Integrate 1/x = ln(x) vs ln(kx)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the integration of the function 1/x, highlighting that both ∫(1/x)dx = ln(x) and ∫(1/x)dx = ln(kx) are valid due to the properties of logarithms. It is clarified that ln(kx) can be expressed as ln(x) + ln(k), where ln(k) is a constant that can be absorbed into the integration constant. This leads to the conclusion that there are indeed infinitely many indefinite integrals of 1/x, as any constant can be added to the result. The final expression confirms that ∫(1/x)dx = ln(kx) + c is equivalent to ln(x) + c2, where c2 is a new constant. The discussion emphasizes the flexibility in representing the integral of 1/x while maintaining mathematical correctness.
Billy.Ljm
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
If k is a constant, I know
\frac{d}{dx} \ln(x) = \frac{1}{x}
\frac{d}{dx} \ln(kx) = \frac{k}{kx} = \frac{1}{x}

However, what about \int\frac{1}{x}.
I've been taught to use \int\frac{1}{x} = \ln(x),
but wouldn't \int\frac{1}{x} = \ln(kx) work as well.
And if this is true, there are an infinite number of integrals??
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Oh god, I just figured it out, right after posting this. I swear I was confounded for hours before this.
ln(kx) works as well.
ln(kx) = ln(x) + ln(k) and the ln(k) would cancel out in any definite integrals.
But that would still mean there are an infinite number of indefinite integrals, which is a bit strange but perhaps possible.
 
Well, yes!

ln(kx) = ln(k)+ln(x)

and since k is just some constant, then ln(k) is also a constant. Remember that when you take the integral, you have to add +c at the end to denote that you can add any constant to the result and still have a correct solution.

So

\int\frac{1}{x}dx=\ln(kx)+c = \ln(x)+\ln(k)+c

for any constant c, but since c is any constant, then we can merge \ln(k)+c into a new constant, say, c2 which is the exact same result as if we left it as ln(x)+c to begin with.
 
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
Fermat's Last Theorem has long been one of the most famous mathematical problems, and is now one of the most famous theorems. It simply states that the equation $$ a^n+b^n=c^n $$ has no solutions with positive integers if ##n>2.## It was named after Pierre de Fermat (1607-1665). The problem itself stems from the book Arithmetica by Diophantus of Alexandria. It gained popularity because Fermat noted in his copy "Cubum autem in duos cubos, aut quadratoquadratum in duos quadratoquadratos, et...
Thread 'Imaginary Pythagorus'
I posted this in the Lame Math thread, but it's got me thinking. Is there any validity to this? Or is it really just a mathematical trick? Naively, I see that i2 + plus 12 does equal zero2. But does this have a meaning? I know one can treat the imaginary number line as just another axis like the reals, but does that mean this does represent a triangle in the complex plane with a hypotenuse of length zero? Ibix offered a rendering of the diagram using what I assume is matrix* notation...
Back
Top