Applying function to entire side of equation, not just terms

In summary, when applying a function to an equation, the arguments should be applied to the entire side of the equation. This means that when rewriting an equation, the function should be applied to both sides in order for the equality to hold for all functions. Otherwise, the resulting equation may not be true for all functions.
  • #1
find_the_fun
148
0
I hate to ask this but whenever applying a function to the equation, the arguments is the entire one side of the equation right?

What I mean is
\(\displaystyle
ln|y|=ln|x|+C\)

can be rewritten as \(\displaystyle e^{ln|y|}=e^{ln|x|+C}\)
but not \(\displaystyle e^{ln|y|}=e^{ln|x|}+e^C\) ?

So the entire RHS or LHS becomes the argument?

Similarly \(\displaystyle \sin{x}=x+y\)
can be rewritten as \(\displaystyle x=\arcsin{(x+y)}\)
but not \(\displaystyle x=\arcsin{x}+\arcsin{y}\)

I keep messing this up and it's really annoying.
 
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  • #2
Yes, it applies to the entirety of both sides, and the equality will hold for any function applied to both sides. Anything else is not guaranteed to hold for all functions.
 

FAQ: Applying function to entire side of equation, not just terms

What does it mean to apply a function to the entire side of an equation?

Applying a function to the entire side of an equation means that the function is being applied to all the terms on that side of the equation. This is done to simplify or manipulate the equation in order to solve for a variable or to prove an equality.

Can a function be applied to just one side of an equation?

Yes, a function can be applied to just one side of an equation. This is commonly done when trying to isolate a variable on one side of the equation by manipulating the other side using a function.

How does applying a function to an equation affect the solution?

Applying a function to an equation can change the values of the terms on both sides of the equation. This can lead to a new solution or help simplify the equation to make it easier to solve for the desired variable.

Are there any rules or guidelines for applying a function to an equation?

Yes, there are some rules and guidelines that should be followed when applying a function to an equation. These include ensuring that the function is applied to all terms on one side of the equation, and that the function is applied correctly according to the rules of algebra.

Can applying a function to an equation result in an incorrect solution?

Yes, if the function is not applied correctly or if the rules of algebra are not followed, it can lead to an incorrect solution. It is important to double check your work and ensure that the function is applied correctly in order to avoid any errors in the solution.

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