3 | Calculus 1

1
1

UNIT XIV: DERIVATIVES OF LOGARITHMIC AND

EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

14.0 Learning Outcomes

At the end of this learning packet, you are expected to solve the
derivative of the different logarithmic functions and solve the derivatives of
the different exponential functions.

14.1 Introduction

In our previous discussions, we have learned how to

differentiate a variety of functions, including trigonometric,
inverse, and implicit functions. In this section, we are going to
explore derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions.
Exponential functions play an important role in modeling
population growth and the decay of radioactive materials. While
logarithmic functions can help rescale large quantities and are
particularly helpful for rewriting complicated expressions.

14.2 Topics and Discussion

14.2.1. Elementary Properties

The properties of the logarithm and the exponential functions are

directly related to properties of simple powers which we summarize here in
terms of base e:
(1) 𝑒 𝑥+𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑒 𝑦 (3) 𝑒 0 = 1
1
(2) 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 = (𝑒 𝑥 )𝑦 (4) 𝑒 −𝑥 = 𝑒𝑥

Listed below are the different properties of logarithms.

For natural logarithm: For logarithm of base a
(1) ln 𝑥𝑦 = ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑦 (1) log 𝑎 𝑥𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 + log 𝑎 𝑦
𝑥 𝑥
(2) ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑦 (2) log 𝑎 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 − log 𝑎 𝑦
(3) ln 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑦 ∙ ln 𝑥 (3) log 𝑎 (𝑥 𝑦 ) = y ∙ log 𝑎 𝑥
(4) ln(𝑒 𝑥 ) = 𝑥 (4) log 𝑎 (𝑎𝑥 ) = 𝑥
(5) 𝑒 ln 𝑥 = 𝑥 (5) 𝑎log𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥

Here are the useful identities of logarithms.

For natural logarithm: For logarithm of base a
(1) ln 𝑒 = 1 (1) log 𝑎 0 = 1, for all 𝑎 > 0
(2) ln 1 = 0 (2) log 𝑎 1 = 0, for all 𝑎 > 0

14.2.2. Definition

The derivative of an exponential functions and logarithmic functions

can be derived using the definition of the derivative:
𝑓(𝑥+ℎ)−𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
Derivative of 𝒂𝒙
 3 | Calculus 1
2
2

If 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 , then
𝑎𝑥+ℎ −𝑎𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑎𝑥 𝑎ℎ −𝑎𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑎𝑥 (𝑎ℎ −1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

(𝑎ℎ −1)
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim ∙ 𝑎𝑥
ℎ→0 ℎ

(𝑎ℎ −1)
Note that lim = ln 𝑎, thus
ℎ→0 ℎ
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = ln 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎𝑥

Therefore,
𝑑
(𝑎 𝑥 ) = ln 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Let 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥), then

𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(𝑎𝑢 ) = ln 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Derivative of 𝒆𝒙
If 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥 , then
𝑒 𝑥+ℎ −𝑒 𝑥
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑒 𝑥 𝑒 ℎ −𝑒 𝑥
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑒 𝑥 (𝑒 ℎ −1)
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim ℎ
ℎ→0
(𝑒 ℎ −1)
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim ∙ 𝑒𝑥
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = ln 𝑒 ∙ 𝑒 𝑥
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥

Therefore,
𝑑
(𝑒 𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Let 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥), then

𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(𝑒 𝑢 ) = 𝑒 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Derivative of 𝒍𝒏 𝒙
If 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ln 𝑥, then
ln(𝑥+ℎ)−ln 𝑥
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

Applying L’Hospital’s Rule

1

𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim ℎ+𝑥

ℎ→0 1
1
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ+𝑥
1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥 ) = 𝑥
 3 | Calculus 1
3
3

Therefore,
𝑑 1
(ln 𝑥 ) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥

Let 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥), then

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(ln 𝑢) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢
𝑑
(ln 𝑢) = 𝑑𝑥
,𝑢≠0
𝑑𝑥 𝑢

Derivative of 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝒂 𝒙
If 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥, then
log𝑎 (𝑥+ℎ)−log𝑎 𝑥
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

Applying L’Hospital’s Rule and simplify

1
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim ln 𝑎∙(𝑥+ℎ)
ℎ→0
′( 1
𝑓 𝑥) =
x∙ln 𝑎

Therefore,
𝑑 1
(log 𝑎 𝑥 ) =
𝑑𝑥 x ∙ ln 𝑎

Let 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥), then

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(log 𝑎 𝑢) =
𝑑𝑥 x∙ln 𝑎 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑑𝑥
(log 𝑎 𝑢) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ∙ln 𝑎

