CALCULUS 1

Miko Anderson P. Yjares

 Table of Contents

Module 5: Higher-Order Derivatives 31

Introduction 31
Learning Objectives 31
Lesson 1. Higher Derivatives 32
Assessment Task 34
Summary 35
References 36

Module 6: Implicit Differentiation 37

Introduction 37
Learning Objectives 38
Lesson 1. Implicit and Explicit Functions 38
Lesson 2. Implicit Differentiation 39
Assessment Task 42
Summary 42
References 43

Module 7: Derivatives of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions 44

Introduction 44
Learning Objectives 44
Lesson 1. Logarithmic and Exponential Functions 45
Lesson 2. Differentiation of Logarithmic Functions 46
Lesson 3. Logarithmic Differentiation 48
Lesson 4. Differentiation of Exponential Functions 51
Assessment Task 52
Summary 53
References 53
 MODULE 5
HIGHER-ORDER DERIVATIVES

Introduction

According to Edwards and Larson (2014), just as you can obtain a velocity function
by differentiating a position function, you can obtain an acceleration function by
differentiating a velocity function. Another way of looking at this is that you can obtain an
acceleration function by differentiating a position function twice.

s(t) Position Function

v(t) = s’(t) Velocity Function

a(t) = v’(t) = s”(t) Acceleration Function

The function a(t) is the second derivative of s(t) and is denoted by s”(t). The second
derivative is an example of a higher-order derivative. You can define derivatives of any
positive integer order. For instance, the third derivative is the derivative of the second
derivative (Edwards & Larson, 2014).

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Derive a function multiple or nth times; and

2. Understand the higher-order derivatives.

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Lesson 1. Higher Derivatives

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), recall that from the equation 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), we get
by differentiation the equation

𝑑𝑦
= 𝑓′(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), the derivative or f’(x) of the function f is a
𝑑𝑥
number that depends on x. Hence f’ is a function of x itself and may be differentiated again
with respect to x. This process is represented symbolically by any of the following notations:

𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑2𝑦
( )= 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 ′
[𝑓 (𝑥)] = 𝑓"(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 ′
(𝑦 ) = 𝑦"
𝑑𝑥
𝐷𝑥 (𝐷𝑥 𝑦) = 𝐷𝑥2 𝑦

𝑑𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦
If we refer to as the first derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), then we shall refer to read “d
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑2
squared y over dx squared” as the “second derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).” The operator
𝑑𝑥 2
indicates that 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)is to be differentiated twice (Feliciano & Uy, 1983).

In practice, the symbol y” (read as y double prime) and y’’’ (read as y triple prime) are
used in place of y(2) and y(3) respectively. Similarly, f”(x) and f’’’(x) are used instead of f (2)(x)
and f(3)(x) respectively (Feliciano & Uy, 1983).

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), further differentiations give us the derivatives

of order higher than 2. These derivatives are defined and denoted as follows:

𝑑3𝑦
3
= 𝑓 ′′′ (𝑥) = 𝑦 ′′′ = 𝐷𝑥3 𝑦
𝑑𝑥
32
 𝑑4𝑦
4
= 𝑓 (4) (𝑥) = 𝑦 (4) = 𝐷𝑥4 𝑦
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑛 𝑦
𝑛
= 𝑓 (𝑛) (𝑥) = 𝑦 (𝑛) = 𝐷𝑥𝑛 𝑦
𝑑𝑥
Note that parentheses are used in y (n) and f(n)(x). The symbol y(n) is used to
distinguish it from the symbol yn. Recall that yn indicates the nth power of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) while the
present notation y(n) indicates the nth derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). The same reason holds for the
symbol f(n)(x) (Feliciano & Uy, 1983).

Example 1

If 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 − 4, find the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth derivative.

Solution:

𝑑𝑦
= 𝑦 ′ = 4𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 10𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑2𝑦
= 𝑦" = 12𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 10
𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑3𝑦
= 𝑦 ′′′ = 24𝑥 − 12
𝑑𝑥 3
𝑑4𝑦
= 𝑦 (4) = 24
𝑑𝑥 4
𝑑5𝑦
𝑑𝑥 5
= 𝑦 (5) = 0

Example 2

Find the second derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 .

Solution:

The first derivative is

𝑑𝑦
= 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥
𝑑𝑥
The second derivative follows from differentiating the first derivative:

33
 𝑑2𝑦 𝑑
2
= (3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥) = 6𝑥 − 4
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 3

Find the second derivative of 𝑦 = (𝑥 3 + 1)4 .

