Ln x/y = ln x - ln y From Integral 1/x dx only ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship ln(x/y) = ln(x) - ln(y) and its derivation, particularly whether this relationship can be exclusively derived from the integral of 1/t from 1 to x, which equals ln(x). Participants explore various methods of proving this relationship and the implications of using the integral in the context of logarithmic properties.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if ln(x/y) = ln(x) - ln(y) can be exclusively derived from the integral of 1/t from 1 to x.
  • Another participant suggests that there are alternative methods to demonstrate the relationship, such as using exponential properties.
  • Some participants affirm that the relationship can be shown directly from the integral, providing a specific integral manipulation as an example.
  • There is a request for clarification on whether ln(x) is the only function that satisfies the property f(x/y) = f(x) - f(y) or if the integral is the sole proof method.
  • One participant expresses a desire to connect the logarithmic relationship to its application in statistical mechanics, specifically in the context of entropy change.
  • Another participant proposes a method to prove the relationship by manipulating integrals and using substitutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the integral is the only method to derive the logarithmic relationship, indicating that multiple competing views remain. Some participants agree on the validity of the integral approach, while others emphasize alternative methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exclusivity of the integral as a proof method, and there are unresolved questions regarding the uniqueness of the logarithmic function satisfying the discussed properties.

Point Conception
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Is the derivation of this relationship ln x/y = ln x - ln y
exclusively from, and originating from the evaluation of the Integral from 1 --> x 1/t dt = ln x ?
To say another way can ln x/y = ln x - ln y always be considered to apply to this integral ?
 
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Not really, there are other ways to show it's true, such as using basic exponential formulae:

e^{x-y}=\frac{e^x}{e^y}
 
Yes you can show it direct from the integral.
\int_1^x\frac{dt}t - \int_1^y\frac{dt}t = \int_y^x\frac{dt}t
Then substitute u = t/y.
 
AlephZero said:
Yes you can show it direct from the integral.
\int_1^x\frac{dt}t - \int_1^y\frac{dt}t = \int_y^x\frac{dt}t
Then substitute u = t/y.

Thanks to both of you . I am not questioning the validity of the correspondence to
the integral: 1 to x 1/x dx = ln x - ln 1
Rather confirmation that this correspondence is one to one .
That ln x is derived from the above integral alone.
 
Last edited:
I'm really not sure what you mean. Do you mean that ln(x) is the only function f(x) that satisfies the property f(x/y) = f(x) - f(y)? Or do you mean that the integral is the only way of proving this property? Or perhaps something else entirely?
 
I think he means don't use the fact that you know ln(x) is an inverse of ex
 
Im trying to show that this property : ln x/y = ln x - ln y
is derived from the integral 1 to x 1/x dx

see this http://www.eoht.info/page/S+=+k+ln+W
I want to show that the natural logarithm in the statistical mechanics formulation
of entropy change , delta S = k ln W2/W1
is based on the natural logarithm for thermodynamic isothermal gas expansion:
delta S = nR integral V1 to V2 dv/V = ln V2/V1
That is based on the integral 1 to x 1/x dx = ln x - ln 1
 
Last edited:
You can prove ln(x/y) = ln(x)-ln(y), its similar to proving ln(xy)=ln(x)+ln(y), but you would use a different substitution. Start with the integral between 1 and x/y, and then split it into two integrals one between x and 1 AND the other between x/y and x. Then for the second integral use the substitution t=u/x,
 

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