Inverse of exponential function

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the inverse of the function N=f(L)=1816-8L and the challenges faced when inputting the solution into Maple. The initial attempt at solving for L resulted in L=-ln(N)/(8*ln(18))+2, which was later confirmed as correct, but the user encountered errors in Maple. It was suggested that the user may have forgotten to swap the variables L and N, which is necessary for finding the inverse. Additionally, there was a conversation about simplifying logarithmic expressions, with a preference for keeping ln(18) over breaking it down further. The user plans to correct their approach by swapping the variables in their next attempt.
mark187
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Homework Statement



Give the inverse of this function

N=f(L)=1816-8L

The answer has to be filled in in Maple

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



N=1816-8L

16-8L=ln(N)/ln(18)

-8L=(ln(N)/ln(18))-16

L=-ln(N)/(8*ln(18))+2

Is this correct?
When i fill this in in maple it's incorrect.
I've really no clue why it is wrong.
 
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L=-ln(N)/(8*ln(18))+2 is the same function as the original. Choose L the independent variable and N the dependent one. (Just exchange L and N).

ehild
 
Yes it's correct. What are you typing into maple exactly? Your syntax is probably slightly off.

edit: Sorry I didn't notice that you forgot to swap your variables.
 
thanks! It's also mentioned that it should be simplified as much as possible.

Does that mean that the 8*LN(18) could be simplified to 8*LN(2*9) and more?
 
It's as simple as it can get, unless you believe \ln{\frac{1}{x}} is more simple than -\ln{x} you shouldn't be changing anything.

\ln{18} is definitely more desirable than \ln{9\cdot2} :wink:
 
mark187 said:

Homework Statement



Give the inverse of this function

N=f(L)=1816-8L

The answer has to be filled in in Maple

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



N=1816-8L

16-8L=ln(N)/ln(18)

-8L=(ln(N)/ln(18))-16

L=-ln(N)/(8*ln(18))+2

Is this correct?
When i fill this in in maple it's incorrect.
I've really no clue why it is wrong.

When I let Maple solve the equation for L it gives me exactly what you wrote. Why do you think Maple thinks it is incorrectÉ What type of error message are you receivingÉ

That annoying É is actually a question mark, but when I type it in it gives me that accented E; that only seems to happen when I access this website through Google Chrome!

RGV
 
Ray Vickson said:
When I let Maple solve the equation for L it gives me exactly what you wrote. Why do you think Maple thinks it is incorrectÉ What type of error message are you receivingÉ

That annoying É is actually a question mark, but when I type it in it gives me that accented E; that only seems to happen when I access this website through Google Chrome!

RGV

Well, this assignment was given in a little online test.
The point is, that i can't see why the answer was wrong.
I have 2 chances, so for the second change i will try to swap the variables.
 

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