Quick question about exponential and logarithms

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    Exponential Logarithms
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of logarithms and exponentials, specifically the simplification of expressions involving natural logarithms and the exponential function. Participants explore the relationship between ln(e^x) and x, and clarify misunderstandings related to these mathematical identities.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the simplification of ln(e^(-8.336/10c)) and proposes an alternative interpretation involving ln(e^(1/(8.336/10c))).
  • Another participant responds by affirming that ln(e^(x)) equals x, thus supporting the simplification to -8.336/10c.
  • A later reply corrects a misunderstanding about the relationship between e^(-a) and e^(1/a), emphasizing that they are not equivalent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes differing interpretations of the simplification process, with some participants affirming the standard logarithmic identities while others express confusion about the application of these identities.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on specific mathematical identities, and there may be missing assumptions regarding the context in which these identities are applied. The discussion does not resolve the confusion expressed by the initial poster.

rlm42
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If I have ln(e^(-8.336/10c)) wouldn't that be the same as ln(e^(1/(8.336/10c))) therefore = 1/(8.336/10c) = 10c/8.336? I am confused about this because in my lecture notes they simplified ln(e^(-8.336/10c)) to just = -8.336/10c :confused:

Your help would be appreciated!
 
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Hey rlm42 and welcome to the foums.

If you let x = -8.336/10c and use the fact that e^(ln(x)) = ln(e^(x)) = x then it means that

ln(e^(x)) = x = ln(e^(-8.336/10c)) = -8.336/10c.

All I'm doing is replacing a complex variable with a simple variable and using the identities for logarithms and exponentials.
 
nvm thnaks!
 
Last edited:
e^(-a) = 1/(e^a) not e^(1/a). There is a difference.
 

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