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Last updated on September 22, 2025

Derivative of 3^2x

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We use the derivative of 3^2x, which is derived using exponential differentiation rules, as a measure of how the function changes in response to a slight change in x. Derivatives help us calculate profit or loss in real-life situations. We will now discuss the derivative of 3^2x in detail.

Derivative of 3^2x for US Students
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What is the Derivative of 3^2x?

We now understand the derivative of 3^2x. It is commonly represented as d/dx (3^2x) or (3^2x)', and its value is 2 * 3^2x * ln(3). The function 3^2x has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable across its domain. The key concepts are mentioned below:

 

Exponential Function: (3^2x).

 

Exponential Rule: Rule for differentiating exponential functions (using the base and natural logarithm).

 

Natural Logarithm: ln(3) is the natural logarithm of the base 3.

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Derivative of 3^2x Formula

The derivative of 3^2x can be denoted as d/dx (3^2x) or (3^2x)'.

 

The formula we use to differentiate 3^2x is: d/dx (3^2x) = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3) (or) (3^2x)' = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3)

 

The formula applies to all x in the real number set.

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Proofs of the Derivative of 3^2x

We can derive the derivative of 3^2x using various proofs. To show this, we will use the properties of exponential functions along with the rules of differentiation. There are several methods to prove this, such as:

 

  1. By First Principle
  2. Using Chain Rule
  3. Using Exponential Rule

 

We will now demonstrate that the differentiation of 3^2x results in 2 * 3^2x * ln(3) using the above-mentioned methods:

 

By First Principle

 

The derivative of 3^2x can be proved using the First Principle, which expresses the derivative as the limit of the difference quotient.

 

To find the derivative of 3^2x using the first principle, consider f(x) = 3^2x. Its derivative can be expressed as the following limit. f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h

 

Given that f(x) = 3^2x, we write f(x + h) = 3^2(x + h).

 

Substituting these into the equation, f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [3^2(x + h) - 3^2x] / h = limₕ→₀ [3^2x * 3^2h - 3^2x] / h = limₕ→₀ [3^2x * (3^2h - 1)] / h = 3^2x * limₕ→₀ [(3^2h - 1) / h]

 

Using the properties of limits and the fact that limₕ→₀ (e^h - 1)/h = ln(e), f'(x) = 3^2x * ln(3) * 2 = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3).

 

Hence, proved.

 

Using Chain Rule

 

To prove the differentiation of 3^2x using the chain rule, We use the formula: If y = a^u, then dy/dx = a^u * ln(a) * du/dx Let u = 2x, then y = 3^u = 3^2x

 

Using the chain rule, dy/dx = 3^2x * ln(3) * d(2x)/dx = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3).

 

We will now prove the derivative of 3^2x using the exponential rule. The step-by-step process is demonstrated below: Here, we use the formula, If y = a^x, then dy/dx = a^x * ln(a)

 

But since we have 3^2x instead of 3^x, y = 3^2x

 

Let u = 2x, then dy/dx = 3^u * ln(3) * du/dx = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3).

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Higher-Order Derivatives of 3^2x

When a function is differentiated several times, the derivatives obtained are referred to as higher-order derivatives. Higher-order derivatives can be a little tricky.

 

To understand them better, think of a car where the speed changes (first derivative) and the rate at which the speed changes (second derivative) also changes. Higher-order derivatives make it easier to understand functions like 3^2x.

 

For the first derivative of a function, we write f′(x), which indicates how the function changes or its slope at a certain point. The second derivative is derived from the first derivative, which is denoted using f′′(x). Similarly, the third derivative, f′′′(x), is the result of the second derivative, and this pattern continues.

 

For the nth Derivative of 3^2x, we generally use fⁿ(x) for the nth derivative of a function f(x), which tells us the change in the rate of change. (continuing for higher-order derivatives).

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Special Cases:

When x is 0, the derivative of 3^2x = 2 * 3^0 * ln(3), which simplifies to 2 * ln(3).

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Derivatives of 3^2x

Students frequently make mistakes when differentiating 3^2x. These mistakes can be resolved by understanding the proper solutions. Here are a few common mistakes and ways to solve them:

Mistake 1

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Not applying the Chain Rule

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Students may forget to apply the chain rule, which can lead to incorrect results. They often overlook the factor of 2 that arises from differentiating 2x. Ensure that the chain rule is applied properly.

Mistake 2

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Ignoring the Natural Logarithm

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They might not remember to include the natural logarithm of the base (ln(3)) in their derivative. Always check the exponential differentiation rules and include ln(base) in the derivative.

Mistake 3

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Incorrect use of Exponential Rules

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While differentiating exponential functions, students sometimes misapply the rules. For example, they might forget to multiply by the derivative of the exponent. Always check the differentiation rules for exponential functions.

Mistake 4

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Forgetting Constants and Coefficients

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There is a common mistake where students forget to multiply by the coefficients in front of the exponent, such as missing the 2 in 2 * 3^2x * ln(3). Always ensure the coefficients are correctly multiplied in the final result.

Mistake 5

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Misunderstanding Higher-Order Derivatives

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Students often misunderstand higher-order derivatives by not continuing the pattern correctly. Each differentiation step should be consistent with the previous one.

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Examples Using the Derivative of 3^2x

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Problem 1

Calculate the derivative of (3^2x * e^x).

