Understanding the Equation Y/L =(K/L)^α (E)^1-α

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter albert2008
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation Y/L =(K/L)^α (E)^1-α, focusing on the algebraic manipulation of the equation and the understanding of negative exponents. Participants seek clarification on the steps taken to rewrite and simplify the equation, particularly regarding the treatment of terms involving L.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the transition from L^-a to L^a after multiplying by L, questioning the rules of negative exponents.
  • One participant asserts that the initial rewriting of the equation does not follow from the original equation, suggesting it should be represented as K^a/L^a instead of K^a/L^-a.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the two terms (K/L)^α and E^(1-α) are multiplied, not added, and clarifies that the distributive law does not apply in this context.
  • There is a suggestion that the multiplication of both sides by L leads to Y= (K^a/L^a)*(EL)/E^a, indicating a specific choice in how terms are manipulated.
  • Participants discuss the rearrangement of terms, noting that L^a can be moved between fractions without changing the overall expression due to the properties of multiplication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the correct interpretation and manipulation of the equation, with some asserting that steps taken are incorrect while others defend their approach. The discussion remains unresolved as participants present differing views on the algebra involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential misunderstandings in the transcription of the equation and the application of algebraic rules, particularly concerning negative exponents and the multiplication of terms. These issues are not fully clarified within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals studying algebraic manipulation of equations, particularly in the context of economics or related fields where such equations are applied.

albert2008
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Dear People would someone be able to explain in more detail this problem. I can't follow the answer.
a=alpha (its a superscript)

Y/L =(K/L)^α (E)^1-α

These are steps to get to final answer

Y/L=K^a/L^-a * E/E^a Step 1 - rewrite

Y=K^a/L^a * EL/E^a Step2 multiply by L

How did L^-a became L^a after multiplying by L. Is this rule of negative exponent??

Now with some algebra, we can rearrange it; Step 3

Y=K^a * EL/(EL)^a

please help me understand in detail how you end up with K^a after multiplying by L. How can L cancel out L^a

Answer

Y=K^a (EL)^1-a

Gog Bless
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Albert2008 said:
Y/L=K^a/L^-a * E/E^a Step 1 - rewrite
This doesn't follow from the given equation. It's Ka/La

You could write it as

Y/L = KaL-a * E/Ea

Y=K^a * EL/(EL)^a
please help me understand in detail how you end up with K^a after multiplying by L. How can L cancel out L^a
Simply multiply the right side by L. So we now have L1-a on the right side. Put the one with the positive power, L as the numerator and L-a as La in the denominator. Remember that L-a = 1/La. Then move this term onto the E/Ea fraction. This can be done because the order of multiplication doesn't matter.
 
Albert2008 said:
Dear People would someone be able to explain in more detail this problem. I can't follow the answer.
a=alpha (its a superscript)

Y/L =(K/L)^α (E)^1-α
There is no "problem" here. Just an equation. What do you want to do with it?

These are steps to get to final answer

Y/L=K^a/L^-a * E/E^a Step 1 - rewrite

Y=K^a/L^a * EL/E^a Step2 multiply by L

How did L^-a became L^a after multiplying by L. Is this rule of negative exponent??
It doesn't. First you may have copied step 1 incorrectly: (K/L)^a= K^a/L^a or K^aL^(-a), not K^a/L^-a. Second, the two terms, (K/L)^a and E^(1-a) are multiplied, not added- the "distributive law" does not apply and you do not multiply both terms by L.
Multiplying both sides of Y/L= K^a/L^a * E/E^a by L gives Y= (K^a/L^a)* (EL)/E^a. Whoever is doing this chose to multiply the second term by the L, not the first, so that stays the same.

Now with some algebra, we can rearrange it; Step 3

Y=K^a * EL/(EL)^a

please help me understand in detail how you end up with K^a after multiplying by L. How can L cancel out L^a
All they did here was take the "L^a" from the denominator of the first fraction and put it in the denominator of the second. Since you multiply fractions by multiplying numerators and denominators separatly, it doesn't matter:
[tex]\frac{a}{b}\frac{c}{d}= \frac{ac}{bd}= a\frac{c}{bd}[/tex]

Answer

Y=K^a (EL)^1-a

Gog Bless
Do you believe in Gog?
 
I want to thank all of you both taking your time and helping me out. I need to go back and review my calculus book.
 
Defennder said:
This doesn't follow from the given equation. It's Ka/La

You could write it as

Y/L = KaL-a * E/Ea

Simply multiply the right side by L. So we now have L1-a on the right side. Put the one with the positive power, L as the numerator and L-a as La in the denominator. Remember that L-a = 1/La. Then move this term onto the E/Ea fraction. This can be done because the order of multiplication doesn't matter.

[/Thank you so much for taking the time in helping me out.]
 
Last edited:
HallsofIvy said:
There is no "problem" here. Just an equation. What do you want to do with it?


It doesn't. First you may have copied step 1 incorrectly: (K/L)^a= K^a/L^a or K^aL^(-a), not K^a/L^-a. Second, the two terms, (K/L)^a and E^(1-a) are multiplied, not added- the "distributive law" does not apply and you do not multiply both terms by L.
Multiplying both sides of Y/L= K^a/L^a * E/E^a by L gives Y= (K^a/L^a)* (EL)/E^a. Whoever is doing this chose to multiply the second term by the L, not the first, so that stays the same.


All they did here was take the "L^a" from the denominator of the first fraction and put it in the denominator of the second. Since you multiply fractions by multiplying numerators and denominators separatly, it doesn't matter:
[tex]\frac{a}{b}\frac{c}{d}= \frac{ac}{bd}= a\frac{c}{bd}[/tex]


Do you believe in God?

Thank you so much for helping me out.
God bless!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K