Logarithmic Functions: Solving Questions & Finding Carrying Capacity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving logarithmic functions and determining the carrying capacity of a population model. The user calculated the differential as (-2x+3)/x(x-1) and sought clarification on breaking down logarithmic expressions further, specifically using the law log(a) - log(b) = log(a/b) and log_a(b^c) = c·log_a(b). For the carrying capacity, the correct approach is to use the limit C = lim(t→∞) P(t), confirming that a carrying capacity of 10,000 is accurate as the numerator remains constant while the denominator approaches 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logarithmic laws, specifically log(a) - log(b) = log(a/b) and log_a(b^c) = c·log_a(b)
  • Knowledge of calculus concepts, particularly differentiation and limits
  • Familiarity with population models in mathematics
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced logarithmic identities and their applications in calculus
  • Learn about population dynamics and models, focusing on carrying capacity calculations
  • Explore differential equations and their role in modeling population growth
  • Practice solving limits in calculus to reinforce understanding of asymptotic behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and logarithmic functions, as well as biologists and ecologists interested in population modeling and carrying capacity analysis.

TheFallen018
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Hey guys, I have a couple of questions here. One, I was just wondering if someone could elaborate on, and the second, I worked it out, but more by guessing. I was hoping someone would be able to help explain both.

Here is the first of the two questions
View attachment 7620

So, part a was fairly straightforward. I calculated the differential to be (-2x+3)/x(x-1)

However, I'm not sure if I broke down the expression as much as I could have with laws of logarithms. I could only think of using the inverse of the second law of logarithms, where log(a) - log(b)= log(a/b)

Is there a way to break that up further?

As for the second question, it has to do with carrying capacity of a population model.
View attachment 7621

I got all the parts correct for this one, but I'm not sure how to get the carrying capacity of the function. I figured it to be 10,000, as that was what the numerator was. However, I'm sure that's not how it's meant to work. Despite the fact that I got the right answer, I'm not satisfied with the answer I gave.

So, how would be the correct way about solving that?

Thanks for your time. I really appreciate the help.

Kind regards,

TheFallen018
 

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TheFallen018 said:
Hey guys, I have a couple of questions here. One, I was just wondering if someone could elaborate on, and the second, I worked it out, but more by guessing. I was hoping someone would be able to help explain both.

Here is the first of the two questions

So, part a was fairly straightforward. I calculated the differential to be (-2x+3)/x(x-1)

However, I'm not sure if I broke down the expression as much as I could have with laws of logarithms. I could only think of using the inverse of the second law of logarithms, where log(a) - log(b)= log(a/b)

Is there a way to break that up further?

You can also apply:

$$\log_a\left(b^c\right)=c\cdot\log_a(b)$$

TheFallen018 said:
As for the second question, it has to do with carrying capacity of a population model.

I got all the parts correct for this one, but I'm not sure how to get the carrying capacity of the function. I figured it to be 10,000, as that was what the numerator was. However, I'm sure that's not how it's meant to work. Despite the fact that I got the right answer, I'm not satisfied with the answer I gave.

So, how would be the correct way about solving that?

Thanks for your time. I really appreciate the help.

Kind regards,

TheFallen018

To find the carrying capacity $C$, I would write:

$$C=\lim_{t\to\infty}P(t)$$

We see the numerator is constant, and the denominator goes to 1, so yes, 10,000 is correct. :)
 
MarkFL said:
You can also apply:

$$\log_a\left(b^c\right)=c\cdot\log_a(b)$$
To find the carrying capacity $C$, I would write:

$$C=\lim_{t\to\infty}P(t)$$

We see the numerator is constant, and the denominator goes to 1, so yes, 10,000 is correct. :)

Thanks Mark, that was exactly what I was looking for. You're awesome :)
 

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