Derivative of 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝟏𝟎 𝒙
If 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log10 𝑥, then
log10(𝑥+ℎ)−log10 𝑥
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

Applying L’Hospital’s Rule and simplify

1
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = lim ln 10∙(𝑥+ℎ)
ℎ→0
1
𝑓 ′(𝑥 ) = x∙ln 10

Therefore,
𝑑 1
(log10 𝑥 ) =
𝑑𝑥 x∙ln 10

1
Let 𝑀 = , we have
ln 10
𝑑 𝑀
(log10 𝑥 ) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥

Let 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥), then

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
(log10 𝑢) =
𝑑𝑥 x∙ln 10 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑀
𝑑𝑥
(log10 𝑢) =
𝑑𝑥 𝑢
 3 | Calculus 1
4
4

To summarize, here are the different formulas in getting the derivative

of exponential and logarithmic functions.

Let u be a function of x
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑
(𝑎𝑢 ) = ln 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎𝑢 (log 𝑎 𝑢) = 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ∙ln 𝑎
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑢) 𝑑𝑢 𝑑
(𝑒 = 𝑒 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 (ln 𝑢) = 𝑑𝑥
,𝑢≠0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑀 1
𝑑𝑥
(log10 𝑢) = , where 𝑀 = ln 10 = log10 𝑒
𝑑𝑥 𝑢

14.2.3. Graphs of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

Graph of Exponential Functions

The graph of exponential function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0 is one in

which 𝑓(𝑥) remains proportional to its original value when it grows or
decays.
We will take three different cases for values of a.

Case 1: 𝑎 = 1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎 𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 1 𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 1

Therefore, if 𝑎 = 1, it will just give us a constant value 1.

Case 2: 𝑎 > 1
Suppose 𝑎 = 2
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎 𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 𝑥

Let us start by assigning values of 𝑥 and get the value of 𝑓(𝑥) and plot
the graph of the function.

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-3 0.125
-2 0.25
-1 0.5
0 1
1 2
2 4
3 8

This example demonstrates the general shape for graphs of functions

of the form 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 when 𝑎 > 1.

What is the effect of varying 𝑎? We can see this by looking at sketches

of a few graphs of similar functions.
 3 | Calculus 1
5
5

The important properties of the graphs of these types of functions are:

• 𝑓(0) = 1 for all values of 𝑎. This is because 𝑎0 = 1 for any value of

𝑎.
• 𝑓(𝑥) > 0 for all values of 𝑎. This is because 𝑎 > 0 implies 𝑎𝑥 > 0.

Case 3: 0 < 𝑎 < 1

1
Suppose 𝑎 = 2
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎 𝑥
1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ( ) 𝑥
2

Let us start by assigning values of 𝑥 and get the value of 𝑓(𝑥) and plot
the graph of the function.

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
-3 8
-2 4
-1 2
0 1
1 0.5
2 0.25
3 0.125

This example demonstrates the general shape for graphs of functions

of the form 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 when 0 < 𝑎 < 1.

What is the effect of varying 𝑎? We can see this by looking at sketches

of a few graphs of similar functions.
 3 | Calculus 1
6
6

The important properties of the graphs of these types of functions are:

• 𝑓(0) = 1 for all values of 𝑎. This is because 𝑎0 = 1 for any value of

𝑎.
• 𝑓(𝑥) > 0 for all values of 𝑎. This is because 𝑎 > 0 implies 𝑎𝑥 > 0.

1
Notice that 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (2)𝑥 = 2−𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 in the y – axis,
1
and that 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (5)𝑥 = 5−𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 5𝑥 in the y – axis, and that
1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (10)𝑥 = 10−𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 10𝑥 in the y – axis.

1
In general, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (𝑎)𝑥 = 𝑎−𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑎𝑥 in the y – axis.
One important example is the exponential function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥 , where 𝑒 =
2.718 …, which is often referred to as ‘the exponential function”. The graph of
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥 and 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑒 −𝑥 is shown below.

Graph of Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic functions are functions of the form 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥 where

𝑎 > 0. But this time we will no longer include 𝑎 = 1 since it will not give us a
valid function.

Case 1: 𝑎 > 1
Suppose 𝑎 = 2
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 2 𝑥

Let us start by assigning values of 𝑥 and get the value of 𝑓(𝑥) and plot
the graph of the function. Take note that logarithmic function is only defined
on positive argument, so with this we will only use positive values of x.

