Can somebody solve this equation for y using ln or any other technique

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around solving the equation \(1 - e^{-0.15 \times 10^{-5} y} = 0.1\) for the variable \(y\). Participants explore various methods for solving the equation, including the use of logarithms, and express confusion regarding the expected solution values. The conversation also touches on the calculation of partial derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and requests assistance in solving for \(y\), stating that the expected answer is 70,240.
  • Another participant points out potential ambiguity in the equation due to the lack of parentheses and suggests a possible interpretation for clarity.
  • A participant introduces the parameter \(\lambda = 0.15 \times 10^{-5}\) and expresses confusion over how to arrive at the expected solution values for different equations involving \(\lambda\).
  • One participant provides a formula for \(y\) without detailed steps, suggesting that it can be expressed as \(y = \frac{-\ln(0.90)}{0.15 \times 10^{-5}}\).
  • Another participant outlines a step-by-step approach to isolate \(y\) using logarithms, confirming that the equation is correct and providing a decimal approximation of 21,072, later correcting it to 70,240 after a calculation error.
  • Several participants confirm the correctness of the equation and the derived values, with one acknowledging a mistake in their earlier calculation.
  • A new topic is introduced regarding the partial derivative of the expression \(x \ln(\lambda)\) with respect to \(\lambda\), with a participant providing a brief explanation of the derivative process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the methods for solving the equation and the correctness of the final value for \(y\) as 70,240, although there was initial confusion regarding calculations. The discussion about the partial derivative appears to be more straightforward, with less contention.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity in the original equation due to the lack of parentheses, which may affect interpretations. Additionally, the discussion includes corrections and clarifications regarding numerical approximations and calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in mathematical problem-solving, particularly in the context of exponential equations and logarithmic functions, as well as those studying calculus and derivatives.

alextsipkis
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hello,

I was trying to figure out what will be the y value for this equations:

1 - e^-0.15*10^-5*y = 0.1

Could somebody help me in this?? The answer is supposed to be 70,240.

thanks.
 
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Without paraentheses there is some ambiguity. I'll assume you mean:
1 - (e^-0.15)*(10^-5*y) = 0.1
Then (e^-0.15)*(10^-5*y) = 0.9
log(e^-0.15) + log*(10^-5*y) = log(.9)
I'll use base 10 logs
-.15log(e) - 5y = log(.9)
You can finish.
However I don't think you will get the answer you gave. Check where the parentheses belong.
 
Note that the parameter lambda has this value:

lambda = 0.15*10^-5

And i was trying to calculate,

1 - e^(-lambda*y) = 0.1 for y, and the answer is assumed to be 70,240.

Similarly,

1 - e^(-lambda*y) = 0.632, and the answer for this is supposed to be 666,667.


I am really confused how we get to this answer. Plz helpppppppppp!
 
Let me give an uncalculated but numeric answer without the steps to the first question:

y = (-ln(0.90))/(0.15*10^(-5))

Check your steps to see if you find that same or equivalent expression.

My attempt to use the formatting tool -

[tex]\frac{-ln(0.90)}{0.15\times10^{-5}}[/tex]
Excuse me if that does not work, and refer to the first expression at "y = ..."
Yes, seems what I wanted to show (the TEX version)
EDIT: the forum needs tags for "strike-through".
 
Last edited:
[tex]1-e^{-0.15*10^{-5}*y}=0.1[/tex]

What you need to do is make y the subject. The 'y' is currently inside the exponential (e^), and the way you can get rid of the e^ is to ln() it. Because ln(e^x) = x.

First you take 1 from each side, and then make both sides positive (multiply by -1).

[tex]e^{-0.15*10^{-5}*y}=0.9[/tex]

Then you can log both sides with the natural logarithm:

[tex]\ln{(e^{-0.15*10^{-5}*y})}=\ln{0.9}[/tex]

And because ln(e^x) = x (this is just the definition of the natural log), you can get rid of the ln() and the e^ on the left, because they cancel each other out.

[tex]-0.15*10^{-5}*y=\ln{0.9}[/tex]

You then divide both sides by (-0.15*10^(-5)):

[tex]\frac{(-0.15*10^{-5})*y}{(-0.15*10^{-5})}=\frac{\ln{0.9}}{-0.15*10^{-5}}[/tex]

[tex]y=\frac{\ln{0.9}}{-0.15*10^{-5}}[/tex]

This is the same result as symbolipoint got.

The decimal approximation of this is about 21,072.

edit: it is actually 70,240 (I typed it wrong on my calculator) :redface:
 
Last edited:
Georgepowell said:
The decimal approximation of this is about 21,072.

y = 70240.3 but yes, the equation is correct.
 
Irrational said:
y = 70240.3 but yes, the equation is correct.

Thanks, my fault. I typed 0.5 rather than 0.15 in my calculator.
 
Thanks for all your replies...especially Georgepowell, whose step by step solving really helped me understand it well.

Could somebody also help me in taking the partial derivate of the following expression with respect to lambda.

(xln(lambda))

thanks a lot.
 
alextsipkis said:
Could somebody also help me in taking the partial derivate of the following expression with respect to lambda.

(xln(lambda))

Because it is the partial derivative with respect to lambda, all variables other than lambda are presumed to be constant.

The derivative of ln(lambda) is 1/lambda. And because x is a constant, the derivative of x*ln(lambda) is just x*1/lambda = x/lambda.

Here is an explanation of why the derivative of ln(lambda) is 1/lambda:

[tex]y = \ln(x)[/tex]

[tex]x = e^{y}[/tex] ...Because e^() is the inverse of ln()

[tex]\frac{dx}{dy} = e^{y}[/tex] ...This is just a property of e^(), its derivative is also e^()

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\frac{dx}{dy}} = \frac{1}{e^{y}} = \frac{1}{x}[/tex] ...because x = e^y, as stated in the second line
 
Last edited:

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