Why Does ln(y) = ln(bεax) Cause Issues in Derivation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the derivative of the function y = bεax and the issues encountered when applying logarithmic properties to this expression. Participants explore the correct application of logarithmic identities and the implications for differentiation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that deriving y = bεax gives dy/dx = abεax, but encounters a discrepancy when applying logarithmic properties.
  • Another participant identifies a mistake in the logarithmic transformation, suggesting that ln(y) should be expressed as ln(b) + ax instead of ax ln(bε).
  • A further reply reiterates the correction regarding the logarithmic expression, emphasizing the difference between beax and (be)ax.
  • Participants discuss the notation, suggesting that the letter 'e' should be used for the exponential base instead of ε ("epsilon").

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the initial approach to the logarithmic transformation, as participants present competing views on the correct application of logarithmic identities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these differences for the derivative.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct interpretation of logarithmic properties and their application in differentiation, highlighting potential misunderstandings in notation and mathematical expressions.

Elias Waranoi
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I know that deriving y = bεax gives dy/dx = abεax, I also know that the inverse of dx/dy equals dy/dx, so how come I don't get dy/dx = abεax when I do the following:

ln(y) = ln(bεax) = ax ln(bε) -> x = ln(y)/(a ln(bε)) -> dx/dy = 1/(ay ln(bε)) -> dy/dx = ay ln(bε) = abεax ln(bε) ≠ abεax

What am I doing wrong?
 
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Elias Waranoi said:
##\log y = \log \left(be^{ax}\right) = ax \log(be)##
This is where it goes wrong. It should be:
$$\log y = \log \left(be^{ax}\right) = \log b+ax$$
 
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andrewkirk said:
This is where it goes wrong. It should be:
$$\log y = \log \left(be^{ax}\right) = \log b+ax$$

So like this: ln y = ln(bεax) = ln(b) + ax ln(ε) and because ln(ε) = 1 then ln y = ln(b) + ax. Thank you very much
 
Elias Waranoi said:
ln(y) = ln(bεax) = ax ln(bε)

Elias Waranoi said:
So like this: ln y = ln(bεax) = ln(b) + ax ln(ε) and because ln(ε) = 1 then ln y = ln(b) + ax.
The simple answer, and to elaborate on what @andrewkirk said, what you are doing wrong in the first quote above is treating ##be^{ax}## as if it were ##(be)^{ax}## when you take the log. The expressions ##be^{ax}## and ##(be)^{ax}## are different, just as ##2x^3## and ##(2x)^3## are different.

So ##\ln(be^{ax}) = \ln(b) + \ln(e^{ax}) = \ln(b) + ax##.

BTW, you should use the letter 'e' for the exponential base, not ε ("epsilon"). At least that's what I think you mean.
 
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