LECTURE MODULE 37
CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2
‘TOPIC 17
DIFFERENTIATION OF EXPONENTIAL & LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
So far, we have learned how to differentiate a variety of functions, including trigonometric, inverse, and
{implicit functions. Now, we explore the derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions. Both of these types
of functions are vital in application to higher mathematics. Exponential functions play an important role in modeling
population growth and the decay of radioactive materials. Logarithmic functions ean help rescale large quantities
and are particularly helpful for rewriting complicated expressions.
Disclaimer: cis expected from the student that an extensive background on functions were taught during high school. fot his or
her lecturer In Mathematies for Engineers must have taught or introduced atleast, the bases ofthese functions being part ofthe
comprehensive syllabus of MFE. Therefore, a more rigorous study for these functions is up tothe student
Atthe end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. find the derivative of exponential functions;
2. find the derivative of logarithmic functions;
1.1 ABrlef Review to Exponential Functions
Exponential functions arise in many applications. One common example is population growth. For example, if a
population starts with Py individuals and then grows at an annual rate of 2%, its population after 1 year is
PA) = Py + 002R = Py + 002) = P4102)
Itspopulation ater 2yearsis
PQ) = PC) + 092PC) = PAVCLA2) = Py (1.02)
In genera. ts population after years is
Pe = Pe (4025
which is an exponential function. The applications of our exponential functions are also found in computing
‘compound interest in Engineering Economy.
More generally, any function of the form f(x) = a, where a > 0,a + 1, is an exponential function with base a
and exponent x. Exponential functions have constant bases and variable exponents, Note that a function of the form
f(@) = x" for some constant ais not an exponential function but a power function, To emphasize the difference,
y = 2* (exponential) y= 2x? (power)
‘The exponential function f(x) = a* is defined for all real numbers x and a* > 0, Therefore, the domain of f(x) =
a is (~2,22) and the range is (0,02). Note that for a > 1, a¥ is increasing on (2,00) and a¥ > @ as x > =,
whereas a* > 0 as x22, On the other hand, 0 < a < 1, @ is decreasing on (—
[Link] > 0
whereas a 9 oo asx > eo
See graphs in Figure 1
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 96 | Fage LECTURE MODULE 37
CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2
a ta %
igure [Link]> 1, then a¥ is increasing on (~<,23)
M0 0,b> 0,and forall rand y,
aa =a"? @y =a
ala
=A
‘Aspecial type of exponential function appears frequently in real-world applications. This isthe natural exponential
function f(x) = e* where a = e from f(x) = a®. The letter e isan irrational number with numerical value equal to
2,718281828, It was firstby Swiss mathematician Leonhard Buler during the 1720s, Although Euler did not discover
the number, he showed many important connections between ¢ and logarithmic functions. We still use the notation
ce today to honor Euler’s work because It appears in many areas of mathematics and because we can use itin many
practical applications, For an extensive history to this number, you are encouraged to make personal readings and
research.
1.2 Introduction to Logarithmic Functions
Using our brief review on exponential functions, we can discuss their inverses, which are the logarithmic functions:
From Figure 1, we can say that our exponential function f(x) = a" is one-to-one, with domain (—c,¢0) and range
(0,00), Being one-to-one, it has an inverse function, called the logarithmic function.
For anya > 0,2 % 1, the logarithmic function with base a, denoted logg, has domain (0,0) and range (—0, 0),
and satisfies loga x = y if and only if a” = x. This means that a logarithmic function can be converted into an
exponential function.
logex=y >a =x
Joga is read "logarithm of x to base a", To familiarize the relationship between logarithmic and exponential
functions, here are some examples:
Logarithmic Exponential
og 2 =
logo 0.01 =
Togs 1 =
en the logarithmic function becomes y = logio or simply y = logs. If the base of the logarithmic
function is not indicated, it should be automatically understood that a is equal to 10. Logarithms to the base 10 are
called common logarithms.
Ifa =e, then the logarithmic function becomes y = log, x. Ths is the most commonly used logarithmic function.
Since this function uses naturale as its base, itis called the natural logarithm. Here, we use the notation In in place
of loge. For example,
loge 25 = In2s
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 97 | Fage LECTURE MODULE 37
CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2
log. 0.01 > In25
loge x = Inx
Note that the relationship between logarithmic and exponential functions remain the same even if I is a natural
logarithm. The laws of logarithms be useful in dealing with logarithmic functions. For easy reference, here are the
laws you need to remember:
a,b,c > 0,4 # 1,andrisany real number, then
loga(be) = loga(b) + loga(e) Product Property
og(b) — loge) Quotient Property
Toga(b)” = rloge(b) Power Property
Toga(a) = 1 Similar Argumentand Base
anal) =p
Joga t= 0
Same rules can be applied to natural logarithms such as
In(be) = Im(b) + Ince) Product Property
in) = in) - no (uote Property
Inoy = rine) Power Property
In(@) = loge(e) =1 Similar Argument and Base
Ob
Ini=0
1.3 Differentiation of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Now with alittle background on the basic ideas of exponential and logarithmic functions, we obtain the following
formulas for their derivatives. Refer to calculus books for a rigorous discussion and proof for these formulas.
