Derivative of log_2(x)

Step by step

The question

Question: find the derivative of f(x) = log₂(x).

1 Write it with e

Change of base: log base b of x is ln x over ln b.

So it is ln of x, over ln 2.

ln 2 is just a number.

2 The rule

The number 1 over ln 2 waits.

ln u gives 1 over u.

Careful!

That is only true for ln.

For log base 2, divide by ln 2 too.

3 Tidy up

Multiply into one fraction: f′(x) = 1/(x ln 2).

4 Check

Let's check: the derivative is the slope.

At x = 1, our answer gives 1.4427, with a calculator.

Now the slope between two very close points: x = 1 and x = 1.001.

A calculator gives about 1.44.

Very close to 1.4427.

Right!

Let's look back.

First: write it with e.

Then: the rule.

Then: tidy up.

Last: check.