How to prove this approximation?

In summary, the conversation is about a mathematical approximation that involves repeated logarithms and the proof for its correctness. The domain of the variable x is discussed, with a suggestion to plot the expression on the complex plane. A possible approach to prove the approximation is also mentioned. However, there is a disagreement on the validity of the approximation and the conversation ends with a comparison of two equations that are shown to be equivalent in the limit.
  • #36
@stevendaryl: The formula is a good approximation even in a range where the approximations you used are no longer valid. Proving that doesn't work with your approach. Which is correct, but not general enough.
 
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  • #37
mfb said:
@stevendaryl: The formula is a good approximation even in a range where the approximations you used are no longer valid. Proving that doesn't work with your approach. Which is correct, but not general enough.

His formula is the same as mine, after substituting [itex]x_2 \Rightarrow log(x_2)[/itex], [itex]x_1 \Rightarrow log(x_1)[/itex], [itex]n \Rightarrow n+1[/itex]. So if my formula is good as long as [itex]\frac{x_2}{x_1} < K[/itex], then the replacement would extend that range to [itex]\frac{x_2}{x_1} < (x_1)^K[/itex].
 
  • #38
That is still not sufficient to cover the range where the original formula is a good approximation.
 

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