3.9: Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Look at the graph of If we assume this to be true, then: The slope at x=0 appears to be 1. definition of derivative
Now we attempt to find a general formula for the derivative of using the definition. This is the slope at x=0, which we have assumed to be 1.
is its own derivative! If we incorporate the chain rule: We can now use this formula to find the derivative of
( and are inverse functions.) (chain rule)
( is a constant.) Incorporating the chain rule:
So far today we have: Now it is relatively easy to find the derivative of .
To find the derivative of a common log function, you could just use the change of base rule for logs: The formula for the derivative of a log of any base other than e is:
p
Homework: 3.9a 3.9 p178 3,12,21,30,39 3.8 p170 24,41 2.4 p92 11,29 3.9b 3.9 p178 6,15,24,27,33,42,49,55,64
Review: p181 3-75 multiples of 3 (practice test – extra credit) TEST: Ch. 3 & 2