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
1 -2
4
1 -1
2
1 0
2 1
4 2

This example demonstrates the general shape for graphs of functions

of the form 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥 when 𝑎 > 1.
 3 | Calculus 1
7
7

What is the effect of varying 𝑎? We can see this by looking at sketches

of a few graphs of similar functions.

The important properties of the graphs of these types of functions are:

• 𝑓(1) = 0 for all values of 𝑎; and

• we must have 𝑥 > 0 for all values of 𝑎.

Case 2: 𝑎 < 1
1
Suppose 𝑎 = 2
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥
2

Let us start by assigning values of 𝑥 and get the value of 𝑓(𝑥) and plot
the graph of the function.

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
1 2
4
1 1
2
1 0
2 -1
4 -2

This example demonstrates the general shape for graphs of functions

of the form 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥 when 𝑎 < 1.

What is the effect of varying 𝑎? We can see this by looking at sketches

of a few graphs of similar functions.
 3 | Calculus 1
8
8

The important properties of the graphs of these types of functions are:

• 𝑓(1) = 0 for all values of 𝑎; and

• we must have 𝑥 > 0 for all values of 𝑎.

An interesting thing that you might have spotted is that

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 2 𝑥 in the x – axis, and that
2
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑒 in the x – axis, and that
𝑒
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 5 𝑥 in the x – axis.
5

In general, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥 is a reflection of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑎 𝑥 in the x – axis.

𝑎
Let us take a look on the graphs of 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥 and 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥.
𝑒

Relationship between Exponential Functions and Logarithmic Functions

The relationship between the exponential function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑒 𝑥 and the

logarithm function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = ln 𝑥 can be seen by looking at their graphs.

You can see straight away that the logarithm function is a reflection of
the exponential function in the line represented by y = x. In other words, the
axes have been swapped: x becomes y, and y becomes x.
 3 | Calculus 1
9
9

14.2.4. Applications

In section, we will be applying the formula in getting the derivative of

logarithmic and exponential functions. To start with, let us revisit their
formulas.

Let u be a function of x
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑
(𝑎𝑢 ) = ln 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎𝑢 (log 𝑎 𝑢) = 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ∙ln 𝑎
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑢) 𝑑𝑢 𝑑
(𝑒 = 𝑒 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 (ln 𝑢) = 𝑑𝑥
,𝑢≠0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑀 1
𝑑𝑥
(log10 𝑢) = , where 𝑀 = ln 10 = log10 𝑒
𝑑𝑥 𝑢

Examples:
1. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = ln(7 − 3𝑥).
This is in the form ln 𝑢. Thus, we will use this formula:
𝑑𝑢
𝑑
𝑑𝑥
(ln 𝑢) = 𝑑𝑥
𝑢
,𝑢≠0

𝑦 = ln(7 − 3𝑥) Given function

𝑢 = 7 − 3𝑥 Let the argument of ln be our u
𝑑𝑢
= −3 Derivative of 𝑢 with respect to 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 −3 𝑑𝑢
[ln(7 − 3𝑥 )] = 7−3𝑥 Plug-in 𝑑𝑥 and 𝑢 to the formula
𝑑𝑥

2. Find the derivative of 𝑢 = ln sec 𝑡.

This is in the form ln 𝑣. Thus, we will use this formula:
𝑑𝑣
𝑑
(ln 𝑣 ) = 𝑑𝑡
,𝑢≠0
𝑑𝑥 𝑢

𝑢 = ln(sec 𝑡) Given function

𝑣 = sec 𝑡 Let the argument of ln be our 𝑣
𝑑𝑣
= sec 𝑡 tan 𝑡 Derivative of 𝑣 with respect to 𝑡
𝑑𝑡

𝑑 sec 𝑡 tan 𝑡 𝑑𝑣
[ln(sec 𝑡)] = Plug-in and 𝑣 to the formula
𝑑𝑡 sec 𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑
[ln(sec 𝑡)] = tan 𝑡 Simplify
𝑑𝑡
𝑥
3. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = log10 sin 𝑎.
This is in the form log10 𝑢. Thus, we will use this formula:
𝑑𝑢
𝑑 𝑀 1
𝑑𝑥
(log10 𝑢) = , where 𝑀 = = log10 𝑒
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ln 10

𝑥
𝑦 = log10 sin 𝑎 Given function
𝑥
𝑢 = sin 𝑎 Let the argument of ln be our u
𝑑𝑢 1 𝑥
= cos Derivative of 𝑢 with respect to 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑎 𝑎

1 𝑥
𝑑 𝑥 𝑀 cos 𝑑𝑢
(log10 sin ) = 𝑎
𝑥
𝑎
Plug-in and 𝑢 to the formula
𝑑𝑥 𝑎 sin 𝑑𝑥
𝑎
𝑑 𝑥 𝑀 𝑥 cos 𝑢
(log10 sin 𝑎) = cot 𝑎 Simplify (We use the identity cot 𝑢 = )
𝑑𝑥 𝑎 sin 𝑢
 3 | Calculus 1
10
10

4. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 ln 𝑥.

