Understanding Exponentials and Logarithms: Solving Equations with ln and abs

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The discussion focuses on solving the equation e^(ln(abs(y-1))) = e^(x+c) and simplifying it to y-1 = Ce^x. The initial approach involved taking the natural logarithm of both sides, leading to ln(abs(y-1)) = x + c, which can be split into two cases due to the absolute value. It was noted that the constants in the two resulting equations should be treated differently to avoid confusion. The key takeaway is that the final solution can be expressed as y - 1 = K e^x, where K represents either e^C or -e^C, depending on the sign of y-1. Understanding these identities and their implications is crucial for solving such exponential equations.
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Homework Statement
I was tasked to answer/show why e^(ln(abs(y-1))=e^(x+c) simplifies to y-1=Ce^x.
Relevant Equations
none
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I started with the top equation. I first said since they were both raised to e it would then change to ln(abs(y-1))=x+c. I then thought because of the abs It could be broke into 2 equations. ln(y-1)=x+c and ln(y-1)=-(x+c). I then got confused because I had 2 equations to work with instead of one.
 
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CaptainDunzo said:
Homework Statement:: I was tasked to answer/show why e^(ln(abs(y-1))=e^(x+c) simplifies to y-1=Ce^x.
Relevant Equations:: none

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I started with the top equation. I first said since they were both raised to e it would then change to ln(abs(y-1))=x+c. I then thought because of the abs It could be broke into 2 equations. ln(y-1)=x+c and ln(y-1)=-(x+c). I then got confused because I had 2 equations to work with instead of one.
Two points: first, the constant C in the first equation is not the same as the constant C in the second equation, so it would be better to not use the same symbol, of better write the second C in terms of the first C. You probably realize this but I thought I would mention it.

EDIT!

Oops, I wrote too quickly. You do have to consider the two cases, indeed. What will happen is that you will have two solutions. They are just being very sketchy in the way they write the equation. What they mean is that one can write ##y-1 = K e^x ## for *some* constant K. The constant K will be either ##e^C## or ##-e^C##, depending on the sign of ##y-1##.
 
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CaptainDunzo said:
Homework Statement:: I was tasked to answer/show why e^(ln(abs(y-1))=e^(x+c) simplifies to y-1=Ce^x.
Relevant Equations:: none

I started with the top equation. I first said since they were both raised to e it would then change to ln(abs(y-1))=x+c.
A better strategy would be to use the fact that ##e^{\ln y} = y## is an identity for all y > 0. You can use this fact to rearrange the left side. Another identity is ##e^{a + b} = e^a \cdot e^b##.
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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