Solution:

We obtain the first derivative from the power rule for the functions:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 3
= 4(𝑥 3 + 1)3 (𝑥 + 1)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 12𝑥 2 (𝑥 3 + 1)3

To find the second derivative, we will now use product and power rules:
𝑑2𝑦 2
𝑑 3 3 3 3
𝑑
2
= 12𝑥 (𝑥 + 1 ) + (𝑥 + 1 ) (12𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= 108𝑥 4 (𝑥 3 + 1)2 + 24𝑥(𝑥 3 + 1)3
= (𝑥 3 + 1)2 (132𝑥 4 + 24𝑥)

34
 Assessment Task 5

Find the second and third derivative of each of the following:

1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 5 + 3𝑥 −2 + 4𝑥
2. 𝑦 = √4 − 𝑥 2
3. 𝑦 = (𝑥 + 5)2
1+√𝑥
4. 𝑦 =
√𝑥
𝑥2
5. 𝑦 =
𝑥+1
1
6. 𝑦 =
𝑥
4𝑥
7. 𝑦 =
𝑥+1
𝑥
8. 𝑦 =
√𝑥−1

Summary

According to Edwards and Larson (2014), higher-order derivatives are denoted as

shown below.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
First derivative: y’ f’(x) [𝑓(𝑥)] 𝐷𝑥 [𝑦]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑2𝑦 𝑑2
Second derivative: y” f”(x) [𝑓(𝑥)] 𝐷𝑥 2 [𝑦]
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑3𝑦 𝑑3
Third derivative: y’’’ f’’’(x) 𝑑𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 3
[𝑓(𝑥)] 𝐷𝑥 3 [𝑦]

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 𝑑4𝑦 𝑑4
Fourth derivative: y(4) f(4)(x) [𝑓(𝑥)] 𝐷𝑥 4 [𝑦]
𝑑𝑥 4 𝑑𝑥 4

𝑑𝑛𝑦 𝑑𝑛
nth derivative: y(n) f(n)(x) [𝑓(𝑥)] 𝐷𝑥 𝑛 [𝑦]
𝑑𝑥 𝑛 𝑑𝑥 𝑛

References

Feliciano, F. T. & Uy, F. B. (1983). Differential & Integral Calculus, Merriam & Webster
Bookstore, Inc., Manila, Philippines.

Edwards, B. & Larson, R. (2014). Calculus 10e. Brooks/Cole 20 Channel Center Street,
Boston, MA 02210, USA. 10th Ed.

36
 MODULE 6
IMPLICIT DIFFERENTIATION

Introduction

According to Kelley (2006) it has been mentioned the phrase “with respect to x” a
few times, but now it needs to be described exactly what that means. In 95 percent of the
problems in calculus, the variables in the expression will match the variable in the
“respecting” in that problem. For example, the derivative of 5𝑥 3 + sin 𝑥, with respect to x, is
15𝑥 2 + cos 𝑥. The fact that it has been said that we were finding the derivative with respect
to x didn’t make the problem any harder or any different. In fact, it didn’t have to tell you
which variable you were “respecting,” so to speak, because x was the only variable in the
problem.

In this part, the derivative of equations containing x and y will be taken, and it will
always be asked to find the derivative with respect to x. What is the derivative of y with
𝑑𝑦
respect to x? The answer is this notation: . It is literally “the derivative of y with respect to
𝑑𝑥
x.” The numerator tells you what you’re deriving, and the denominator tells you what you’re
respecting (Kelley, 2006).

Another one, what is the derivative of 3𝑦 2, with respect to x? The first thing to notice
is that the variable in the expression does not match the variable you’re respecting, so you
treat the y as a completely separate function and apply the chain rule. In chain rule when
there’s only a single variable inside the function, but if that variable is not the variable you’re
respecting, you must give it a hard time. So, to differentiate 3𝑦 2, start by deriving the outer
function and leaving y (the inner function) alone to get 6y. Now multiply this by the derivative
𝑑𝑦
of y with respect to x, and you get: 6𝑦 (Kelley, 2006).
𝑑𝑥

You will encounter odd derivatives like this whenever you cannot solve an equation
for y or for f(x). You may not have noticed, but every single derivative question until now has
been worded “Find the derivative of y = …” or “Find the derivative of f(x) ….” When a

