# Using Lambert's equation

1. Oct 25, 2014

### psyclone

Hi,

I had a little problem which I'd like to have answered by anyone who has a-little time to spend!

How to solve for x, given the following;

2Ln(x+4)+1=x ?

the solutions are x= -3.91.. & 5.50..

Wolfram-alpha solves the problem using 'Lamberts W-function', which makes sense because using the inverse property of logs with exponents will not simplify this problem at all.

But by using Using Lambert's Transcendental Equation, with the correct substitution of 'x' for another variable say 'u', I think it can be solved.

Ln u = a u^b {b = 1}

solution: u = exp [ -W(-a*b)/b ] , where W( ) is Lambert's W-function.

{http://mathworld.wol...W-Function.html }
{http://mathworld.wol...alEquation.html }

2. Oct 28, 2014

### HallsofIvy

Since the given equation involves "ln" and Lambert's W function solves $xe^x= constant$, I would get the logarithm alone, then take the exponential of both sides. First simplify: 2ln(x+ 4)= x- 1 so ln(x+ 4)= (x- 1)/2. Then $x+ 4= e^{(x- 1)/2}= e^{x/2}e^{-1/2}$ and write that as $(x+ 4)e^{-x/2}= e^{-1/2}$.

Now, let u= x+ 4 so that x= u- 4 and $e^{-x/2}= e^{-(u- 4)/2}= e^{-u/2}e^{2}$. In terms of u, the equation is now $ue^{-u/2}e^{2}= e^{-1/2}$ or $ue^{-u/2}= e^{-2- 1/2}= e^{-5/2}$. Finally, let v= -u/2. Then u= -2v so we have $-2ve^v= e^{-5/2}$ or $ve^v= -\frac{e^{-3/2}}{2}$ and $v= W\left(-\frac{e^{-3/2}}{2}\right)$

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 28, 2014
3. Oct 31, 2014