Physics teacher has posted log questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving logarithmic equations posted by a physics teacher, which the original poster finds confusing due to a lack of recent practice and context in their coursework. The scope includes conceptual understanding and problem-solving related to logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty in solving logarithmic problems due to a long gap since their last exposure to the topic.
  • Some participants suggest that the equations presented do not make sense or are improperly formulated, indicating a misunderstanding of the relationships between the variables.
  • One participant emphasizes that it is not possible to solve for two unknowns with a single equation, questioning the validity of the first problem.
  • Another participant provides a rearrangement of the second equation, suggesting a method to isolate the variable q.
  • There is a discussion about the notation used, with a participant presuming that "In" refers to the natural logarithm, which could clarify the interpretation of the equations.
  • The original poster acknowledges their confusion and reflects on their limited recollection of logarithmic concepts, indicating a desire for clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and correctness of the equations presented. There is no consensus on how to approach the problems, and some participants challenge the original poster's understanding of logarithms.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals limitations in the original poster's understanding of logarithmic functions and their applications, as well as potential misinterpretations of the equations provided. The lack of context for the problems posed by the teacher adds to the confusion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students seeking help with logarithmic equations, educators looking for insights into common student misunderstandings, and individuals interested in the application of logarithms in problem-solving contexts.

lguzik
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My physics teacher has posted log questions (for fun/frustration)almost every day. Having last had logs about 8 years ago, i have no clue how to solve for any of them. And seeing as how we don't actually use them in class, he won't help us figure them out. :bugeye: If anyone can offer me some solutions to these problems I would be so grateful...


In y=10^x
y=?
x=?

t=AB(1-q/q,)
q=?


z=10^e^x^2
x=?

(q/qsubd)=.2t/sec
q=?
 
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I had logs 50 years ago and I still know how to do them. Is that supposed to be an excuse? have you still got the book you used?

(people here do not solve your exercises for you, they answer questions that show you have done some thinking.)
 
I'm afraid that your equations do not make too much sense,really.E.g.th first is clearly a function (y=y(x) or viceversa x=x(y)),so knowing/giving one means that you can find out the other...
Again for the third,it's the same problem.You'd find "x" as a function of "z"...And nothing more...

Anyway,what do you know about logarithms...?

Daniel.
 
I presume that by "In", you actually mean "ln", the natural logarithm.
In general, you can't solve one equation for TWO unknowns so the first problem makes no sense.

t= AB((1-q)/q) (the way you have it, the q's would cancel!)
doesn't have anything to do with logarithms.
qt= AB- ABq
qt+ ABq= Ab
q(t+ AB)= Ab

q= AB/(t+AB)

z= 10^(e^(x^2))
so log z= e^(x^2)
so ln(log z)= x^2 and then

x= sqrt(ln(log z))
 
Thank you for those of you who offered some help. Mathwonk, I suppose you have needed and used your knowledge of logs in the last 50 years. I do not have a math book at all, nor have I needed anything I learned in that class till now. I did not clearly state earlier, my teacher does not give these in relation to our class. They are just little blips he puts off to the side. I was merely asking for some help because they did not make any sense to me, and I would like to know how to solve them. As for Daniels question, the only thing i remember is that logs are the inverse, such that 1/ab=a^-1b^-1 ...My confusion lies in that my teacher seems to be looking for numbers. Again, thanks for some clarity on these.
 

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