37
 𝑑𝑦
problem asks you to find in an equation that cannot be solved for y, you must resort to the
𝑑𝑥
process of implicit differentiation, which involves deriving variables with respect to other
variables. Whereas in past problems the derivative would be indicated by y' or f'(x), the
𝑑𝑦
derivative in implicit differentiation is indicated by (Kelley, 2006).
𝑑𝑥

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Familiarize with the implicit functions; and

2. Learn about the implicit differentiation.

Lesson 1. Implicit and Explicit Functions

According to Edwards and Larson (2014), up to this point in the text, most functions
have been expressed in explicit form. For example, in the equation 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 5 the variable
is explicitly written as a function of x. Some functions, however, are only implied by an
1
equation. For instance, the function 𝑦 = is defined implicitly by the equation 𝑥𝑦 = 1 (implicit
𝑥
𝑑𝑦
form). To find for this equation, you can write explicitly as a function of and then
𝑑𝑥
differentiate.

Implicit Form: 𝑥𝑦 =1
1
Explicit Form: 𝑦 = 𝑥 = 𝑥 −1
𝑑𝑦 1
Derivative: = −𝑥 −2 = 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥

This strategy works whenever you can solve for the function explicitly. You cannot,
however, use this procedure when you are unable to solve for as a function of x. For
𝑑𝑦
instance, how would you find for the equation 𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 3 + 4𝑦 = 2? For this equation, it is
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
difficult to express as a function of explicitly. To find you can use implicit differentiation
𝑑𝑥
(Edwards & Larson, 2014).

38
 𝑑𝑦
To understand how to find implicitly, you must realize that the differentiation
𝑑𝑥
is taking place with respect to x. This means that when you differentiate terms involving x
alone, you can differentiate as usual. However, when you differentiate terms involving
you must apply the Chain Rule, because you are assuming that is defined implicitly
as a differentiable function of x (Edwards & Larson, 2014).

Lesson 2. Implicit Differentiation

Guidelines for Implicit Differentiation

According to Edwards and Larson (2014),
1. Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to
2. Collect all terms involving 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 on the left side of the equation and move all other
terms to the right side of the equation.
3. Factor 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 out of the left side of the equation.
4. Solve for 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥.

Example 1
Find 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 given that 𝑦 3 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑦 − 𝑥 2 = −4

Soluti on:
1. Differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x.

𝑑 3 𝑑
[𝑦 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑦 − 𝑥 2 ] = [−4]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 3 𝑑 2 𝑑 𝑑 2 𝑑
[𝑦 ] + [𝑦 ] − [5𝑦] − [𝑥 ] = [−4]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 −5 − 2𝑥 = 0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2. Collect the terms on the left side of the equation and move all other terms to the right
side of the equation.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 −5 = 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

39
 3. Factor 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 out of the left side of the equation.

𝑑𝑦
(3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 5) = 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥

4. Solve for 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 by dividing by (3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 5)

𝑑𝑦 2𝑥
=
𝑑𝑥 (3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 5)

Example 2
Find 𝑑𝑦/𝑑𝑥 if 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 2 + 9

Solution:
𝑑 2 𝑑
(𝑦 ) = (4𝑥 2 + 9)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
2𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 0
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 4𝑥
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑦

Example 3
Find y’ if 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 2 = 0.

Solution:
2𝑥 + 4𝑥𝑦 ′ + 4𝑦 + 8𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0
4𝑥𝑦 ′ + 8𝑦𝑦 ′ = −2𝑥 − 4𝑦
(4𝑥 + 8𝑦)𝑦 ′ = −(2𝑥 + 4𝑦)
−2(𝑥 + 2𝑦)
𝑦′ =
4(𝑥 + 2𝑦)
𝑥 + 2𝑦
𝑦′ =
2(𝑥 + 2𝑦)

Example 4
Find y” if 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4.
Solution:

40
Differentiating with respect to x, we have
2𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0
2𝑦𝑦 ′ = −2𝑥
−𝑥
𝑦′ =
𝑦
Differentiating further with respect to x,
𝑦(−1) − (−𝑥)𝑦′
𝑦" =
𝑦2
−𝑥
Since, 𝑦′ = 𝑦
−𝑥
−𝑦 + 𝑥 ( 𝑦 )
𝑦" =
𝑦2
Multiplying the numerator and the denominator by y
−𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2
𝑦" =
𝑦3
−(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )
𝑦" =
𝑦3
Since, 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 4
-4
𝑦" =
𝑦3

