How to prove the double integral definition of logarithm?

In summary, the double integral definition of logarithm is a mathematical expression that relates the natural logarithm function to the area under a curve. To prove this definition, the fundamental theorem of calculus and properties of logarithms are used. This definition is important as it provides a geometric interpretation of the natural logarithm function and can be applied to any logarithmic function. Examples of using this definition include solving problems in physics, economics, and geometry.
  • #1
td21
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Where does this definition come from: $$\ln n = \int_{0}^{\infty} \int_{1}^{n} e^{-xt} dx dt$$
Thank you very much.
 
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  • #2
Exchange the order of the integrals, and you can calculate them easily.
 
  • #3
I don't know but it seems follows from elementary integrals, if you change the order (verify you can do it!) the first is ##\int_{0}^{+\infty}e^{-xt}d\,t=\frac{1}{x}## ( it is improper but converge ) and what remains is simply ##\int_{1}^{n}\frac{1}{x}d\,x## that is ##\log{n}##...
 

Related to How to prove the double integral definition of logarithm?

1. What is the double integral definition of logarithm?

The double integral definition of logarithm is a mathematical expression that states the relationship between the natural logarithm function and the area under a curve. It is represented as ∫∫ (1/x) dA = ln(x), where x is the upper limit of integration and A is the area under the curve.

2. How do you prove the double integral definition of logarithm?

To prove the double integral definition of logarithm, we must use the fundamental theorem of calculus and the properties of logarithms. We begin by setting up the double integral and evaluating the inner integral using the substitution method. Then, we use the fundamental theorem of calculus to evaluate the outer integral and show that it is equal to ln(x).

3. Why is the double integral definition of logarithm important?

The double integral definition of logarithm is important because it provides a geometric interpretation of the natural logarithm function. It also allows us to evaluate integrals involving logarithmic functions, which are commonly used in many fields of science and engineering.

4. Is the double integral definition of logarithm only applicable to natural logarithms?

No, the double integral definition of logarithm can be applied to any logarithmic function. However, the natural logarithm function is commonly used because of its many applications in calculus and other areas of mathematics.

5. What are some examples of using the double integral definition of logarithm?

The double integral definition of logarithm can be used to solve various problems in physics, such as calculating the work done by a varying force or the growth rate of a population. It can also be used in economics to calculate the present value of a future cash flow or in geometry to find the area under a curved surface.

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