Minimum value of logarithmic equation

AI Thread Summary
To find the minimum value of the expression 2 log_{2}x - log_{x}(0.01) for x > 1, it is suggested to rewrite the log_{x}(0.01) term in base 2 for easier differentiation. The derivative of the expression is calculated as 2/(x ln 2) - 2 ln 10/(x ln^2 x), and setting this equal to zero leads to the equation ln^2 x = ln 10 ln 2. A critical point is found at x ≈ 3.53722, which should be substituted back into the original expression to determine the minimum value. The discussion emphasizes the complexity of differentiation and the importance of rewriting logarithmic terms for clarity.
ritwik06
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Homework Statement



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

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|=\sqrt{log 2}

Help me further.
 
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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 \frac{2 \ln x}{\ln 2} - \frac{2}{\log_2 x} \left( \frac{1}{x \ln 10} \right).

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 \frac{2 \ln x}{\ln 2} - \frac{2}{\log_2 x} \left( \frac{1}{x \ln 10} \right).

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

\frac{2}{x ln 2}-\frac{2}{(log^{2} x)*(x ln 10)}
 


This problem sets a similar trap to that of another problem you asked about. It would make life easier if you rewrote the log_{x}(0.01) 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:
\frac{2}{x ln 2}-\frac{2 ln 10}{x ln^2 x}
for the derivative.
I set it equal to zero, cross multiplied and came up with:

ln^2x=ln 10 ln 2

Dunno if that helps...your derivative was different than mine.
CC
 
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rewriting:
2log_{2}x+\frac{2(1+log_{2}5)}{log_{2}x}
 


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:
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