41
 Assessment Task 6

𝑑𝑦
Find by implicit differentiation.
𝑑𝑥

1. 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 − 6𝑥𝑦 = 0

2. 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1

3. √𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦 = 21

4. (𝑥 − 𝑦)3 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)2

5. 𝑦 = 4(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )
3𝑥+1
6. 𝑦 2 = ( )
2𝑥−3

7. 𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 0

Summary

According to Ross (1996), if y is given explicitly as a function of x, it is not difficult to

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
obtain , because if 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), then = 𝑓′(𝑥) – this is explicit differentiation. However, if y
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
is gicen implicitly as a function of x, for example, 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 2, then rather than solving the
𝑑𝑦
equation for y first, the equation can be differentiated as it is term by term, then solve for
𝑑𝑥
in terms of x and y – this is called implicit differentiation.

42
 References

Edwards, B. & Larson, R. (2014). Calculus 10e. Brooks/Cole 20 Channel Center Street,
Boston, MA 02210, USA. 10th Ed.

Feliciano, F. T. & Uy, F. B., (1983). Differential & Integral Calculus, Merriam & Webster
Bookstore, Inc., Manila, Philippines.

Kelley, W. M. (2006). Guide to Calculus. Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street. Indianapolis, IN
46240. 2nd Ed.

Ross, D. A. (1996). Master Math: Pre-calculus and Geometry. Career Press, 3 Tice Road,
P.O. Box 687 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417.

43
 MODULE 7
DERIVATIVES OF LOGARITHMIC AND
EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Introduction

According to Leithold (1990), the natural exponential function is the inverse of the
natural logarithmic function; thus, it is defined by

exp(x) = y if and only if x = ln y

The notation exp(x) is read as “the value of the natural exponential function at x.”
Because the range of the natural logarithmic function is the set of all real numbers, the
domain of the natural exponential function is the set of all real numbers. The range of the
natural exponential function is the set of positive numbers, because this is the domain of the
natural logarithmic function (Leithold, 1990).

Leithold (1990) also explained that because the natural logarithmic function and the
natural exponential function are inverses of each other, it follows the theorem ln(exp(𝑥)) = 𝑥
and exp(ln 𝑥) = 𝑥.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Find the derivative of exponential functions; and

2. Find the derivative of logarithmic functions.

44
Lesson 1. Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), the function defined by the equation

𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥

Where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1 is called a logarithmic function. We recall that

𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦

are equivalent equations since they define the same function. Logarithms to the base 10 are
called common logarithms. If b = e, the it is written as 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 where the symbol “ln” is
customarily used in place of “log e”. Logarithms to the base e are called natural logarithms.
The equations 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 and 𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑦 are also equivalent equations. The function defined by
the equation 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1 is called an exponential function.

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), the laws of exponents, radicals, and

logarithms have been met in your study of algebra and trigonometry. Some of these laws
serve as useful aids in our present work and we list them down here for easy reference.

Laws of Exponents:

E1: 𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛

𝑎𝑚
E2: = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 if 𝑚 > 𝑛, 𝑎 ≠ 0
𝑎𝑛

E3: (𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛

E4: (𝑎𝑏)𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑏 𝑛

𝑎 𝑛 𝑎𝑛
E5: ( ) = , 𝑏≠𝐶
𝑏 𝑏𝑛

Laws of Radicals:

R1:
𝑛
√𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎
𝑚
R2:
𝑛
√𝑎𝑚 = 𝑎 𝑛

45
 R3:
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
√𝑎 √𝑏 = √𝑎𝑏
𝑛
𝑎 √𝑎
R4:
𝑛
√𝑏 = 𝑛
√𝑏

𝑚 𝑛
R5:
𝑚𝑛
√ √𝑎 = √𝑎

Laws of Logarithms:

P1: log 𝑏 𝑀𝑁 = log 𝑏 𝑀 + log 𝑏 𝑁

𝑀
P2: log 𝑏 = log 𝑏 𝑀 − log 𝑏 𝑁
𝑁

P3: log 𝑏 𝑁 𝑝 = 𝑝 log 𝑏 𝑁

P4: log 𝑏 𝑏 = 1

Lesson 2. Differentiation of Logarithmic Functions

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), the following formulas provide the rules for
finding the derivative of logarithmic functions. In these formulas, u is a function of x.

