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

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The discussion centers on whether the relationship ln(x/y) = ln(x) - ln(y) can be exclusively derived from the integral of 1/t from 1 to x, which equals ln(x). While some participants argue that this relationship can indeed be shown directly from the integral, others note that it can also be proven using basic exponential properties. The conversation explores whether ln(x) is the only function satisfying the property f(x/y) = f(x) - f(y) and if the integral is the sole method for proving this property. Additionally, the connection between the natural logarithm and its application in statistical mechanics and thermodynamics is highlighted. Ultimately, the validity of the correspondence between the integral and the logarithmic relationship is confirmed, emphasizing that multiple proofs exist.
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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.
 
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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
 
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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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