Finding an Upper Bound for ln(x) in [0,1]

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an upper bound for the natural logarithm function, \(\ln(x)\), specifically for values of \(x\) in the interval \([0,1]\). Participants explore various functions that can serve as upper bounds while mimicking the behavior of \(\ln(x)\) within this range.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that \(\ln(x)\) is non-positive for \(x \in (0,1]\) and suggest that any non-negative real number could serve as an upper bound.
  • Others seek a specific function \(f(x)\) such that \(\ln(x) \leq f(x)\) and that mimics the variations of \(\ln(x)\), with examples like \((1-x)/x\) provided as a lower bound.
  • A series expansion of \(\ln(x)\) is introduced, where truncating the series can yield upper bounds for \(\ln(x)\) in the interval \(0 < x < 1\).
  • Some participants propose that functions of the form \(\ln(x^{1/n})\) for \(n > 1\) can serve as upper bounds, exhibiting similar behavior to \(\ln(x)\) in the specified interval.
  • Concerns are raised about the limiting behavior of truncated series not matching that of \(\ln(x)\) as \(x\) approaches 0.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on what constitutes an appropriate upper bound for \(\ln(x)\). While some suggest general forms and series expansions, others emphasize the need for bounds that accurately reflect the behavior of \(\ln(x)\) near the endpoints of the interval. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most suitable upper bound.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of the functions proposed and the unresolved nature of the mathematical behavior of truncated series as \(x\) approaches 0.

bincy
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Hii everyone,

Can anyone tell me a decent upper bound of Ln[x](which can mimic Ln[x]) where x is in [0,1]regards,
Bincy
 
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bincybn said:
Hii everyone,

Can anyone tell me a decent upper bound of Ln[x](which can mimic Ln[x]) where x is in [0,1]regards,
Bincy

Hi bincybn, :)

The natural logarithm function is non-positive when \(x\in(0,1]\) and \(\ln\,x=0\) when \(x=1\). Therefore,

\[\mbox{sup}\{\ln\,x\,:\,x\in(0,1]\}=0\]

Hence any non-negative real number would be an upper bound of, \(f(x)=\ln\,x\mbox{ where }x\in[0,1]\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Hii,

Thanks for your spontaneous reply.
But what i want is a function f(x), such that Ln(x)<=f(x) which can mimic the variations of Ln(x).
For eg (1-x)/x is a lower bound of Ln[x].
 
bincybn said:
Hii everyone,

Can anyone tell me a decent upper bound of Ln[x](which can mimic Ln[x]) where x is in [0,1]regards,
Bincy

Although not well known, it exist a series expansion of the function $\ln x$ ...

$\displaystyle \ln x= 2\ \{(\frac{x-1}{x+1}) + \frac{1}{3}\ (\frac{x-1}{x+1})^{3} + \frac{1}{5}\ (\frac{x-1}{x+1})^{5}+...\}$ (1)

It is easy to see that any 'truncation' of the series (1) to a finite power of $\displaystyle \frac{x-1}{x+1}$ is an upper bound of $\ln x$ in $0<x<1$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Last edited:
Thanks. May I know the source of it?
 
bincybn said:
Thanks. May I know the source of it?

You start from the well known series expansion...

$\displaystyle \ln \frac{1+t}{1-t}= 2\ (t + \frac{t^{3}}{3} + \frac{t^{5}}{5}+...)$ (1)

... and now setting $\displaystyle x=\frac{1+t}{1-t} \implies t=\frac{x-1}{x+1}$ You obtain...

$\displaystyle \ln x = 2\ \{(\frac{x-1}{x+1}) + \frac{1}{3}\ (\frac{x-1}{x+1})^{3} + \frac{1}{5}\ (\frac{x-1}{x+1})^{5}+...\}$ (2)

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
bincybn said:
Hii,

Thanks for your spontaneous reply.
But what i want is a function f(x), such that Ln(x)<=f(x) which can mimic the variations of Ln(x).
For eg (1-x)/x is a lower bound of Ln[x].

Hi bincybn, :)

The lower bound function that you have given as the example should be, \(\dfrac{x-1}{x}\).

It can be shown without much difficulty that the function, \(\ln(\sqrt{x})\) is an upper bound of \(\ln(x)\) where \(x\in(0,1]\). Note that \(\ln(\sqrt{x})\) has the same behavior as \(\ln(x)\) in the interval \((0,1]\).

Generalizing this you can show that, any function of the form, \(\displaystyle\ln(x^{\frac{1}{n}})\mbox{ where }n>1\) can be taken as an upper bound of \(\ln(x)\) and they exhibit the same behavior as \(\ln(x)\) in the interval \((0,1]\).

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.

chisigma said:
Although not well known, it exist a series expansion of the function $\ln x$ ...

$\displaystyle \ln x= 2\ \{(\frac{x-1}{x+1}) + \frac{1}{3}\ (\frac{x-1}{x+1})^{3} + \frac{1}{5}\ (\frac{x-1}{x+1})^{5}+...\}$ (1)

It is easy to see that any 'truncation' of the series (1) to a finite power of $\displaystyle \frac{x-1}{x+1}$ is an upper bound of $\ln x$ in $0<x<1$...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Hi chisigma, :)

I think bincybn wants a function that exhibits the same behaviour of \(\ln(x)\) in the interval \((0,1]\). Now, \(\ln(x)\rightarrow -\infty\mbox{ as }x\rightarrow 0^+\). However, if we truncate the series of \(\ln(x)\) this limiting behavior as \(x\rightarrow 0^+\) is not satisfied.

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 

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