Integral of 1/(1-x) is -ln(abs(1-x)). why negative?

In summary, the given conversation is about solving a differential equation with given initial conditions. The solution process involves finding a particular solution y=f(x) and the question at hand is why the absolute value signs can be removed in the solution. By separating variables and integrating, the solution is found to be y=6-4e^(-1/3(x^3+1)).
  • #1
sparkle123
175
0
Why is int(1/(1-x))=-ln(abs(1-x))?
If you substitute u=1-x
then
int(u)=ln(abs(u))=ln(abs(1-x))

Also, in this question you're trying to find the particular solution y=f(x) to the given differential euqation with initial conditions
f(-1)=2
dy/dx=6x^2-x^2y
d^2y/dx^2=-12.

So i get to:
ln(abs( 6 − y)) = − 1/3 x^3 − (1/3 − ln 4)
Why does the solution say I can remove absolute values to get:
y=6-4e^(-1/3(x^3+1)) ?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you let u = (1-x), then du = - dx .
 
  • #3
Thanks SammyS!
Could someone please help me with the second part?
 
  • #4
sparkle123 said:
Also, in this question you're trying to find the particular solution y=f(x) to the given differential euqation with initial conditions
f(-1)=2
dy/dx=6x^2-x^2y
d^2y/dx^2=-12.
I don't understand the 2nd and 3rd equations above. The first is your initial condition. Is the 2nd your differential equation? The 3rd doesn't follow from the 2nd.

Also, does x^2y mean (x2)y or x2y?
sparkle123 said:
So i get to:
ln(abs( 6 − y)) = − 1/3 x^3 − (1/3 − ln 4)
Why does the solution say I can remove absolute values to get:
y=6-4e^(-1/3(x^3+1)) ?
 
  • #5
f(-1)=2
dy/dx=6x^2-x^2y
d^2y/dx^2=-12
are given conditions

I meant dy/dx=6x^2-(x^2)y

Essentially my question is why can you remove the absolute value signs.

Thanks! :D
 
  • #6
sparkle123 said:
f(-1)=2
dy/dx=6x^2-x^2y
d^2y/dx^2=-12
are given conditions

I meant dy/dx=6x^2-(x^2)y

Essentially my question is why can you remove the absolute value signs.

Thanks! :D
What you have written about the 2nd derivative is very confusing, in part because it is incorrect.
The differential equation is dy/dx = 6x2 - x2y
The initial conditions are y(-1) = 2 and y''(-1) = -12.

The second derivative is NOT -12, but the value of the second derivative at x = -1 is -12.

By separating variables, I was able to rewrite the diff. eqn. as dy/(6 - y) = x2dx. Integrating each side, I got -ln|6 - y| = (1/3)x3 + C, which is equivalent to
ln|6 - y| = (-1/3)x3 + C2

From the first initial condition I found that C2 = -1/3 + ln4, so
ln|6 - y| = (-1/3)x3 -1/3 + ln4 = (-1/3)(x3 + 1) + ln4

Exponentiation results in
[tex]|6 - y| = e^{-1/3(x^3 + 1) + ln4} = e^{ln4}e^{-1/3(x^3 + 1)}[/tex]

Removing the absolute value signs, we have either
[tex] 6 - y = e^{ln4}e^{-1/3(x^3 + 1)}[/tex]

or
[tex] -(6 - y) = e^{ln4}e^{-1/3(x^3 + 1)}[/tex]

Solving for y in each of these equations is relatively straightforward, and I leave that to you. One of these functions is such that y''(-1) = -12. The one for which this is true is your solution.
 
  • #7
Oh! Thanks Mark44!
 

1. Why is the integral of 1/(1-x) negative?

The integral of 1/(1-x) is negative because it represents the area under the curve of the function 1/(1-x) above the x-axis. Since this function has a vertical asymptote at x=1, the area above the x-axis is bounded by the x-axis and the curve, resulting in a negative value.

2. Can the integral of 1/(1-x) be positive?

No, the integral of 1/(1-x) cannot be positive because the function has a vertical asymptote at x=1 and therefore the area under the curve above the x-axis is always negative.

3. Why is the absolute value used in the expression -ln(abs(1-x))?

The absolute value is used to ensure that the logarithm function is defined for all values of (1-x). This is necessary because the natural logarithm function is only defined for positive numbers.

4. What does the negative sign in front of the natural logarithm in -ln(abs(1-x)) represent?

The negative sign represents the direction of integration. Since the integral of 1/(1-x) is negative, the negative sign ensures that the final value is positive.

5. Is the integral of 1/(1-x) always equal to -ln(abs(1-x))?

Yes, the integral of 1/(1-x) is always equal to -ln(abs(1-x)) because this is the antiderivative of the function 1/(1-x). However, it is important to note that the constant of integration may vary depending on the limits of integration.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
237
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
547
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
283
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
491
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
341
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
819
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
540
Back
Top