[/tex]
is used as the definition for [itex]\ln x[/itex].

Otherwise, you can use implicit differentiation:

[tex]y=\ln x \iff x = e^y \Rightarrow 1=e^y \frac{dy}{dx} \iff \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{1}{e^y}=\frac{1}{x}[/tex]

and apply the FTC.
 

FAQ: Why Are These the Formulas for Derivatives and Logarithms?

Why do we need the formula for derivatives?

The formula for derivatives allows us to find the rate of change of a function at any given point. This is essential in many fields of science, such as physics and economics, where understanding the rate of change of a variable is crucial.

How is the formula for derivatives derived?

The formula for derivatives is derived using the concept of limits. It is based on the definition of a derivative as the slope of a tangent line to a curve at a specific point. By taking smaller and smaller intervals, we can approximate the slope and ultimately arrive at the formula for derivatives.

Can the formula for derivatives be used for any type of function?

Yes, the formula for derivatives can be used for any type of function, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. However, the method for finding the derivative may vary depending on the type of function.

What is the practical application of the formula for derivatives?

The formula for derivatives has many practical applications, including determining maximum and minimum values of a function, calculating rates of change in real-world scenarios, and solving optimization problems in fields such as engineering and finance.

Are there any limitations to the formula for derivatives?

While the formula for derivatives is a powerful tool, it does have some limitations. It cannot be used to find the derivative of a discontinuous function or a function with a vertical tangent. It also requires a certain level of mathematical understanding and proficiency to apply correctly.

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