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(1) (log 𝑏 𝑢) = (log 𝑏 𝑒) ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(2) (ln 𝑢) = ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

Example 1
𝑑𝑦
Find if 𝑦 = log 5 (4𝑥 + 3)
𝑑𝑥

Solution:

Let 𝑢 = 4𝑥 + 3

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
Then by (log 𝑏 𝑢) = (log 𝑏 𝑒) ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

46
 𝑑𝑦 1
= (log 5 𝑒)(4)
𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 + 3
𝑑𝑦 4(log 5 𝑒)
=
𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 + 3

Example 2
𝑑𝑦
Find if 𝑦 = ln(2𝑥 + 1)4
𝑑𝑥

Solution:

Let 𝑢 = (2𝑥 + 1)4

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
Then by (ln 𝑢) = ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 1
= 4
∙ 4(2𝑥 + 1)3 (2)
𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 + 1)
𝑑𝑦 8
=
𝑑𝑥 (2𝑥 + 1)

Example 3

𝑑𝑦 𝑥+4
Find if 𝑦 = ln √
𝑑𝑥 𝑥−4

Solution:

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
This can be solved by direct application of (ln 𝑢) = ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

But we shall solve this by applying first R2, P3 and P2. Thus,

𝑥+4
𝑦 = ln √
𝑥−4

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 𝑥+4
= ln ( ) (𝑏𝑦 𝑅2)
𝑥−4
1 𝑥+4
= ln ( ) (𝑏𝑦 𝑃3)
2 𝑥−4
1
= [ln(𝑥 + 4) − ln(𝑥 − 4)] (𝑏𝑦 𝑃2)
2
𝑑𝑦 1 1 1
= ( − )
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑥 + 4 𝑥 − 4
𝑑𝑦 −4
= 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 − 16

Lesson 3. Logarithmic Differentiation

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), in this section, we shall learn how to find the
derivative of a function which is expressed as a product, quotient, power or root of two or
more differentiable functions of x by a procedure known as logarithmic differentiation. This
procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Take the natural logarithm of both sides of the equation which defines the function
2. Simplify the right member of the resulting equation by making use of the properties
or laws of logarithms.
𝑑𝑦
3. Differentiate with respect to x and solve for .
𝑑𝑥

Example 1
𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)√3𝑥 + 5, find by logarithmic differentiation.
𝑑𝑥

Solution:

Taking the logarithmic of both sides,

ln 𝑦 = ln(2𝑥 + 1)√3𝑥 + 5

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 1
ln 𝑦 = ln(2𝑥 + 1) + ln(3𝑥 + 5) (𝑏𝑦 𝑃1, 𝑅2. 𝑃3)
2
𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
Differentiating with respect to x by (ln 𝑢) = ∙ ,
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

1 𝑑𝑦 1 1 1
= (2) + (3)
𝑦 𝑑𝑥 2𝑥 + 1 2 3𝑥 + 5
𝑑𝑦 2 3
= 𝑦[ + ]
𝑑𝑥 2𝑥 + 1 2(3𝑥 + 5)
𝑑𝑦 (2𝑥 + 1)√3𝑥 + 5[4(3𝑥 + 5) + 3(2𝑥 + 1)]
=
𝑑𝑥 2(3𝑥 + 5)(2𝑥 + 1)
𝑑𝑦 18𝑥 + 23
=
𝑑𝑥 2√3𝑥 + 5

Example 2
𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑥 , find by logarithmic differentiation.
𝑑𝑥

Solution:

Taking the logarithmic of both sides,

ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 𝑥
= 𝑥 ln 𝑥 (𝑏𝑦 𝑃3)
𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
By Product rule of differentiation and (ln 𝑢) = ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

1 𝑑𝑦 1
= 𝑥 ∙ + ln 𝑥
𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑦(1 + ln 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑥 𝑥 (1 + ln 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

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Example 3
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
Use logarithmic differentiation to prove (𝑢𝑛 ) = 𝑛 𝑢𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution:

Let 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑛 . Then ln 𝑦 = 𝑛 ln 𝑢.

