Is there a constant value for b in b^x (ln b) = a^x for any x?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of finding a constant value for b in the equation b^{x}(\ln b) = a^x for any value of x, exploring the relationship between b and a, and the implications for various values of a.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a constant value for b can be determined for any x in the equation b^{x}(\ln b) = a^x.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the nature of a, suggesting it may depend on the field of numbers being considered.
  • It is proposed that a can be any value, leading to the inquiry of how b relates to a independently of x.
  • A mathematical manipulation is presented, leading to the conclusion that for the equality to hold independently of x, a must equal b, specifically when both are equal to 1.
  • One participant challenges the mathematical steps of another, pointing out a potential error in the logarithmic transformation.
  • Further analysis suggests that if a and b are not equal, the equality cannot hold for all x, leading to the conclusion that a must equal b and both must equal e for a unique solution.
  • A question is raised regarding the existence of an integral function for a^x if a is not equal to e.
  • A clarification is provided regarding the anti-derivative of a^x, confirming that it exists regardless of whether a equals e.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which the equality holds, with some proposing specific values for a and b while others challenge the mathematical reasoning. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the generality of the findings.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of a and b, particularly their domains within real numbers, and the implications of logarithmic properties. There are unresolved mathematical steps and dependencies on specific values that are not fully explored.

Werg22
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Is it possible to find a constant value for b in the following equality for any value of x?

[tex]b^{x}(\ln b) = a^x[/tex]
 
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what is a? Is it given? If so, in what field is it an element.
 
a can be any value, so the real question is to find b in relationship to a, independantly of x.
 
Last edited:
Since you didn't answer the question "in what field is it an element?" I assume this is in the real numbers.

[tex]b^{x}(\ln b) = a^x[/tex]
Taking ln of both sides:
[tex]ln(b^x ln b)= ln b^x + ln b= xln b+ ln b= x ln a[/tex]
so
[tex]x(ln a- ln b)= x ln\frac{a}{b}= ln b[/tex]
That will be "independent of x" if and only if
[tex]ln \frac{a}{b}= 0[/tex]
or
a= b= 1.
 
I think you made a mistake

You're development:

[tex]\ln(b^x \ln b)= \ln b^x + \ln b[/tex]

When it should be

[tex]\ln(b^x \ln b)= \ln b^x + \ln(\ln b)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Werg22 said:
Is it possible to find a constant value for b in the following equality for any value of x?
[tex]b^{x}(\ln b) = a^x[/tex]
Suppose [tex]a,b\in\mathbb{R}^+[/tex]. If [tex]b^x\ln b=a^x[/tex] then we have
[tex]x\ln b+\ln\ln b=x\ln a[/tex]
or
[tex]\ln\ln b=x(\ln a-\ln b)[/tex].

If [tex]a\neq b[/tex] then this will not hold for all [tex]x\in\mathbb{R}[/tex]. Then we have a=b and [tex]\ln\ln b=0[/tex]. This means the unique solution is [tex]a=b=e[/tex].
 
Does that mean that the function a^x has no integral function if a is not equal to e?
 
Werg22 said:
Does that mean that the function a^x has no integral function if a is not equal to e?
?
[tex]a^x= e^{ln a^x}= e^{x ln a}[/tex]
so the anti-derivative (I guess that's what you mean by "integral function") is
[tex]\frac{e^{x ln a}}{ln a}= \frac{a^x}{ln a}[/itex].<br /> <br /> Yes, werg22. Thanks for the correction.[/tex]
 

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