How to Write an Answer for Integration with Logarithms?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proper way to express the integral of the function $$\int \frac{e^x}{3e^x-1}dx$$, specifically whether to include absolute value symbols in the logarithmic expression of the result. Participants explore the implications of including or omitting absolute values in the context of integration involving logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the integral can be expressed as $$\frac{1}{3}\ln (3e^x-1)+c$$, while others argue for the inclusion of absolute values, proposing $$\frac{1}{3}\ln \left | 3e^x-1 \right |+c$$.
  • One participant notes that the absolute value can be omitted if $$3e^x-1>0$$ for all values of $$x$$ in the integrand's domain, prompting further inquiry into the implications of this condition.
  • Another participant presents a broader perspective, stating that the expression $$\int \frac{f^{\ '} (x)}{f(x)}\ d x = \ln f(x) + c$$ can hold regardless of whether $$f(x)$$ is positive or negative, provided that $$f(x)$$ does not equal zero, and mentions the complex logarithm for negative values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether to include absolute values in the logarithmic expression, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of the domain of the integrand and the conditions under which the logarithmic expressions are valid, but does not resolve the mathematical nuances involved.

jiasyuen
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For example, $$\int \frac{e^x}{3e^x-1}dx$$,

Should I write my answer in this $$\frac{1}{3}\ln (3e^x-1)+c$$ or $$\frac{1}{3}\ln \left | 3e^x-1 \right |+c$$ ?
 
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jiasyuen said:
For example, $$\int \frac{e^x}{3e^x-1}dx$$,

Should I write my answer in this $$\frac{1}{3}\ln (3e^x-1)+c$$ or $$\frac{1}{3}\ln \left | 3e^x-1 \right |+c$$ ?

$\displaystyle \int \frac{e^{x}}{3\ e^{x} - 1}\ d x = \frac{1}{3}\ \int \frac{e^{x}}{e^{x} - \frac{1}{3}}\ d x = \frac{1}{3}\ \ln |e^{x} - \frac{1}{3}| + c $

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
jiasyuen said:
For example, $$\int \frac{e^x}{3e^x-1}dx$$,

Should I write my answer in this $$\frac{1}{3}\ln (3e^x-1)+c$$ or $$\frac{1}{3}\ln \left | 3e^x-1 \right |+c$$ ?

You can remove the absolute value symbols as long as:

$$3e^x-1>0$$

for all values of $x$ in the integrand's domain...what do you conclude?
 
In my opinion it is possible to write...

$\displaystyle \int \frac{f^{\ '} (x)}{f(x)}\ d x = \ln f(x) + c\ (1)$

... no matter if in a given interval is $f(x) > 0$ or $f(x) < 0$ [but not $f(x)=0$...] , taking into account that for $f(x)<0$ is $\ln f(x) = \ln |f(x)| + i\ \pi$...

Kind regards

chi sigma
 

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