Minimum value of logarithmic equation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the minimum value of the expression 2 log2x - logx(0.01) for x > 1. Participants are exploring the behavior of the expression and the implications of differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss differentiation attempts and the resulting expressions. There are questions about the correctness of the derivatives calculated and the methods used to approach the problem. Some suggest rewriting the logarithmic terms to facilitate analysis.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their differentiation results and questioning each other's calculations. There is an exploration of different approaches, including rewriting logarithmic terms and considering the implications of the derivatives obtained.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the complexity of the differentiation process and the potential for confusion in the calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the expressions used in the differentiation.

ritwik06
Messages
577
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



For x>1, find the minimum possible value of [tex]2 log_{2}x-log_{x}(0.01)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Greater the value of x, greater is the value of expression. Right?
I tried to differentiate it, but it was no help. The derivative becomes zero when |log x|=[tex]\sqrt{log 2}[/tex]

Help me further.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


What did you get when you differentiate it?
 


Defennder said:
What did you get when you differentiate it?

Why do you ask that? Is it wrong?
I got:
2*(1/x ln 2)-2*(1/log^{2} x)*(1/(x ln 10))
 


Well, apparently I can't tell if it's correct unless I know your working. I can't read what you wrote that. Is it [tex]\frac{2 \ln x}{\ln 2} - \frac{2}{\log_2 x} \left( \frac{1}{x \ln 10} \right)[/tex].

If so then I don't think it's correct.
 


Defennder said:
Well, apparently I can't tell if it's correct unless I know your working. I can't read what you wrote that. Is it [tex]\frac{2 \ln x}{\ln 2} - \frac{2}{\log_2 x} \left( \frac{1}{x \ln 10} \right)[/tex].

If so then I don't think it's correct.

[tex]\frac{2}{x ln 2}-\frac{2}{(log^{2} x)*(x ln 10)}[/tex]
 


This problem sets a similar trap to that of another problem you asked about. It would make life easier if you rewrote the [tex]log_{x}(0.01)[/tex] term as a log-base-2 term first, so you could combine it with the first term...

(You could grind through the differentiation you have, but it is a rather cumbersome "hammer" to use on the problem.)
 


I got:
[tex]\frac{2}{x ln 2}-\frac{2 ln 10}{x ln^2 x}[/tex]
for the derivative.
I set it equal to zero, cross multiplied and came up with:

[tex]ln^2x=ln 10 ln 2[/tex]

Dunno if that helps...your derivative was different than mine.
CC
 
Last edited:


rewriting:
[tex]2log_{2}x+\frac{2(1+log_{2}5)}{log_{2}x}[/tex]
 


Take the square root of both sides, ignore the absolute value bars, because for x>1 the thing is positive, then take the exponential of both sides. I got x=3.53722...
plug that back into get the y value.
CC
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K