Why are there two solutions for e in ln| (y-2)/(y+2) | = 4x + c_2?

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The discussion centers on the transition from the logarithmic equation ln| (y-2)/(y+2) | = 4x + c_2 to the exponential form (y-2)/(y+2) = ±e^(4x+c_2). The key point is that the absolute value in the logarithmic expression indicates that the ratio can be either positive or negative, leading to the ± sign in the solution. Participants clarify that while the logarithm restricts the input to positive values, the exponential function can yield both positive and negative outputs. This results in two separate equations: one for the positive case and one for the negative case. The discussion concludes that recognizing this duality is essential for understanding the solution.
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Homework Statement


Going from

ln|\frac {y-2} {y+2}| = 4x + c_2

to

\frac {y-2} {y+2} = \pm e^{4x+c_2}

Meaning, why is is \pm e^{4x+c_2}?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that for log, you take the absolute value because ln(x) has restriction x>0

but I'm failing to see why its +- for e?
 
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I think this has to do with the fact that the exponent is not restricted to the positive range; you can view this as the function within the log() only applies when it is positive, but without the log(), it can take up both positive and negative values.
 
Rijad Hadzic said:

Homework Statement


Going from

ln|\frac {y-2} {y+2}| = 4x + c_2

to

\frac {y-2} {y+2} = \pm e^{4x+c_2}

Meaning, why is is \pm e^{4x+c_2}?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that for log, you take the absolute value because ln(x) has restriction x>0

but I'm failing to see why its +- for e?
Should we assume that you know that
##\ln(A)=B##​
is equivalent to
##A=e^B##​
?
 
SammyS said:
Should we assume that you know that
##\ln(A)=B##​
is equivalent to
##A=e^B##​
?

Yes I think I understand that part...

This means that e^B > 0, am I right?
 
Yes, If we take A to be a function, the range of A valid for log(A) is only positive, but in fact the full range of A is both positive and negative. So as a function itself, A can take both positive and negative values. Hence the exponent is valid in both positive and negative values.
 
Alloymouse said:
Yes, If we take A to be a function, the range of A valid for log(A) is only positive, but in fact the full range of A is both positive and negative. So as a function itself, A can take both positive and negative values. Hence the exponent is valid in both positive and negative values.

Ohhh I see. Well I already assumed that. I guess my problem here was with the authors notation. That makes sense, as later on he ended up dropping the +- and just opted for + instead..
 
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Rijad Hadzic said:
Yes I think I understand that part...

This means that e^B > 0, am I right?
The fact that B > 0 has little to do with your question.

If you change ##\displaystyle \ \ln \left| \frac {y-2} {y+2} \right| = 4x + c_2 \ ## to an exponential equation, you get:

##\displaystyle \ \left| \frac {y-2} {y+2} \right| = e^{4x + c_2} \ ##​
.
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
The fact that B > 0 has little to do with your question.

If you change ##\displaystyle \ \ln \left| \frac {y-2} {y+2} \right| = 4x + c_2 \ ## to an exponential equation, you get:

##\displaystyle \ \left| \frac {y-2} {y+2} \right| = e^{4x + c_2} \ ##​
.

I see. So because |\frac {y-2} {y+2} | = \frac {y-2}{y+2} for \frac {y-2} {y+2} >= 0

you get

\frac {y-2} {y+2} = e^{4x+c_2}

and because

|\frac {y-2} {y+2} | = - \frac {y-2}{y+2} for \frac {y-2} {y+2} < 0

you get

\frac {y-2} {y+2} = -e^{4x+c_2}

so it ends up being two equations?
 
Rijad Hadzic said:

Homework Statement


Going from

ln|\frac {y-2} {y+2}| = 4x + c_2

to

\frac {y-2} {y+2} = \pm e^{4x+c_2}

Meaning, why is is \pm e^{4x+c_2}?

Because
$$\ln \left| \frac{y-2}{y+2} \right| = 4x + c \; \Rightarrow \: \left| \frac{y-2}{y+2} \right| = e^{4x+c}$$
and ##A = \pm |A|##.
 
  • #10
Ray Vickson said:
Because
$$\ln \left| \frac{y-2}{y+2} \right| = 4x + c \; \Rightarrow \: \left| \frac{y-2}{y+2} \right| = e^{4x+c}$$
and ##A = \pm |A|##.

Was my reasoning above your post correct?? As to why the equation e is +- and that its really two equatiosn not one
 
  • #11
Rijad Hadzic said:
Was my reasoning above your post correct?? As to why the equation e is +- and that its really two equatiosn not one

Yes, it is correct, and makes my post redundant. However, your post did not appear on my screen until after I posted mine!
 
  • #12
Ray Vickson said:
Yes, it is correct, and makes my post redundant. However, your post did not appear on my screen until after I posted mine!

Haha its all good. My insight is small right now. Even a rewording of something that I'm having trouble with is valuable to me.
 
  • #13
Anytime you have an equation |x|=y, there are two solutions, namely y=x and y=-x. Maybe you already knew that. So, yes there are two equations.
 
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