How to Expand Log(a+b) for Best Fit Analysis?

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to expand a given equation and the possibility of simplifying it. The question is raised of how to plot the two variables involved as a straight line graph, and the idea of taking the log of one variable and graphing it along with the other is suggested. It is noted that this may not give a formula, but it could help find a regression. The conversation then goes on to discuss the possibility of transforming the equation into a y=mx+c form and the context of the problem at hand.
  • #1
Saoist
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anyoen know how to expand this? i can't think of any obvious way...
 
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  • #2
What kind of result are you looking for - functions of a and b separately? As it stands, it is as simple as possible.
 
  • #3
There's not much you can do. In some cases, it's useful to factor it as [tex]\log a+\log(b+1)[/tex], but in general there's nothing simpler than the way you wrote it.
 
  • #4
i have a deceptively simple question you see:

X^3 = (cY+d)^2

where c and d are constants, with x and y the variables. how would you plot the 2 variables as a straight line graph. I'm having an idiocy attack and can only think "log it..."
 
  • #5
Take the log of Y and graph x, log y.
 
  • #6
that doesn't plot that relationship as a straight line though does it?

i was under impression you had to transform [said equation] into a y=mx+c type form
 
  • #7
Saoist said:
that doesn't plot that relationship as a straight line though does it?
i was under impression you had to transform [said equation] into a y=mx+c type form

You can't plot things like [itex]x^3=y^2[/itex] as a straight line on a normal graph.
 
  • #8
I didn't mean that would give you a formula, but if you had a set of data, you could find the regression by plotting x, log y. It's not the answer but it's a way to get it.
 
  • #9
Saoist said:
that doesn't plot that relationship as a straight line though does it?
i was under impression you had to transform [said equation] into a y=mx+c type form

No, none of log-log, log-linear or linear-log will make that equation a straight line.

What's the full context of the problem, do you have a number (more than 2) of x,y points and you wish to find constants c and d that give the "best fit" in some particular sense?
 

FAQ: How to Expand Log(a+b) for Best Fit Analysis?

What is the formula for expanding Log(a+b)?

The formula for expanding Log(a+b) is Log(ab). This means that the logarithm of a sum is equal to the sum of the logarithms of the individual terms.

Can you show an example of expanding Log(a+b)?

Sure! Let's say we want to expand Log(3+5). Using the formula from the previous question, we can rewrite this as Log(3x5). Then, we can further simplify this to Log(15).

Are there any rules or tips for expanding Log(a+b)?

Yes, there are a few rules that can make expanding Log(a+b) easier. Firstly, you can only combine terms with the same base. Also, when expanding Log(a+b), the coefficients in front of the logarithms can be brought down as exponents on the individual terms.

How can expanding Log(a+b) be useful in problem-solving?

Expanding Log(a+b) can be useful in solving logarithmic equations or simplifying complex expressions involving logarithms. It can also help in finding the inverse of a logarithmic function.

Is there a specific order in which terms should be expanded in Log(a+b)?

No, there is no specific order in which terms should be expanded in Log(a+b). However, it is often helpful to rearrange the terms in a way that makes the expansion easier to follow. Additionally, it is important to keep track of any constants or coefficients that may need to be brought down as exponents.

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