A question about the log of a rational function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computation of the logarithm of a specific rational function, particularly focusing on the discrepancies between the participant's analytical results and those obtained from Wolfram Alpha. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of complex logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a rational function and attempts to compute its logarithm for positive values of x, leading to a complex expression.
  • Another participant suggests that providing the output from Wolfram Alpha would be beneficial for comparison.
  • Concerns are raised about graphical discrepancies between the participant's calculations and the expected plot of the logarithm, particularly regarding the locations of jumps.
  • Multiple participants note the multivalued nature of the complex logarithm, which could account for jumps of order 2π.
  • There is a request for clarification on where to expect the jumps in the logarithm function.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for graphical evidence from Wolfram Alpha to facilitate further discussion.
  • A link to a specific Wolfram Alpha input is provided, indicating an attempt to clarify the calculations.
  • Finally, it is stated that the discussion ultimately focuses on identifying the discontinuities of the logarithm function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and the graphical results, with no consensus reached on the correct interpretation or resolution of the discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of the logarithm of a rational function and the potential for multiple interpretations due to the multivalued nature of complex logarithms. Specific assumptions or definitions regarding the function and its domain are not fully explored.

mmzaj
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We have the rational function :
$$f(x)=\frac{(1+ix)^{n}-1}{(1-ix)^{n}-1}\left(\frac{1-ix}{1+ix}\right)^{n/2}\;\;\;,\;\;n\in \mathbb{Z}^{+}$$
It's not hard to prove that :
$$\frac{(1+ix)^{n}-1}{(1-ix)^{n}-1}=(-1)^{n}\prod_{k=1}^{n-1}\frac{x+i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}{x-i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}\;\;\;,\;\;\xi_{n}^{k}=e^{2\pi i k/n}$$
Now we want to compute $$\log f(x)$$ for x>0. The logarithm of the individual factors can be written as :

$$\log\left(\frac{x+i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}{x-i(\xi_{n}^{k}-1)}\right)=2i\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{1-\xi_{n}^{k}}\right)+i\pi;\;\;\;\;x>0$$
So, one would expect:
$$\log f(x)=-in\tan^{-1}(x)-i\pi+2i\pi n+2i\sum_{k=1}^{n-1}\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{x}{1-\xi_{n}^{k}}\right)$$
But it looks nothing like what wolframalpha returns. What am i doing wrong here ?
 
Last edited:
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It might be helpful to say what wolfram alpha returns.
 
graphically, there seems to be a difference between what I've calculated and the plot of ##\log f(x)## by multiples of ##2\pi## . but i am not able to locate the exact locations of the jumps.
 
You spent so much effort to type in post #1 and then you fail with some copies and pastes or links?
I hope micromass' crystal ball isn't out of order like mine currently is.
 
fresh_42 said:
You spent so much effort to type in post #1 and then you fail with some copies and pastes or links?
I hope micromass' crystal ball isn't out of order like mine currently is.
have you ever used WF ? it doesn't return results for general n ! and posting one example won't be of help if it doesn't say where the jumps are ! thanks for the very helpful and constructive post anyways !
 
If you refuse to give further information, then there is not much we can do. All I can say is that the complex logarithm is multivalued, so this can explain jumps of order ##2\pi##.
 
micromass said:
If you refuse to give further information, then there is not much we can do. All I can say is that the complex logarithm is multivalued, so this can explain jumps of order ##2\pi##.
where should i expect the jumps to happen ? that's where i am stuck. and we can just forget about the graphical discrepancy and correct my analytic calculation.
 
Why don't you show us the graphics you got? I won't reply further to this thread if you don't show us what you did in wolframalpha.
 
  • #10
it boils down to finding the discontinuities of ##\log f(x)##
 

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