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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation of the logarithmic equation ln| (y-2)/(y+2) | = 4x + c_2 into an exponential form, specifically addressing why the result includes both positive and negative solutions for e.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of taking the absolute value in logarithmic equations and how this leads to the necessity of considering both positive and negative values in the exponential form.

Discussion Status

Participants have engaged in a back-and-forth regarding the reasoning behind the dual solutions, with some confirming their understanding of the relationship between logarithmic and exponential forms. There is recognition that the absolute value leads to two potential equations, although not all participants agree on the clarity of the notation used.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the function within the logarithm must be positive, while the full range of the function can include negative values, which is central to the discussion of the two solutions.

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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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