How Can You Solve These Variable Equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving variable equations involving logarithmic and exponential functions, specifically equations of the form x ln(x) = A and y Exp[y] = B. Participants explore the implications of modifying the constants A and B in these equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the Lambert W function as a method to solve the equations.
  • Another participant provides expressions for x and y in terms of the Lambert W function, but notes uncertainty regarding the fourth equation.
  • Some participants express confusion and seek assistance in solving the equations.
  • A participant proposes a factoring approach to simplify the equation involving y, suggesting a method to isolate y.
  • There is a correction regarding the variables in the equations, clarifying that all variables should be y in one of the equations.
  • One participant expresses doubt about the possibility of finding a closed-form solution for y in the modified equation.
  • A related problem is mentioned, indicating that it also lacks a closed-form solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the solutions to the equations, and multiple competing views and methods are presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the applicability of the Lambert W function and the conditions under which it can be used. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the manipulation of the equations and the assumptions involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring advanced mathematical concepts, particularly those involving logarithmic and exponential equations, as well as the Lambert W function.

FizX
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How would you go about solving these?

solving for x, x ln(x)=A

solving for y, y Exp[y] =B

and also what would happen if you turned A into A+x and B into B+y.

Thanks
 
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Use Lambert's W function which is DEFINED as the inverse function to f(x)= xex.
 
[tex]x \ln(x) = A \Rightarrow x = \frac{A}{W\{A\}}[/tex]
[tex]ye^{y} = B \Rightarrow y = W\{B\}[/tex]
[tex]x \ln(x) = A + x \Rightarrow x = \frac{A}{W\{\frac{A}{e}\}}[/tex]
[tex]y e^{x} = A + y \Rightarrow y = ?[/tex]

I am still working on the fourth one...looks hard!

edit: sorry, the last one is suppose to have a y in the argument of the exponential instead of an x.
 
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I don't know! Someone else, help!
 
Swapnil said:
I don't know! Someone else, help!

Can you factor out the y?
 
Leon22's logic is right, subtract y from the righthand side and place it with the terms y*e^x to get an expression that looks like:

y*(e^(x))-y=A

You can then factor out the y, and get an expression:

y* ((e^(x))-1)=A.

Then just solve for y.

Sorry I don't have much experance with the function that was referanced eariler and didn't bother trying to put into that format, but the solution gained from leon22's logic should be vaild.

Good Luck.
 
Oops... There wasn't suppose to be any x in that equation. All the variable were suppose to be y. That's why I had to resort to using the Lambert W funcition. It was suppose to be:

[tex]y e^{y} = A + y \Rightarrow y = ?[/tex]

Sorry about that. So does anyone now know how to solve for y?
 
I tried mathematica too but no luck. I am guessing that it is probably not possible to solve for y in closed-form.

BTW, here is another problem that I came across a while back which doesn't seem to have a closed-form solution either:

[tex]x^x = Ax[/tex]
 
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