Easy and useful way to calculate Log(a+b)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to calculate Log(a+b) using limits and approximations, with a focus on the conditions under which these approximations hold. Participants explore the implications of their proposed formulas and the assumptions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that Logc(a+b) can be approximated as Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b) under the condition that a > b or b > a as the limit approaches zero.
  • Others argue that the use of limits in this context is questionable and suggest that equality should be used instead of approximation.
  • One participant points out that the conditions for a and b should include a + b > 0 and ab > 0, rather than allowing arbitrary real numbers.
  • A later reply questions the utility of the proposed equation, stating it only holds true when a equals b, specifically when both are equal to 2, which may limit its applicability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and usefulness of the proposed limit-based approach to calculating Log(a+b). There is no consensus on the appropriateness of the method or the conditions required for it to hold.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for specific conditions on a and b, as well as the potential misapplication of limits in the proposed formulas. The discussion does not resolve these limitations.

guifb99
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a>b ⇒ Lim(a–b)→0 Logc(a+b) ≈ Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b)

b>a ⇒ Lim(b–a)→0 Logc(a+b) ≈ Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b)

a∈ℝ
b∈ℝ
c∈ℝ / c>0
 
Last edited:
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guifb99 said:
a>b ⇔ Lim(a–b)→0 Logc(a+b) ≈ Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b)

b>a ⇔ Lim(b–a)→0 Logc(a+b) ≈ Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b)

a∈ℝ
b∈ℝ
c∈ℝ / c>0

Yes, this is the second post I do about it, but now I did it in a better format, the other one was too confusing because I didn't know how to use the mathematical symbols in the thread, I'm new here.
 
guifb99 said:
a>b ⇒ Lim(a–b)→0 Logc(a+b) ≈ Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b)

b>a ⇒ Lim(b–a)→0 Logc(a+b) ≈ Logc(a) + Logc(√a⋅b)
I don't see the point of writing this as a limit. Also, when you take a limit, use =, not ≈.
[QUOTE="guifb99]
a∈ℝ
b∈ℝ
[/quote]These won't do. You need to have a + b > 0 and ab > 0, not just arbitrary real numbers.
[QUOTE="guifb99]
c∈ℝ / c>0[/QUOTE]
Also, c cannot be 1.
 
But this only calculates log(a+b) in the limit when (a-b) = 0 i.e. a=b. Then we have $$
\begin{align*} \log(a+b) &= \log(2a) = \log 2 + \log a \\
\log a + \log \sqrt{a \cdot a} &= 2 \log a \end{align*}
$$ So your equation is only true when a=b=2: that doesn't look very useful to me.
 

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