Why Do I Get a Different Result When Differentiating ln(x + sqrt(x^2-1))?

In summary, you need to differentiate:d/dx(ln(x+(x2-1)1/2)$$= \frac{1}{x + (x^2 - 1)^{1/2}} \cdot d/dx(x + (x^2 - 1)^{1/2})$$$$= \frac{1}{x + (x^2 - 1)^{
  • #1
UsernameValid
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How do I find the derivative of (x)=ln(x+(x^2-1)1/2)

The answer is suppose to be 1/(x2-1). But I keep ending up with 2x/(x2-1).
 
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  • #2
UsernameValid said:
How do I find the derivative of (x)=ln(x+(x^2-1)1/2)
Is this supposed to be f(x) = ...
UsernameValid said:
The answer is suppose to be 1/(x2-1). But I keep ending up with 2x/(x2-1).

Show us what you did.

Also, do not delete the three parts of the homework template. They are there for a reason.
 
  • #3
Well, the problem says h(x).


(d/dx)ln(x+(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x+(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x2-1).

1/(x+(x2-1)1/2 * 1+[x/(x2-1)]1/2 * x/(x2-1)1/2 * 2x

Which actually gets me 2x2/(x2-1)
 
  • #4
UsernameValid said:
(d/dx)ln(x+(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x+(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x2-1).
I can't decipher that line. Left and right parentheses don't match up. Is there an equals sign missing? If not, I don't understand why there are any log terms in there.
 
  • #5
UsernameValid said:
Well, the problem says h(x).
How was I to tell? You wrote this
How do I find the derivative of (x)=ln(x+(x^2-1)1/2)
UsernameValid said:
(d/dx)ln(x+(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x+(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x2-1)1/2*(d/dx)(x2-1).
There are actually too many "d/dx" operators in there, although I get what you're trying to do. Your task is to do this differentiation:

d/dx(ln(x+(x2-1)1/2)

$$= \frac{1}{x + (x^2 - 1)^{1/2}} \cdot d/dx(x + (x^2 - 1)^{1/2})$$
$$= \frac{1}{x + (x^2 - 1)^{1/2}} \cdot (1 + d/dx[(x^2 - 1)^{1/2}]$$
and so on, whittling away at it a little at a time.
UsernameValid said:
1/(x+(x2-1)1/2 * 1+[x/(x2-1)]1/2 * x/(x2-1)1/2 * 2x

Which actually gets me 2x2/(x2-1)
 

FAQ: Why Do I Get a Different Result When Differentiating ln(x + sqrt(x^2-1))?

What is a logarithmic function?

A logarithmic function is a mathematical function that represents the inverse of an exponential function. It is written in the form of y = logb(x), where b is the base of the logarithm and x is the input value.

How do I solve a logarithmic function?

To solve a logarithmic function, you can use the properties of logarithms to rewrite it in a simpler form. Then, you can use algebraic techniques to solve for the variable. It is important to remember that when solving a logarithmic equation, you must check your answer to make sure it is valid for the original equation.

What are the properties of logarithms?

The three main properties of logarithms are the product rule, quotient rule, and power rule. The product rule states that the logarithm of a product is equal to the sum of the logarithms of the individual factors. The quotient rule states that the logarithm of a quotient is equal to the difference of the logarithms of the individual terms. The power rule states that the logarithm of a power is equal to the exponent multiplied by the logarithm of the base.

When should I use logarithmic functions?

Logarithmic functions are commonly used in situations where there is exponential growth or decay. They can also be used to solve problems involving orders of magnitude, such as in science and engineering.

Can I use a calculator to solve logarithmic functions?

Yes, most scientific calculators have a log button that allows you to input the base and variable to solve a logarithmic function. However, it is important to understand the steps involved in solving a logarithmic function by hand, as well as how to interpret the calculator's answer.

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