Why is my computer giving different answers for logarithmic laws?

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The discussion centers on a discrepancy in logarithmic calculations using a computer program, specifically regarding the equation log(x+1/3) = log(3x+1). Users note that substituting values into this equation yields different results, leading to confusion. The conversation highlights that the derivative of logarithmic functions varies depending on the base used, with the common natural logarithm (base e) being a specific case. It is suggested that the computer program may be using a logarithm base other than e, which could explain the differing outputs. Understanding the base of the logarithm is crucial for resolving these inconsistencies in calculations.
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I'm using this computer program:
It tells me that:
log(x+1/3)=log(3x+1)
Why is that so? I plug in values: they give different answers...!
 
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alingy1 said:
I'm using this computer program:
It tells me that:
log(x+1/3)=log(3x+1)
Why is that so? I plug in values: they give different answers...!

\log(3x+1)=\log(3(x+1/3))=\log(3)+\log(x+1/3)

Since \log(3)\neq 0 for any base of log, something more elusive must be happening.
 
The reason I am asking this is that I am trying to calculate the integral of 1/(3x+1).
I found it equals (1/3)(integral of (1/(x+1/3))=1/3ln((x+1/3)). But, the computer says it is wrong!
 
alingy1 said:
The reason I am asking this is that I am trying to calculate the integral of 1/(3x+1).
I found it equals (1/3)(integral of (1/(x+1/3))=1/3ln((x+1/3)). But, the computer says it is wrong!

\frac{d(\log{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{x}

only applies when the base of log is e (usually denoted ln(x)). In general,

\frac{d(\log_{a}{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{x\ln{a}} since \log_{a}{x}=\frac{\ln{x}}{\ln{a}} hence \frac{d(\log_{a}{x})}{dx} = \frac{d(\frac{\ln{x}}{\ln{a}})}{dx}=\frac{1}{\ln{a}}\frac{d(\ln{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{\ln{a}}\cdot\frac{1}{x}

Maybe your computer is using a base other than e?
 
I tried to combine those 2 formulas but it didn't work. I tried using another case where there are 2 red balls and 2 blue balls only so when combining the formula I got ##\frac{(4-1)!}{2!2!}=\frac{3}{2}## which does not make sense. Is there any formula to calculate cyclic permutation of identical objects or I have to do it by listing all the possibilities? Thanks
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
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