Problem 85 - Algebra and Trigonometry Real Mathematics, Real People

Question

Use the properties of natural logarithms to rewrite the expression. $$e \ln 1$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplified form of the expression \(e \ln 1\) is 0.

Step 1: Identify the pertinent logarithmic property

For the expression involving a logarithm, identify the relevant logarithmic properties to simplify it. The expression contains \(\ln 1\), and we need to remember that the natural logarithm of 1, \(\ln 1\) = 0. This is the required property to simplify the given expression.

Step 2: Apply the identified logarithmic property

Apply the identified logarithmic property to the equation. So based on the property identified, \(e \ln 1\) simplifies to \(e * 0\).

Step 3: Simplify the expression

Multiply any number by zero, the result is zero. Therefore, after applying this property, the entire expression simplifies to zero. Hence, \(e \ln 1 = 0\).

Key Concepts

Logarithmic Properties

Logarithms have unique rules and properties, which help simplify complex expressions. Mastering these properties allows you to manipulate and solve various mathematical problems with ease. Here are some essential logarithmic properties you should familiarize yourself with:

• Product Rule: States that \(\ln(a \cdot b) = \ln a + \ln b\).
• Quotient Rule: This rule says that \(\ln\left(\frac{a}{b}\right) = \ln a - \ln b\).
• Power Rule: When you have a logarithm of a power, this property comes into play, i.e. \(\ln(a^b) = b \cdot \ln a\).
• Identity Property: The identity property of the natural logarithm states that \[\ln e = 1\].

One more notable point is the constant property, which specifically refers to how natural logarithms handle constants. For instance, \(\ln(1) = 0\). Learning these allows you to rewrite and break down expressions into manageable pieces.

ln 1 equals 0

One specific logarithmic property states that the natural logarithm of 1, \( \ln 1 \), equals zero. But why exactly is this the case? It can be traced back to the very definition of logarithms.
The natural logarithm \(\ln x\) asks, "To what power must \(e\), the base of natural logarithms (approximately 2.718), be raised to result in \(x\)?" In the case of \(x = 1\), \(e^0 = 1\), hence \(\ln 1 = 0\).
This logarithmic property is foundational. It helps to simplify expressions quickly and effectively, especially when you detect an \(\ln 1\) lurking in your problem. Recognizing that \(\ln 1 = 0\) can immediately reduce the complexity of your equation.

Simplify Expressions

Simplifying mathematical expressions often involves using various rules and properties to reduce them to their simplest form. In the realm of logarithms, this means leveraging the properties we discussed earlier. Let's consider an example of how simplification works with natural logarithms:
Given the expression \( e \ln 1\), the simplification process urges us to utilize the properties of logarithms. We know from previous discussion that \( \ln 1 = 0\). Therefore, the expression simplifies step-by-step as follows:

• Start with \( e \ln 1 \).
• Substitute \(\ln 1\) with 0, resulting in \(e \times 0\).
• Remember that any number multiplied by zero equals zero.

So, after simplification, \( e \ln 1 \) becomes \(0\). By mastering these steps, navigating even complex logarithmic expressions becomes straightforward, streamlining your problem-solving approach.