Giving a value for k so fg(x)=k has no solution?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining a value for k such that the equation fg(x) = k has no solution, where fg(x) is defined as the composite function fg(x) = ln(tan(x)). The participants explore the domains and ranges of the functions involved, and the implications for the existence of solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for a value of k such that fg(x) = k has no solution, given the functions f(x) = ln(x) and g(x) = tan(x) with specified domains.
  • Another participant questions the exact problem statement and requests clarification on the domains and ranges of the functions.
  • There is discussion about the periodic nature of the tangent function and how it affects the domain of the composite function fg(x).
  • Some participants propose that the range of fg(x) is (-∞, 0], while others challenge the understanding of the domain, suggesting it is periodic and should be expressed in open intervals.
  • One participant asserts that since the natural logarithm only accepts positive arguments, fg(x) cannot yield negative values, indicating that k must be greater than 0.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of articulating the findings clearly and suggests that summarizing the discussion could enhance understanding.
  • There is a suggestion that the range of the natural logarithm function is all real numbers, which is linked to the domain of its inverse function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the domains and ranges of the functions involved, particularly regarding the periodicity of the tangent function and its implications for the composite function. While there is some agreement on the range of fg(x) being (-∞, 0], the exact value of k that results in no solutions remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the periodic nature of the tangent function and its effect on the domain of fg(x). There are also unresolved mathematical steps regarding the determination of k.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and individuals interested in the properties of composite functions, logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions, particularly in the context of determining domains and ranges.

zfunk
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fg(x)=k has no true solution

Give a value for c so jk(y)=c has no solution, when jk(y)=ln(tan(y)) and give a reason. can't figure it out myself, thanks!
 
Last edited:
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Can you state the problem exactly as it is given to you?
 
hi again, its functions f and g have domains (0,infinity) and (0,pi/4] respectively and are f(x) = lnx and g(x)=tanx.
write the domain and range of fg(x) (for which i got D(0,pi/4] and R(-infinity,0])
solve fg(x)=-0.4 (for which i got 33.84)
and give a value of k so that when fg(x)=k has no solution, with a reason.
thanks!
 
Are those the domains and ranges you were given, or are those what you were told at the other site, with which I disagreed?

You see, if we allow:

$$k\pi<x<\frac{\pi}{2}(2k+1)$$ where $$k\in\mathbb{Z}$$

then:

$$0<\tan(x)<\infty$$

and:

$$-\infty<\ln(\tan(x))<\infty$$
 
Yes they are from the other site, so how could you write that in interval form?
 
Rather than me write it in interval notation, can you attempt it?
 
would the Range be (-infinity,infinity)? and domain (0,pi/2]?
 
The range is correct, but the domain is not. The domain is periodic.
 
sorry don't understand what you mean by periodic in this case. thanks!
 
  • #10
zfunk said:
sorry don't understand what you mean by periodic in this case. thanks!
search and you will find

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
  • #11
zfunk said:
sorry don't understand what you mean by periodic in this case. thanks!

Basically, since the tangent function repeats every $\pi$ radians ($$\tan(x+k\pi)=\tan(x)$$), then so will the domain.

The domain is anywhere the tangent function is positive. Think of the graph of the tangent function, where it is positive and how it repeats.
 
  • #12
would it then be [-pi/2,pi/2]? thanks
 
  • #13
No, the tangent function is negative on $$\left(-\frac{\pi}{2},0 \right)$$. We cannot take the natural log of a negative value and have a real number returned.

The tangent function is positive on:

$$\left(0,\frac{\pi}{2} \right)$$

Do you see why I need to use open intervals?

But, it is also positive on:

$$\left(\pi,\frac{3\pi}{2} \right)$$

and:

$$\left(8\pi,\frac{17\pi}{2} \right)$$

just to name a few. It is positive between any integral multiple of $\pi$ and $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$ units above that, or:

$$\left(k\pi,\frac{\pi}{2}(2k+1) \right)$$

Do you see how this follows directly from the domain I gave as an inequality earlier?

Now, since the range is all reals, how can there be some value that the composite function cannot be?
 
  • #14
i see that it works periodically now but how do you actually translate it into writing? sort of confused, thanks
 
  • #15
I have demonstrated the periodicity of the tangent function, explained how this affects the domain of the composite function given the restriction placed on the tangent function by the natural logarithm function, and stated what the range of the composite function is.

If you are to give a coherent explanation of all of this, it should be in your words. This is a good part of doing mathematics, being able to explain your findings in a lucid and logical manner. Often, increased understand comes from doing this. As a student, I used to keep a math journal, where I tried to record my explorations in as clear a manner as I could and I found I gained a better depth of understand just by doing this.

I will help you with this by offering suggestions to your writing, but I would be robbing you of a good opportunity here to learn if I write a summary for you. This topic has all the information you need, so review it and see if you can summarize what we have found. :D
 
  • #16
ahh okay ill try to figure it out, so how would i go about working out k for when fg(x)=k with no solution? a figure that would not be within the domain and range?
 
  • #17
Is there any number that $$f(g(x))=\ln(\tan(x))$$ cannot be?

What is the range?

By the way, once you write your summary, I will be happy to look it over, check it for correctness, and offer suggestions if needed. (Sun)
 
  • #18
well i know that it can't be negative, as ln only works for values above 0
 
  • #19
The argument for the natural log function must be positive (if we want a real value), but what is the range of the natural log function? This is equivalent to giving the domain of:

$$f(x)=e^{x}$$

Do you see why?
 
  • #20
so is the domain just all real numbers then?
 
  • #21
The domains of the inverse of the natural log function ($y=e^x$) is all reals, so this means the range of the natural log function is all reals.
 
  • #22
In reviewing the topic containing this problem at another site, it has come to my attention that we are given restricted domains as follows:

$$f(x)=\ln(x)$$ where $$0<x$$

$$g(x)=\tan(x)$$ where $$0<x\le\frac{\pi}{4}$$

and we are asked to find the domain and range of:

$$f(g(x))=\ln(\tan(x))$$

So, the domain is where both functions are defined:

$$0<x\le\frac{\pi}{4}$$

and to get the range:

$$\tan(0)<\tan(x)\le\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4} \right)$$

$$0<\tan(x)\le1$$

$$\ln(0)<\ln(\tan(x))\le\ln(1)$$

$$-\infty<\ln(\tan(x))\le0$$

And this agrees with what a global moderator at the other site stated. However, not being told the information here led to confusion on my part.

Thus, we find $$0<k$$. Do you see why?
 

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