Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions
Logarithmic Differentiation
Problem 3.9.82
Textbook Question
75–86. Logarithmic differentiation Use logarithmic differentiation to evaluate f'(x).
f(x) = x⁸cos³ x / √x-1

1
Step 1: Begin by taking the natural logarithm of both sides of the equation. This will help simplify the differentiation process. Write: ln(f(x)) = ln(x⁸cos³(x)/√(x-1)).
Step 2: Use the properties of logarithms to break down the expression. Apply the logarithm rules: ln(a/b) = ln(a) - ln(b) and ln(a^b) = b*ln(a). This gives: ln(f(x)) = 8ln(x) + 3ln(cos(x)) - (1/2)ln(x-1).
Step 3: Differentiate both sides with respect to x. Remember that the derivative of ln(f(x)) is (1/f(x)) * f'(x). For the right side, differentiate each term separately: d/dx[8ln(x)] = 8/x, d/dx[3ln(cos(x))] = -3sin(x)/cos(x), and d/dx[-(1/2)ln(x-1)] = -(1/2)/(x-1).
Step 4: Combine the derivatives from Step 3 to find the expression for f'(x)/f(x). This results in: f'(x)/f(x) = 8/x - 3tan(x) - 1/(2(x-1)).
Step 5: Solve for f'(x) by multiplying both sides by f(x). This gives: f'(x) = f(x) * (8/x - 3tan(x) - 1/(2(x-1))). Substitute f(x) = x⁸cos³(x)/√(x-1) back into the equation to express f'(x) in terms of x.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Logarithmic Differentiation
Logarithmic differentiation is a technique used to differentiate complex functions by taking the natural logarithm of both sides. This method simplifies the differentiation process, especially for products, quotients, or powers, by transforming multiplicative relationships into additive ones. It is particularly useful when dealing with functions that involve variable exponents or products of functions.
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Product and Quotient Rules
The product rule and quotient rule are fundamental differentiation rules in calculus. The product rule states that the derivative of a product of two functions is the first function times the derivative of the second plus the second function times the derivative of the first. The quotient rule, on the other hand, provides a method for differentiating a quotient of two functions, ensuring that the derivative accounts for both the numerator and denominator.
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Chain Rule
The chain rule is a crucial differentiation technique used when differentiating composite functions. It states that the derivative of a composite function is the derivative of the outer function evaluated at the inner function, multiplied by the derivative of the inner function. This rule is essential for handling functions where one function is nested within another, allowing for accurate differentiation of complex expressions.
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