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7.3.2 Differentiating Other Functions (Trig, ln & e etc)

Differentiating functions like trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, and exponential functions is a fundamental skill in calculus. Here's a summary of how to differentiate these types of functions, along with some key rules and examples.

1. Differentiating Trigonometric Functions:

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Basic Trigonometric Functions:

  • Sine: ddxsin(x)=cos(x)\frac{d}{dx} \sin(x) = \cos(x)
  • Cosine: ddxcos(x)=sin(x)\frac{d}{dx} \cos(x) = -\sin(x)
  • Tangent: ddxtan(x)=sec2(x)\frac{d}{dx} \tan(x) = \sec^2(x)
  • Cosecant: ddxcsc(x)=csc(x)cot(x)\frac{d}{dx} \csc(x) = -\csc(x) \cot(x)
  • Secant: ddxsec(x)=sec(x)tan(x)\frac{d}{dx} \sec(x) = \sec(x) \tan(x)
  • Cotangent: ddxcot(x)=csc2(x)\frac{d}{dx} \cot(x) = -\csc^2(x)

2. Differentiating Logarithmic Functions:

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Natural Logarithm (lnln):

  • Logarithm of xx: ddxln(x)=1x\frac{d}{dx} \ln(x) = \frac{1}{x}
  • Logarithm of a function u(x) u(x): ddxln(u(x))=1u(x)u(x)\frac{d}{dx} \ln(u(x)) = \frac{1}{u(x)} \cdot u'(x)
  • This is often used in combination with the chain rule.
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Logarithm with a Different Base:

  • Logarithm base  a\ a: ddxloga(x)=1xln(a)\frac{d}{dx} \log_a(x) = \frac{1}{x \ln(a)}
  • The derivative of  loga(x)\ \log_a(x) depends on the base  a\ a and involves the natural logarithm  ln(a).\ \ln(a) .

3. Differentiating Exponential Functions:

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General Exponential Function:

  • Exponential base  a\ a: ddxax=axln(a)\frac{d}{dx} a^x = a^x \ln(a)
  • Exponential of a function  u(x)\ u(x): ddxau(x)=au(x)ln(a)u(x)\frac{d}{dx} a^{u(x)} = a^{u(x)} \cdot \ln(a) \cdot u'(x)
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Natural Exponential Function:

  • Exponential of  x\ x: ddxex=ex\frac{d}{dx} e^x = e^x
  • Exponential of a function  u(x)\ u(x): ddxeu(x)=eu(x)u(x)\frac{d}{dx} e^{u(x)} = e^{u(x)} \cdot u'(x)
  • This is also an application of the chain rule.

4. Chain Rule:

The chain rule is essential when differentiating composite functions (functions of functions). If  y=f(g(x))\ y = f(g(x)) , then: dydx=f(g(x))g(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) This rule is especially useful for differentiating trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions when they involve more complex expressions inside.

5. Examples:

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Example 1: Differentiate  y=sin(3x)\ y = \sin(3x)

  • Apply the chain rule: dydx=cos(3x)3=3cos(3x)\frac{dy}{dx} = \cos(3x) \cdot 3 = 3\cos(3x)
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Example 2: Differentiate  y=ln(2x+1)\ y = \ln(2x + 1)

  • Again, use the chain rule: dydx=12x+12=22x+1\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{2x + 1} \cdot 2 = \frac{2}{2x + 1}
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Example 3: Differentiate  y=e4x2\ y = e^{4x^2}

  • Use the chain rule: dydx=e4x28x\frac{dy}{dx} = e^{4x^2} \cdot 8x
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Example 4: Differentiate  y=tan(ln(x))\ y = \tan(\ln(x))

  • Combine the chain rule with the derivative of the tangent function: dydx=sec2(ln(x))1x\frac{dy}{dx} = \sec^2(\ln(x)) \cdot \frac{1}{x}

Summary:

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  • Differentiating trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, and exponential functions is straightforward once you know the basic rules and how to apply the chain rule.
  • The chain rule is particularly important for handling composite functions.
  • Mastering these techniques allows you to solve complex problems in mathematics, physics, economics, and other fields that involve rates of change.
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