How can I find x in terms of c for this expression?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an expression for x in terms of c from a given function f(x) involving logarithmic terms and its derivative. The original poster presents their attempts at differentiation and expresses confusion over the resulting expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of a complex logarithmic function and question the application of the product rule. There is an exploration of the resulting expressions and their validity.

Discussion Status

Some participants are actively questioning the differentiation steps taken by the original poster, suggesting that there may be a simple error in the calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, and participants are seeking clarification on specific steps.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a specific expected answer, which may influence the direction of the discussion. There is a reference to using computational tools for assistance, indicating potential frustration with manual calculations.

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Homework Statement


With

f(x)=-\lgroup\frac{a}{2}-\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup\ln\lgroup\frac{a}{2}-\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup-\lgroup\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup\ln\lgroup \frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup

and

z=\frac{df}{dx}=\frac{1}{c}

find an expression of x in terms of c.

Homework Equations


Well, relevant should be that the answer is supposed to be

x=ab \tanh\lgroup\frac{b}{c}\rgroup

The Attempt at a Solution



Differentiating f wrt x, I get

\frac{df}{dx}=-\frac{1}{2b}\lgroup \ln\lgroup\frac{a}{2}-\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup+\ln \lgroup\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup+2\rgroup

But this is no good, because when I exponentiate on both sides of the equation (in order to solve for x)

-\frac{2b}{c}-2=-2b\frac{df}{dx}-2

I end up with a something like

x=2b\sqrt\lgroup -\exp(-2\frac{b}{c}-2)-(\frac{a}{2})^2\rgroup,

which is obviously incorrect.

I'd be happy if someone would help me.
 
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grepecs said:

Homework Statement


With

f(x)=-\lgroup\frac{a}{2}-\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup\ln\lgroup\frac{a}{2}-\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup-\lgroup\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup\ln\lgroup \frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup

and

z=\frac{df}{dx}=\frac{1}{c}

find an expression of x in terms of c.

Homework Equations


Well, relevant should be that the answer is supposed to be

x=ab \tanh\lgroup\frac{b}{c}\rgroup

The Attempt at a Solution



Differentiating f wrt x, I get

\frac{df}{dx}=-\frac{1}{2b}\lgroup \ln\lgroup\frac{a}{2}-\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup+\ln \lgroup\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup+2\rgroup

But this is no good, because when I exponentiate on both sides of the equation (in order to solve for x)

-\frac{2b}{c}-2=-2b\frac{df}{dx}-2

I end up with a something like

x=2b\sqrt\lgroup -\exp(-2\frac{b}{c}-2)-(\frac{a}{2})^2\rgroup,

which is obviously incorrect.

I'd be happy if someone would help me.

Did you use the product rule when you differentiated? I didn't check your work very closely, but it doesn't seem that you did.
 
Mark44 said:
Did you use the product rule when you differentiated? I didn't check your work very closely, but it doesn't seem that you did.

I think I did. The derivative of

\lgroup\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup\ln\lgroup \frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup

is, according to my calculations,

\frac{1}{2b}\ln\lgroup \frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup+\lgroup\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}\rgroup\frac{1}{\frac{a}{2}+\frac{x}{2b}}\frac{1}{2b}

The second term reduces to 1/2b, which is broken out of the expression.
 
No one who has any suggestions? I'm pretty sure it's a pretty simple error :)
 
Ok, mr. Wolfram Alpha solved the problem for me (quite the dude, isn't he?).
 

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