Natural log and trig function question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation and integration of the expression \( \ln(4x) + \sin(x) \). Participants explore the implications of the logarithmic properties and the handling of constants during integration, including the treatment of arbitrary constants in indefinite integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant differentiates \( \ln(4x) + \sin(x) \) and claims the result is \( \frac{1}{x} + \cos(x) \), which is supported by Wolfram.
  • Questions arise regarding the disappearance of the constant 4 during integration and why the integral does not return to the original function.
  • Another participant suggests that the constant \( 2\ln(2) \) from the logarithmic identity \( \ln(4x) = \ln(x) + 2\ln(2) \) is absorbed into the constant of integration.
  • There is a correction from one participant who acknowledges an earlier mistake regarding differentiation and confirms the original differentiation result.
  • Participants discuss the arbitrary nature of constants in indefinite integrals, noting that different forms of the integral can represent the same function.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the integration process and the treatment of constants, seeking clarification on the logarithmic properties involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the treatment of the constant 4 during integration, as some express confusion while others clarify the logarithmic properties. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these properties on the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding logarithmic identities and the handling of constants in integration, which may depend on individual interpretations and definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and individuals studying calculus, particularly those grappling with differentiation and integration of logarithmic functions.

DeusAbscondus
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when I differentiate:
$$ln4x+sin(x)$$
I get:
$$\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)$$
and Wolfgram agrees

But then when i test this by calculating indefinite integral, I get:
$$ln(x)+cos(x)$$
Which leaves me with three questions:
1. what happened to the 4?
2. why isn't it integrating back to (at least) ln(x)+sin(x)?
3. why doesn't wolfram add $+C$ to the end of an indefinite integral,
seemingly defying a principle over which I've had my knuckles wrapped severely (and liked it) ?

Thanks,

Deus Abscondus or:
"God has absconded from the scene ... again!"
 
Last edited:
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Hint: $\displaystyle \ln|4x|=\ln|x|+2\ln(2)$

The constant $\displaystyle 2\ln(2)$ gets lumped in with the constant of integration since it is just a constant itself.

I believe Wolfram states + constant on the end of indefinite integrals.
 
Sudharaka said:
...
You have differentiated \(\ln(4x)\) incorrectly.

Perhaps he applied the chain rule and simplified...he does have the correct result. :)
 
DeusAbscondus said:
when I differentiate:
$$ln4x+sin(x)$$
I get:
$$\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)$$
and Wolfgram agrees

But then when i test this by calculating indefinite integral, I get:
$$ln(x)+cos(x)$$
Which leaves me with three questions:
1. what happened to the 4?
2. why isn't it integrating back to (at least) ln(x)+sin(x)?
3. why doesn't wolfram add $+C$ to the end of an indefinite integral,
seemingly defying a principle over which I've had my knuckles wrapped severely (and liked it) ?

Thanks,

Deus Abscondus or:
"God has absconded from the scene ... again!"

Hi DeusAbscondus, :)

Sorry about the obvious error in my last post, I have deleted to avoid any confusion. >>Here<< is what Wolfram gives me. Note that there is the constant term and also the answer is \(\ln(x)+\sin(x)\). :)

Kind Regards,
Sudharaka.
 
Thanks Sudharaka,

Well that would be:
$$\frac{d}{dx}ln(4x)+sin(x)=4*\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)$$ I suppose

But then, when you integrate this: you get $$4ln(x)-sin(x)+C$$
don't you? Which is patently not the original $$f(x)=ln4x+sin(x)$$
 
DeusAbscondus said:
Thanks Sudharaka,

Well that would be:
$$\frac{d}{dx}ln(4x)+sin(x)=4*\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)$$ I suppose

But then, when you integrate this: you get $$4ln(x)-sin(x)+C$$
don't you? Which is patently not the original $$f(x)=ln4x+sin(x)$$

I am sorry about this but the answer you have obtained after differentiating \(\ln(4x)+\sin(x)\) in post #1 is correct and I was wrong in my post #2 and hence deleted it.

\[\frac{d}{dx}ln(4x)+sin(x)=\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\]

as you have correctly stated in your original post. Refer post #4 and follow the link to see what Wolfram gives after integrating. Then look at Mark's post #2 to clarify more about what happens to the \(4\) as you have asked in your original post. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask. :)
 
MarkFL said:
Hint: $\displaystyle \ln|4x|=\ln|x|+2\ln(2)$The constant $\displaystyle 2\ln(2)$ gets lumped in with the constant of integration since it is just a constant itself.I believe Wolfram states + constant on the end of indefinite integrals.
Forgive my obtuseness: but I still can't see why the integration seems to lose the constant 4.Though I understand and appreciate the nice:: $$\displaystyle \ln|4x|=\ln|x|+2\ln(2)$$Btw, remind me again: what does the command: \displaystyle do?
 
DeusAbscondus said:
Forgive my obtuseness: but I still can't see why the integration seems to lose the constant 4.Though I understand and appreciate the nice:: $$\displaystyle \ln|4x|=\ln|x|+2\ln(2)$$

\[\int\left(\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\right)\,dx=\ln(x)+ \sin(x)+A\]

where \(A\) is the arbitrary constant.

As Mark had pointed out you can write,

\[\ln(4x)=\ln(x)+2\ln(2)\Rightarrow \ln(x)=\ln(4x)-2\ln(2)\]

Substitute this in the above equation and we get,

\[\int\left(\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\right)\,dx=\ln(4x)+ \sin(x)+(A-2\ln(2))\]

Now \(A-2\ln(2)\) is also an arbitrary constant and we label it as \(C\).

\[\int\left(\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\right)\,dx=\ln(4x)+ \sin(x)+C\]

So you see it is irrelevant whether you write \(\ln(x)+\sin(x)+A\) or \(\ln(4x)+\sin(x)+C\) because both answers are the same and one can be obtained from the other.
 
DeusAbscondus said:
Btw, remind me again: what does the command: \displaystyle do?

It is a size command. See http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f26/latex-tip-displaystyle-283/#post1711 thread for some uses of \displaystyle.
 
  • #10
Sudharaka said:
\[\int\left(\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\right)\,dx=\ln(x)+ \sin(x)+A\]

where \(A\) is the arbitrary constant.

As Mark had pointed out you can write,

\[\ln(4x)=\ln(x)+2\ln(2)\Rightarrow \ln(x)=\ln(4x)-2\ln(2)\]

Substitute this in the above equation and we get,

\[\int\left(\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\right)\,dx=\ln(4x)+ \sin(x)+(A-2\ln(2))\]

Now \(A-2\ln(2)\) is also an arbitrary constant and we label it as \(C\).

\[\int\left(\frac{1}{x}+cos(x)\right)\,dx=\ln(4x)+ \sin(x)+C\]

So you see it is irrelevant whether you write \(\ln(x)+\sin(x)+A\) or \(\ln(4x)+\sin(x)+C\) because both answers are the same and one can be obtained from the other.

I love it!
Thanks Sudharaka; now I can relax, take a break, go eat, and digest properly having cleared that up.
Deus Abs
 
  • #11
DeusAbscondus said:
I love it!
Thanks Sudharaka; now I can relax, take a break, go eat, and digest properly having cleared that up.
Deus Abs

It's a pleasure to help you. :)
 
  • #12
I have seen quite a few students run into this same issue with logs regarding anti-derivatives. This log property comes in handy too when solving certain differential equations.
 

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