In this example, we will use product rule
𝑑 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑢
(𝑢𝑣 ) = 𝑢 + 𝑣 Product Rule
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑢 = 𝑥2 𝑣 = ln 𝑥
𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑣 1
= 2𝑥 = (Derivative of logarithmic function)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑢
(𝑢𝑣 ) = 𝑢 + 𝑣 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 1
(𝑥 2 ln 𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 ( ) + ln 𝑥 (2𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑥

𝑑
(𝑥 2 ln 𝑥 ) = 𝑥 + 2𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
(𝑥 2 ln 𝑥 ) = 𝑥(1 + 2 ln 𝑥) Simplify by factoring
𝑑𝑥

5. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10cos 2𝑥 .

This is in the for 𝑎𝑢 ,
where
𝑎 = 10
𝑢 = cos 2𝑥
𝑑𝑢
= −2 sin 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(𝑎𝑢 ) = ln 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 cos 2𝑥 )
(10 = (ln 10)(10cos 2𝑥 )(−2 sin 2𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑
(10cos 2𝑥 ) = −2 ln 10 (sin 2𝑥)(10cos 2𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥

3
6. Find the derivative of 𝑢 = 𝑒 2𝑥 .
This is in the for 𝑒 𝑢 ,
where
𝑢 = 2𝑥 3
𝑑𝑢
= 6𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢
(𝑒 𝑢 ) = 𝑒 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑 3 3
(𝑒 2𝑥 ) = 𝑒 2𝑥 (6𝑥 2 )
𝑑𝑥
𝑑 3
(10cos 2𝑥 ) = 6𝑥 2 𝑒 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥

👉 Exercise 1: Find the derivative of the following exponential functions

2
1. 𝑦 = 3𝑒 𝑥 +1
2. 𝑢 = 2cos 3𝑥
3. 𝑣 = 𝑥 2 𝑒 3𝑥
2
4. 𝑣 = 4𝑒 3𝑥 − 2𝑒 4𝑥
2 1 1
5. 𝑦 = (3)𝑥 + (2)2𝑥 − (5)−3𝑥
 3 | Calculus 1
11
11

👉 Exercise 2: Find the derivative of the following logarithmic functions

1. 𝑦 = ln(𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 )
2. 𝑦 = log 3𝑥 4𝑒 2𝑥
3. 𝑣 = (𝑥 3 + 1) ln(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 2)
4. 𝑢 = log10 (sin2 4𝑥)
5. 𝑢 = ln(5𝑥) ln(7𝑥 −3𝑥 )

14.3 References

1. Love, Clyde and Rainville, Earl D. (1981). Differential and Integral

Calculus, 6th Edition. New York. The Macmillan Co.
2. https://www.ugrad.math.ubc.ca/coursedoc/math100/notes/derivative/e
xp2.html?fbclid=IwAR3N-
Roa5qxroB0CTRrROt1h25gwiDrL12mwU2ku08XstWVKPRjsxdk7
ANk
3. https://wou.edu/mathcenter/files/2015/09/Exponents-and-
Logarithms.pdf
4. https://www.brightstorm.com/math/calculus/the-
derivative/derivatives-of-exponential-
functions/#:~:text=Derivatives%20of%20exponential%20functions%
20involve,base%20times%20the%20original%20function.
5. https://www.brightstorm.com/math/calculus/the-
derivative/derivatives-of-exponential-functions/
6. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-algebra/chapter/graphs-
of-exponential-and-logarithmic-functions/
7. https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/students/documents/mathem
atics-learning-centre/exponentials-logarithms-applications-
calculus.pdf
8. https://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/resources/uploaded/mc-ty-explogfns-
2009-1.pdf
9. https://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/resources/uploaded/mc-ty-explogfns-
2009-1.pdf

Note: Should you have questions about the topics discussed in this module, please feel
free to text or call me thru this cellphone number, 09173233507. I will appreciate if
you’ll ask questions for clarifications to have sufficient learning.