Finding the Derivative of a Logarithmic Function: Logarithmic Differentiation
Logarithmic Differentiation Explained
Logarithmic differentiation is a technique used in calculus to find the derivative of logarithmic functions. It involves taking the natural logarithm of both sides of the function and then differentiating the resulting equation.Step-by-Step Process:
- Take the natural logarithm of both sides of the function.
- Use the logarithmic property
ln(a * b) = ln(a) + ln(b)
to simplify the expression under the logarithm. - Differentiate both sides of the simplified equation.
- Use the chain rule to differentiate the logarithmic term.
- Solve for the derivative of the original function.
Example: Finding the Derivative of f(x) = ln(8x)
**Step 1: Take the natural logarithm of both sides:**ln(f(x)) = ln(ln(8x))
**Step 2: Simplify the expression under the logarithm:**ln(f(x)) = ln(ln(8)) + ln(x)
**Step 3: Differentiate both sides:**d/dx [ln(f(x))] = d/dx [ln(ln(8)) + ln(x)]
**Step 4: Use the chain rule to differentiate the logarithmic term:**1/f(x) * df/dx = 0 + 1/x
**Step 5: Solve for df/dx:**df/dx = f(x) / x
**Therefore, the derivative of f(x) = ln(8x) is: f'(x) = 8/x.**
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