Derivative of y = x^x using logarithms Step by Step

Step by step

The question

Question: find dy/dx for y = x^(x), using logarithms.

y = xˣ

x is in the base and in the power.

The power rule needs a fixed power.

The bˣ rule needs a fixed base.

Neither works, so we take ln.

x is in the base AND the power

Careful!

The power rule is only for a fixed power.

Here the power changes with x.

Careful: not xˣ → xx^(x − 1) ✗

1 Take ln of both sides

Take ln of both sides.

Both sides stay equal.

ln y = ln(xˣ)

2 Use the log rules

The log rule: a power inside ln comes down in front.

ln(a^b) = b ln a

So ln y is x times ln x.

No more power!

ln y = x ln x

3 The derivative of each side

The left side: y depends on x, so the chain rule gives 1/y, times dy/dx.

(ln y)′ = 1y × dydx

The right side is a product: use the product rule.

x gives 1, and ln x gives 1 over x.

1ydydx = 1 × ln x + x × 1x

4 Multiply by y

Multiply both sides by y, to get dy/dx alone.

dydx = y(1 × ln x + x × 1x)

5 Put y back

Put y = x^(x) back, and tidy the bracket: xˣ(ln x + 1).

dydx = xˣ(ln x + 1)

6 Check

Let's check: the derivative is the slope.

At x = 2, our answer gives 6.7726, with a calculator.

dy/dx at x = 2: 6.7726

Now the slope between two very close points: x = 2 and x = 2.001.

A calculator gives about 6.78.

Very close to 6.7726.

Right!

y(2.001) − y(2)0.001 ≈ 6.78

Let's look back.

First: take ln of both sides.

Then: use the log rules.

Then: the derivative of each side.

Then: multiply by y.

Then: put y back.

Last: check.

Answer