1 𝑑𝑦 1 𝑑𝑢
=𝑛∙ ∙
𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑛 𝑑𝑢
=𝑦∙ ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑛 𝑑𝑢
= 𝑢𝑛 ∙ ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑢
= 𝑛 𝑢𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥
Hence,
𝑑 𝑛 𝑑𝑢
(𝑢 ) = 𝑛 𝑢𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Consider now the function of the general form 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣 where u and v are
differentiable functions of x. The equation 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑥 in example 2 above takes this form where
𝑢 = 𝑣 = 𝑥. The equation 𝑦 = (sin 𝑥)𝑥 is also of this form where 𝑢 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑣 = 𝑥. We may
use the method of logarithmic differentiation to find the derivative of any function of the form
𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣 . But we shall derive a formula which will enable us to find its derivative
logarithmically and directly. The derivation is shown below (Feliciano & Uy, 1983).
Let 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣
Taking the logarithm of both sides,
ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑢𝑣
= 𝑣 ln 𝑢
Differentiating with respect to x
1 𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= (𝑣 ln 𝑢)
𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Solving for ,
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= 𝑦 (𝑣 ln 𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

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Since 𝑦 = 𝑢𝑣 , the equation above finally becomes
𝑑 𝑑
(3) (𝑢𝑣 ) = 𝑢𝑣 ∙ (𝑣 ln 𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
If 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑥 , find by (𝑢𝑣 ) = 𝑢𝑣 ∙ (𝑣 ln 𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Solution:
𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= 𝑥𝑥 ∙ (𝑥 ln 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
1
= 𝑥 𝑥 (𝑥 ∙ + ln 𝑥)
𝑥
= 𝑥 𝑥 (1 + ln 𝑥)
Note: we see that the solution here is more compact and direct than that in Example 2
above.

Example 5
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
If 𝑦 = (sin 𝑥)𝑥 , find by (𝑢𝑣 ) = 𝑢𝑣 ∙ (𝑣 ln 𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Solution:
𝑦 = (sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= (sin 𝑥)𝑥 (𝑥 ln sin 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
1
= (sin 𝑥 )𝑥 (𝑥 cos 𝑥 + ln sin 𝑥)
sin 𝑥
= (sin 𝑥)𝑥 (𝑥 cot 𝑥 + ln sin 𝑥)

Lesson 4. Differentiation of Exponential Functions

According to Feliciano and Uy (1983), the following formulas are used to find the
derivatives of exponential functions.
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(4) (𝑎𝑢 ) = 𝑎𝑢 (ln 𝑎)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(5) (𝑒 𝑢 ) = 𝑒 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 1

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 𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 42𝑥 , find .
𝑑𝑥
Solution:
𝑦 = 42𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
By (𝑎𝑢 ) = 𝑎𝑢 (ln 𝑎)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 42𝑥 (ln 4)(2)
𝑑𝑥
= 42𝑥 (2 ln 4)
= 42𝑥 (ln 16)

Example 2
𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = 𝑒 sin 𝑥 , find
𝑑𝑥
Solution:
𝑦 = 𝑒 sin 𝑥
𝑑 𝑑𝑢
By (𝑒 𝑢 ) = 𝑒 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑒 sin 𝑥 (cos 𝑥)
𝑑𝑥

Assessment Task 7

𝑑𝑦
Find and simplify the following:
𝑑𝑥

1. 𝑦 = log √2𝑥 + 5
2. 𝑦 = ln(𝑥 + 3)4
3. 𝑦 = ln(𝑥 + √𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥 2 (𝑥+1)
4. 𝑦 = ln (𝑥+2)3
2 1
5. 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 1)3 (3𝑥 − 4)2
2
6. 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑥
7. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2𝑥+1
8. 𝑦 = 34𝑥
9. 𝑦 = 𝑒 −4𝑥
10. 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 + ln(𝑥𝑦) = 3

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 Summary

According to “Calculus” (2020), exponential functions and their corresponding

inverse functions, called logarithmic functions, have the following differentiation formulas:

(1) If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 , then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 .

(2) If 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑥 , 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (ln 𝑎) ∙ 𝑎 𝑥 .
1
(3) If 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = .
𝑥
1
(4) If 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑎 𝑥 , 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 0, then 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) =
(ln 𝑎)∙𝑥

References

Feliciano, F. T. & Uy, F. B., (1983). Differential & Integral Calculus, Merriam & Webster
Bookstore, Inc., Manila, Philippines.

Leithold, L. (1990). The Calculus with Analytic Geometry, Harper & Row Publishers, Inc.,
New York. 6th Ed.

Calculus. (2020). Calculus, Cliff Notes ®. https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-

guides/calculus/calculus/the-derivative/differentiation-of-exponential-and-logarithmic-
functions

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