Algebra 2 natural logarithms problem

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a problem involving natural logarithms in the context of atmospheric pressure and altitude. The formula provided relates pressure to altitude using an exponential function, and participants are tasked with finding the altitude when a specific pressure is given.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking the natural logarithm of both sides of the equation as suggested in the problem. There are questions about the steps taken to manipulate the equation and the reasoning behind those steps. Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their manipulations and seek clarification on the logarithmic properties involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of logarithms, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the steps taken so far.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the problem with varying levels of understanding, and there seems to be some confusion regarding the application of logarithmic properties and the sequence of operations. The original problem's hint suggests starting with logarithms, which has led to some debate about the approach taken by different participants.

mustang
Messages
169
Reaction score
0
Problem 51.
At a constant temperature, the atmospheric pressure p, in pascals, is given by the formula p=101.3e^-0.001h, where h is the altitude in meters. Find h when p is 74.3 pascals. Hint: Start by taking the natural logarithms of the expressions on each side of the equation.

Solve and check.
41. (29.3)^4x-1=(17.3)^5x+2
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. The problem tells you how to solve it. What've you tried?

2. Manipulate the expression to get a common exponent, and then take the logarithm. What've you tried so far?

cookiemonster
 
regard on problem 51.

So it would be:
p=74.3
p=101.3e^-0.001h
74.3=101.3e^-0.001h
74.3=274.3619^-0.001
Is this right, so far? If so what is the next step??
 
mustang said:
74.3=101.3e^-0.001h
74.3=274.3619^-0.001

What did you do to go through that step?

a latural logarithm is like "the opposite" of an e^

If you put them together, you get 1.

So, take ln of both sides to get rid of the e^-0.001*h, and give you *some number* times -.001h on the right side, and ln(74.3) on the left.
 
What'd you do between the third and fourth line? How'd you make the h disappear? Why wasn't the first step you did taking the natural logarithm of both sides like the problem says?

cookiemonster
 
Cont...

p=74.3
p=101.3e^-0.001h
74.3=101.3e^-0.001h
ln(74.30)=ln(101.3)*-0.001h
4.3081=4.618086*-0.001h
Is this right so far??

Any given program, when running, is obsolete.
(Laws of Computer Programming, I)
 
Careful.

ln(101.3*e^(-.001h)) = ln(101.3) + ln(e^(-.001h)) = ln(101.3) - .001h

cookiemonster
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
12K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K