Chapter 3: Problem 11
Solving a Simple Equation. $$\ln x=-1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the equation \(\ln x=-1\) is \(x=1/e\).
Step by step solution
01
Identifying the given equation
The given equation is \(\ln x=-1\). This is a logarithmic equation with base e (natural logarithm).
02
Using the inverse of the natural logarithm
The inverse of the natural logarithm (\(\ln\)) is the exponential function with base e (\(e^x\)). Therefore, we can re-arrange the equation from logarithmic to exponential form.
03
Conversion to exponential form
When we convert the equation \(\ln x=-1\) from logarithmic to exponential form, it will be \(e^{-1}=x\).
04
Simplifying the right-hand side
The number \(e\) is a mathematical constant equal to approximately 2.71828. The expression \(e^{-1}\) is in the form of a negative exponent, which means it is the reciprocal of \(e\). Thus, \(e^{-1}=1/e\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Logarithm
The natural logarithm, often denoted as \( \ln \), is a logarithm with a special base: the mathematical constant \( e \). The constant \( e \) is approximately equal to 2.71828. This type of logarithm is integral in many fields, including mathematics, engineering, and the sciences. The natural logarithm has unique properties that make it especially useful:
- Base \( e \): Unlike the common logarithm (base 10), the natural logarithm uses the base \( e \).
- Inverse Relationship: The natural logarithm is the inverse of the exponential function, which we'll delve into more in the next section.
- Simplifies Calculations: Working with natural logarithms can sometimes turn complex multiplication and division into simpler addition and subtraction problems.
Exponential Function
The exponential function is a transcendentally important function in mathematics, symbolized as \( e^x \). This represents the function where the base is \( e \), the natural exponential constant approximately equal to 2.71828. Exponential functions are key in describing growth and decay processes in natural and social sciences.
- Base Impact: The base \( e \) makes this function very natural and smooth. This is due to a unique property of \( e \), providing an instantaneous rate of change that is proportional to the function's current value.
- Growth and Decay: Exponential functions model a wide range of phenomena, such as population growth, radioactive decay, and interest calculations.
- Inverse of \( \ln \): Beyond expressing growth and decay, the exponential function serves as the inverse of the natural logarithm, allowing reconversion from logarithmic expressions back to linear form.
- Solving Equations: If you have \( \ln x = -1 \), converting to an exponential function becomes \( e^{-1} = x \), simplifying the calculation to find \( x \).
Inverse Operations
Inverse operations are mathematical actions that reverse the effect of other operations. They are crucial for solving equations, as they can transform complicated expressions into simple ones.
- Inverse of Logarithms: The inverse operation of taking a natural logarithm is exponentiation. Given \( \ln x = y \), applying the exponential function (base \( e \)) undoes the logarithm, turning it into \( x = e^y \).
- Simplifying Equations: Recognizing inverse operations helps one solve equations more quickly. For example, with \( \ln x = -1 \), multiplication by \( e \) simplifies the calculation to direct evaluation: \( x = e^{-1} \).
- Broader Applications: This concept applies to other operations as well, such as addition and subtraction or division and multiplication. Understanding how operations interact in reverse enables problem-solving across various mathematical disciplines.