Logarithms and online integrators

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SUMMARY

The integral of ln(1-x) is defined as -(1-x)ln(1-x)-x for the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Online integrators, such as the one provided by Wolfram, present the integral as x*(-1 + ln[1 - x]) - ln[-1 + x], which introduces complexities regarding the logarithm of negative values. Specifically, ln(-1) introduces an imaginary component, iπ, leading to potential confusion in the interpretation of results. It is essential to recognize that online integrators may not account for the sign of the argument in logarithmic functions, necessitating the use of absolute values, such as ln(|1-x|), to avoid ambiguity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically definite integrals.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of complex numbers and their implications in logarithmic calculations.
  • Experience with online mathematical tools, particularly Wolfram Alpha.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithmic functions, focusing on ln(|x|) versus ln(x).
  • Explore the implications of complex numbers in calculus, particularly in integrals involving logarithms.
  • Learn how to use Wolfram Alpha effectively for integrals and understand its limitations.
  • Investigate the concept of absolute values in integrals and their importance in avoiding sign-related errors.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of calculus, and anyone utilizing online integrators for complex integrals will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the nuances of logarithmic functions and their integration.

RedX
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The integral of ln(1-x) is -(1-x)ln(1-x)-x, when 0<=x<=1.

So for example:

[tex]\int_{0}^{1} ln (1-x)dx= (-(1-x)ln(1-x)+x)_{0}^{1}=-1[/tex]

However, going to an online integrating site:

http://integrals.wolfram.com/index.jsp?expr=Log[1-x]&random=false

they give the integral of ln(1-x) as x*(-1 + ln[1 - x]) - ln[-1 + x].

So according to them:

[tex]\int_{0}^{1} ln (1-x)dx=(x*(-1 + ln[1 - x]) - ln[-1 + x])_{0}^{1} =<br /> 1(-1+ln(0))-ln(0)-0+ln(-1)=-1+ln(-1)[/tex]

For ln(-1), aren't you supposed to take the value [tex]i\pi[/tex]?

So do online integrators arbitrarily change signs of the argument in ln(), and give you an answer, with the understanding that it's only correct up to an imaginary part that's the result of assigning a sign to the argument of the ln()? Are they careful when you multiply ln()s, like ln(x)*ln(1-x), where multiplying two imaginary numbers gives a real number, so you can't tell if a term is due to assigning the argument of a logarithm a certain sign?
 
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Then integral of ln(x) is NOT "ln(x)". It is ln(|x|). Since x is between 0 and 1, x- 1 is negative so |x-1|= 1- x and that integral, from the website, should be x(ln(1- x)- 1)- ln(1- x)= x ln(1-x)- ln(1-x)- x= (x- 1)ln(1-x)- x.

The sign was not "arbitrarily changed". The online integrator did not know whether you mean x to be larger than or less than 1 and so could not know whether 1- x would be positive or negative. Certainly, the online integrator should have said "ln(|1- x|).

And, since the absolute value is a positive real number, no there are no imaginary numbers involved.
 

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