Why is my computer giving different answers for logarithmic laws?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around discrepancies in logarithmic calculations as encountered in a computer program. Participants are exploring the properties of logarithms and their implications in integration.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of the equation log(x+1/3) = log(3x+1) and why it yields different numerical results when values are substituted. There is also an exploration of the integral of 1/(3x+1) and its relationship to logarithmic differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into the logarithmic properties and differentiation rules, suggesting that the base of the logarithm used by the computer program might be different from the natural logarithm. Multiple interpretations of the logarithmic laws are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion arising from the base of the logarithm used in calculations, as well as the implications of logarithmic differentiation in the context of integration.

alingy1
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I'm using this computer program:
It tells me that:
log(x+1/3)=log(3x+1)
Why is that so? I plug in values: they give different answers...!
 
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alingy1 said:
I'm using this computer program:
It tells me that:
log(x+1/3)=log(3x+1)
Why is that so? I plug in values: they give different answers...!

[tex]\log(3x+1)=\log(3(x+1/3))=\log(3)+\log(x+1/3)[/tex]

Since [itex]\log(3)\neq 0[/itex] for any base of log, something more elusive must be happening.
 
The reason I am asking this is that I am trying to calculate the integral of 1/(3x+1).
I found it equals (1/3)(integral of (1/(x+1/3))=1/3ln((x+1/3)). But, the computer says it is wrong!
 
alingy1 said:
The reason I am asking this is that I am trying to calculate the integral of 1/(3x+1).
I found it equals (1/3)(integral of (1/(x+1/3))=1/3ln((x+1/3)). But, the computer says it is wrong!

[tex]\frac{d(\log{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{x}[/tex]

only applies when the base of log is e (usually denoted ln(x)). In general,

[tex]\frac{d(\log_{a}{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{x\ln{a}}[/tex] since [tex]\log_{a}{x}=\frac{\ln{x}}{\ln{a}}[/tex] hence [tex]\frac{d(\log_{a}{x})}{dx} = \frac{d(\frac{\ln{x}}{\ln{a}})}{dx}=\frac{1}{\ln{a}}\frac{d(\ln{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{\ln{a}}\cdot\frac{1}{x}[/tex]

Maybe your computer is using a base other than e?
 

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