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Here, we have f(x) = 3^2x * e^x.

 

Using the product rule, f'(x) = u′v + uv′ In the given equation, u = 3^2x and v = e^x. Let’s differentiate each term, u′ = d/dx (3^2x) = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3) v′ = d/dx (e^x) = e^x

 

Substituting into the given equation, f'(x) = (2 * 3^2x * ln(3) * e^x) + (3^2x * e^x)

 

Let’s simplify terms to get the final answer, f'(x) = e^x * 3^2x * (2 * ln(3) + 1)

 

Thus, the derivative of the specified function is e^x * 3^2x * (2 * ln(3) + 1).

Explanation

We find the derivative of the given function by dividing the function into two parts. The first step is finding its derivative and then combining them using the product rule to get the final result.

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Problem 2

AXB International School sponsored the construction of a series of poles. The height of each pole is represented by the function y = 3^2x, where y represents the height of the pole at a distance x. If x = 1 meter, calculate the rate of height increase with respect to distance.

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We have y = 3^2x (height of the pole)...(1)

 

Now, we will differentiate the equation (1) Take the derivative of 3^2x: dy/dx = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3) Given x = 1 (substitute this into the derivative), dy/dx = 2 * 3^2 * ln(3) dy/dx = 2 * 9 * ln(3) dy/dx = 18 * ln(3)

 

Hence, we get the rate of height increase at x = 1 meter as 18 * ln(3).

Explanation

We find the rate of height increase at x = 1 meter as 18 * ln(3), which means that at a given point, the height of the pole would rise at a rate of 18 * ln(3) times the distance.

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Problem 3

Derive the second derivative of the function y = 3^2x.

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The first step is to find the first derivative, dy/dx = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3)...(1)

 

Now we will differentiate equation (1) to get the second derivative: d²y/dx² = d/dx [2 * 3^2x * ln(3)] = 2 * ln(3) * d/dx (3^2x) = 2 * ln(3) * (2 * 3^2x * ln(3)) = 4 * ln(3)² * 3^2x

 

Therefore, the second derivative of the function y = 3^2x is 4 * ln(3)² * 3^2x.

Explanation

We use the step-by-step process, where we start with the first derivative. We then differentiate again using the same exponential differentiation rules to find the second derivative.

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Problem 4

Prove: d/dx ((3^2x)²) = 4 * 3^4x * ln(3).

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Let’s start using the chain rule: Consider y = (3^2x)² = (3^2x * 3^2x)

 

To differentiate, we use the chain rule: dy/dx = 2 * 3^2x * d/dx [3^2x]

 

Since the derivative of 3^2x is 2 * 3^2x * ln(3), dy/dx = 2 * 3^2x * (2 * 3^2x * ln(3)) = 4 * 3^4x * ln(3)

 

Hence proved.

Explanation

In this step-by-step process, we used the chain rule to differentiate the equation. Then, we replaced 3^2x with its derivative. As a final step, we simplified the terms to derive the equation.

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Problem 5

Solve: d/dx (3^2x / x).

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To differentiate the function, we use the quotient rule: d/dx (3^2x / x) = (d/dx (3^2x) * x - 3^2x * d/dx(x)) / x²

 

We will substitute d/dx (3^2x) = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3) and d/dx (x) = 1 = (2 * 3^2x * ln(3) * x - 3^2x * 1) / x² = (2 * 3^2x * x * ln(3) - 3^2x) / x² = 3^2x * (2x * ln(3) - 1) / x²

 

Therefore, d/dx (3^2x / x) = 3^2x * (2x * ln(3) - 1) / x²

Explanation

In this process, we differentiate the given function using the quotient rule. As a final step, we simplify the equation to obtain the final result.

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FAQs on the Derivative of 3^2x

1.Find the derivative of 3^2x.

Using the exponential differentiation rule for 3^2x, we have: d/dx (3^2x) = 2 * 3^2x * ln(3).

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2.Can we use the derivative of 3^2x in real life?

Yes, we can use the derivative of 3^2x in real life, especially in fields such as mathematics, physics, and economics, to calculate the rate of exponential growth or decay.

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3.What rule is used to differentiate 3^2x / x?

We use the quotient rule to differentiate 3^2x / x, d/dx (3^2x / x) = (2 * 3^2x * ln(3) * x - 3^2x * 1) / x².

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4.What happens to the derivative of 3^2x when x = 0?

When x = 0, the derivative of 3^2x simplifies to 2 * ln(3), since 3^0 = 1.

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5.Are the derivatives of 3^2x and (3^x)^2 the same?

No, they are different. The derivative of 3^2x is 2 * 3^2x * ln(3), while the derivative of (3^x)² is 2 * (3^x)² * ln(3).

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Important Glossaries for the Derivative of 3^2x

  • Derivative: The derivative of a function indicates how the given function changes in response to a slight change in x.

 

  • Exponential Function: A function of the form a^x where a is a constant base.

 

  • Natural Logarithm: The logarithm to the base e, denoted as ln.

 

  • Chain Rule: A rule for differentiating compositions of functions.

 

  • Quotient Rule: A rule for differentiating the quotient of two functions.
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Jaskaran Singh Saluja

About the Author

Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.

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Fun Fact

: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.

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