Solve Log(-1) = Real Number Problem

  • Thread starter nejnadusho
  • Start date
In summary: The motivation to explain depends on it. Some problems with basic concepts are understandable for a young kid, but I would have less patience when explaining basics to an adult.
  • #1
nejnadusho
31
0
Hello guys.

I have a great issue.

I need sollution of this problem.

Log(-1) = Real number.

Please if you now something about that let me know.
Please write everything clear and specify all steps.
Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
robert Ihnot said:
[tex]e^{i\pi}=-1[/tex]

Thank you robert but could you be more specific .
And how can I apply it in this problem?
 
  • #3
He is basically saying that ln(-1)=i*pi. However, it is not a real number.
 
  • #4
Where's robert?
 
  • #5
Math Jeans said:
He is basically saying that ln(-1)=i*pi. However, it is not a real number.

Thank you guys.

The point is that I already know all the "wrong" answers and I do not need proof that it is an imaginary number.
This is absolutely clear and defined.
I need somethink inovative and creative.

There is a hint about the DEFINITION for Log(-1)

there should be used some of the logarithmitic properties to be prooved for a real number.

I am stucked now.

If somebody can help me please and thank you.
 
  • #6
Log(-1) = Log (i^2) = Log(i) + Log (i) = 2 Log(i)
 
  • #7
There is nothing innovative or creative about finding a completely rubbish and wrong answer.
 
  • #8
JasonRox said:
Log(-1) = Log (i^2) = Log(i) + Log (i) = 2 Log(i)

That is wrong. [tex]\log (xy)\not =\log (x) +\log(y)[/tex] for [tex]x,y\in \mathbb{C}^{\bold{x}}[/tex].
 
Last edited:
  • #9
log(-1) is not a real number. It simply isn't, by definition of the function.
But nejnadusho, let us appoint this: if you give me a real solution to [itex]x^2 = -1[/itex] then I'll give you a real expression for log(-1).
 
  • #10
nejnadusho said:
The point is that I already know all the "wrong" answers and I do not need proof that it is an imaginary number.
This is absolutely clear and defined.
I need somethink inovative and creative.
That's like saying "I need someone to think creatively and help me prove 1+1=3".

If you could prove any statement you liked, maths would be completely meaningless.
 
  • #11
AlphaNumeric2 said:
If you could prove any statement you liked, maths would be completely meaningless.

Unless you only liked correct statements, which all mathematicians should =]
 
  • #12
Ok guys what if I say like this.

Log(-1) = x

=> (Log(-1))/(Log10) = x
=> Log(-1) = x*Log10
=> Log(-1) = Log(10^(x)) -where Log10^(x)= 1 therefore
=> Log(-1) = 1

I know it is crazy but what about that?
 
  • #13
log(10^x)=x

Thus endeth this boring discussion.
 
  • #14
christianjb said:
log(10^x)=x

Thus endeth this boring discussion.

Log(10^(x)) = x
x*Log10 = x/x
Log10 = 1
?/
 
  • #15
nejnadusho said:
Ok guys what if I say like this.

Log(-1) = x

=> (Log(-1))/(Log10) = x
=> Log(-1) = x*Log10
=> Log(-1) = Log(10^(x)) -where Log10^(x)= 1 therefore
=> Log(-1) = 1

I know it is crazy but what about that?

The calculation mistake is in this step:

[tex]
\textrm{Log}(10^x) = (\textrm{Log}(10))^x
[/tex]

Use more parentheses to avoid these.
 
  • #16
jostpuur said:
The calculation mistake is in this step:

[tex]
\textrm{Log}(10^x) = (\textrm{Log}(10))^x
[/tex]

Use more parentheses to avoid these.

ok but

Log(10^(x)) = 1
and
(Log(10))^x = 1^x = 1 always
?
 
Last edited:
  • #17
nejnadusho said:
ok but

Log(10^(x)) = 1
and
(Log(10))^x = 1^x = 1 always
?

Your equation

[tex]
\textrm{Log}(10^x)=1
[/tex]

is wrong, because

[tex]
\textrm{Log}(10^x) = x
[/tex]

and x is not 1 in general.

At this point I would like to know your age.
 
  • #18
nejnadusho, what about this:
[itex] i^2 = -1 [/itex]
[itex] (i^2)^2 = (-1)^2 = 1 [/itex]
[itex] \sqrt{(i^2)^2} = \sqrt{1} [/itex]
[itex] i^2 = 1 [/itex]
[itex] i = 1 \implies 0 = 1 - i \implies 0 = \frac{0}{1 - i} = \frac{1 - i}{1 - i} = 1[/itex]
so 1 = 0 and from this we can prove that log(-1) = 1 (or any real number you like, or anything else you might want to prove but is not true, for that matter).

And no, there is no error in this calculation, it's just creative thinking.

I doubt nejnadusho reads any of our posts though, unless they actually conclude that log(-1) is real.
 
  • #19
opinion about strategy

CompuChip, your example of mistake is more complicated than the original one given by nejnadusho, and is thus very unlikely going to improve the situation :wink:
 
  • #20
OP is just hung up on the mere term "real".
"Unreal" doesn't exist, or what?

So, clearly, non-real numbers don't exist. :smile:
 
  • #21
jostpuur said:
At this point I would like to know your age.

Why is this relevant?
 
  • #22
JasonRox said:
Why is this relevant?

The motivation to explain depends on it. Some problems with basic concepts are understandable for a young kid, but I would have less patience when explaining basics to an adult.
 
  • #23
Okay I am only in 11th grade and taking pre-calc so I am not a expert in this. However I don't see how there is any way to get log(-1) = a real number. Because breaking it down that would be 10^x = -1 , x>= 0/ and all those numbers would be positive. And for nejnadusho second point 1^x always = 1 is true to the work he showed for the second part.
So if I am wrong don't all start yelling at me becaus I am only in 11th but from what I have learned and my friends and I have done there isn't a was to get log(-1)=real number
 
  • #24
Hello guys.

I just want to thank you.

That is enough for me.

I am sure you are right but I also do not feel guilty because somebody created something that leading to so much missunderstandings.

For me the answer is still not clear.
May be I am an adult, but a kid with an unstopable imagination.

However, At this point it is clear that you are write and Log(-1) = imaginary number.
Enough Logarihms for me.
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
  • #25
Glad to see you've accepted the fact that [tex]log(-1)[/tex] is an imaginary number. Try finding what that imaginary number is. Use Euler's identity: [tex]e^{\pi i}=-1[/tex].
 

1. What is a logarithm?

A logarithm is a mathematical function that represents the inverse operation of exponentiation. It calculates the power that a specific number (called the base) needs to be raised to in order to result in a given number.

2. How do you solve a logarithm?

To solve a logarithm, you need to use the properties of logarithms and basic algebraic rules. You can start by rewriting the logarithm in exponential form and then solve for the variable by isolating it on one side of the equation.

3. What does it mean to have a negative number inside a logarithm?

A negative number inside a logarithm indicates that the base raised to a certain power results in a negative number. This is not possible with real numbers, so the logarithm is undefined.

4. How do you handle a logarithm with a negative number?

If you encounter a logarithm with a negative number, it means that the equation has no real solution. You can either leave the answer as undefined or use complex numbers to solve the problem.

5. Is it possible for a logarithm to equal a real number?

Yes, it is possible for a logarithm to equal a real number. This happens when the base raised to a certain power results in the given real number. However, if the base is not specified, most logarithms are assumed to have a base of 10.

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