Using logs to obtain the slope of a function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the slope of an exponential curve using logarithmic identities, specifically in the context of the equation T=Cm^p. Participants are working with specific data points and exploring the implications of logarithmic transformations on their values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the relationship between the variables in the equation and questioning the meaning of negative logarithmic values. There is a focus on clarifying the roles of the values in the ordered pairs and how they relate to the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and interpretations of the logarithmic values, suggesting a possible misunderstanding of the data's context. There is ongoing exploration of the assumptions regarding the variables, with some guidance offered on interpreting the logarithmic results.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of ambiguity in the problem statement, particularly regarding the identification of the variables represented by the ordered pairs. Participants are also addressing the implications of obtaining negative logarithmic values in relation to the experimental data.

thepassenger48
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Homework Statement


I have to find the slope of an exponential curve by using log identities.

Using basic values such as:
(10, 0.692)
(30, 1.082)
(70, 1.579)

Homework Equations


The equation is in the form T=Cm^p
So the log function is logT=logC + Plog(m) right?

The Attempt at a Solution



When I take the log of (10, 0.692) I end up with negative values, which is completely non-sensical when compared to my experimental values!
I end up with function -.6x^.4
when I should get .3x^.4
 
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To me there is still a fair bit of ambiguity in the statement of your problem, perhaps if you could elaborate a bit further, it would be easier to assist you. For example, the ordered pair (10, 0.692), what values does this correspond to in the equation? Your formula is certainly right, but I'm not quite following. I assume the abscissa is Temperature, but what's the other?
 
thepassenger48 said:

Homework Statement


I have to find the slope of an exponential curve by using log identities.

Using basic values such as:
(10, 0.692)
(30, 1.082)
(70, 1.579)

Homework Equations


The equation is in the form T=Cm^p
So the log function is logT=logC + Plog(m) right?

The Attempt at a Solution



When I take the log of (10, 0.692) I end up with negative values, which is completely non-sensical when compared to my experimental values!
I end up with function -.6x^.4
when I should get .3x^.4
Why is it non-sensical? you are talking about the logarithm being negative, not the values themselves.

I'm going to assume that the first number in each pair is m, the second number T. As Kreizhn said, it would be good idea to actually put that in your question.

(log 10, log 0.692)= (1, -0.160)
(log 30, log 1.082)= (1.477, 0.0342)
(log 70, log 1.579)= (1.845, 0.198)

slope, P:
(0.198-(-1.60))/(1.845- 1)= 0.358/0.845= 0.424
When m= 10, log 0.692= -.160= log C+ (0.424)log 10= log C+ 0.424 so
log C= -.160- 0.424= -.584 which means C itslelf is less than 1 but positive:
log T= -.584+ 0.424log m so T= 10-.584 m0.424= 0.2550m0.424. Rounded to one decimal place, that is T= .3 m.4.

log C is -.6, C= .3 (again, to one decimal place)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
HallsofIvy said:
Why is it non-sensical? you are talking about the logarithm being negative, not the values themselves.

I'm going to assume that the first number in each pair is m, the second number T. As Kreizhn said, it would be good idea to actually put that in your question.

(log 10, log 0.692)= (1, -0.160)
(log 30, log 1.082)= (1.477, 0.0342)
(log 70, log 1.579)= (1.845, 0.198)

slope, P:
(0.198-(-1.60))/(1.845- 1)= 0.358/0.845= 0.424
When m= 10, log 0.692= -.160= log C+ (0.424)log 10= log C+ 0.424 so
log C= -.160- 0.424= -.584 which means C itslelf is less than 1 but positive:
log T= -.584+ 0.424log m so T= 10-.584 m0.424= 0.2550m0.424. Rounded to one decimal place, that is T= .3 m.4.

log C is -.6, C= .3 (again, to one decimal place)

That was a flawless answer. Thank you very much.
I'm sorry for wording my question so poorly.
 

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