‘An exponential function is defined by a constant raised to a function, Modifying the functions as f(x) = a and
(2) =e" for an arbitrary differentiating Function ofx represented byw, the following formulas are used t ind the
derivatives of exponential functions.
ard
natural exponential function
4 iam
ale
fam
zal
Still with w for some function of x, the derivatives of logarithmic functions are as follows:
ad 1 du
a Lt du ny =2.2
gyloRatl = loge ee a wax
natural logarithmic function
Before we find the derivatives of certain exponential and logarithmic functions, let us familiarize our laws of
exponents and logarithms,
27x)
log S* + logs” 5 + y)logs
xlog5 + ylogS
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 98 | Fage CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2
LECTURE MODULE 37
6 | xlogS + ylogs = (log 5)[x + y]
= (e+ y)logs
Example 1
Evaluate of = 5%
Solution:
y= 5% isan exponential funetion with a = 5 and w
es
yd gan
o-509
ay
g-Frosf00
®. seins(2)
Example?
Bvaluate 2 ofy = 3°
solution
3-** isan exponential function with a = Sandu = ~4x,
a
gael
4 gen
nome”)
ale
Example 3:
Bvaluate of =
4y _ gsxy3ns
7135]
Y geern gt
& = 5 [nS]
iy _ saetins?)
ee ns?)
Y _ gas)
2 = spin125]
4y yen
Bas 4in3]
-3-*[InB1]
Solution
142
al
dy_ diet Use quotient rule.
a alzl Hecaenes
dy_G-MBa+%-a+9EE-2
de
@=29[o+2"m2#]-a+29 [0
aa
@=29@%In2)- C4 292102)
——_—a=8F
[exinz
2*In2]
a
a-PF
22*In2)
de 0-2
2EIn2— 2% In2 + 2*In2 + 2*In2
2" In2)
BF
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG
99 | Page LECTURE MODULE 37
CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2
ay _(2in2]
ae G-7y
ay 2In2?
Baa
ay zing
ax G2
example 4
svalute 2 ofy = e*e,
solution:
a JF pln] ay
b= ere]
yd,
me gel
® 4 anyon,
a rag ‘) + Ce’ Ve
Example 5
Bvaluate ofA ent
Solution:
4 gina 4 ely = 4) Jats m anand OMY = 4
Slee re ] »
a
let ayaa Apply implicit aiferentiation
a a
gery =EO
ax dy
tS rsZ=
Example 6:
evaluate ofy = op
sottion:
og = eg
= 10,u= 30
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 100 | Fage CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2 LECTURE MODULE 37
dy
a
dy
a
dy
a
dy
a
dy
a
ay
dx
lorie = loge
Example 7:
Evaluate of y = log VEE.
Solution:
a —
Aly = tog vBF5] lg VETS = logy VES
dy dy oe :
B24 fogs vRF3| a= 10.u= VES
® Nope
de Bay
1 a
oy Dig ea
dx y2x +5 dx
& 1 a 2
BF arogpe £ 2x45
a "Var ax“ y
ay 1 f “ad
® Doge Laren? Leares
a Views px + S27 Ox + 5)
ay
we loge
ae eel
ay
x
4 24 toge
de (2x +5)?
yt
Y Ld ig Iogiee = loge
dx 2x+ 5 loei0 a
dy loge
ae "Bess
Example 8
bvaluate of y= In? ~ 34-47
Solution:
4 = In(@z? - 32 +7)
Be =n - 3+)
dy od
= Glne? 3x47]
dy _1 dw
a ua
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 101 | Page LECTURE MODULE 37
CALCULUS 2: CHAPTER 2
ay 1d gen
& (Foe ae TD
a 1
ae aaa OD
dy 2x3
dx P-3eG7
Example 9,
Evaluate 2 of y = In(x + 3)*,
Solution:
Sy = me +9'1
dy a ve +3)"
ae Taine +4) «+9
4 eae
eer
ap ero tera]
eer ota)
Alternative Solution:
Example 9 can be solved through logarithmic law In(a)" = rIna.
So =e +941
ay
&
ay
=
ay
z
ay
&
ay
&
dy
&
ay
&
7 :
line +3y41
Ltt +391
aes
Example 9:
ENGR. ARISTON C. TALOSIG 102 | Page LECTURE MODULE 37
CALCULUS 1: CHAPTER 2
Evaluate ofy = 4 Inde
Solution
4. on Product of exponential and logarithmic functions
Hb =e inde] Use product rule,
dy 4 .
4 erinay rey
Z = zl inan oy
wy 4 a
® conan die
4 ald nat
Zz le =] 1 Ina na
é 1
®