Use the inverse-area link
For a one-to-one increasing logarithmic rule, use output values as inverse limits. Subtract the inverse integral from the difference x₂y₂−x₁y₁. A rectangle interpretation applies to the non-negative zero-lower-output example below
- Restrict to a one-to-one domain Use an interval on which the logarithmic function has an inverse function \(\displaystyle f(x)=\log_e(x),\quad x>0\)
- Form the inverse rule Swap x and y, then solve for the new output in terms of the new input \(\displaystyle y=\log_e(x)\Rightarrow x=e^{y}\Rightarrow f^{-1}(y)=e^{y}\)
- Transpose the interval Evaluate the original function at both input endpoints and use those output values as inverse limits \(\displaystyle x=1\Rightarrow y=0,\quad x=e^{2}\Rightarrow y=2\)
- Subtract the inverse area The required area is the enclosing rectangle less the area under the inverse curve \(\displaystyle A=2e^{2}-\int_0^2e^{y}\,dy=2e^{2}-\left(e^{2}-1\right)=e^{2}+1\)
Worked example
Use the inverse-area relationship to find the area under the logarithmic curve
- \(\displaystyle x-1>0\Rightarrow x>1\)The logarithm requires a positive argument, which gives the one-to-one domain used here
- \(\displaystyle y=2\log_e(x-1)\Rightarrow\frac{y}{2}=\log_e(x-1)\Rightarrow f^{-1}(y)=1+e^{y/2}\)Solve the logarithmic equation for x to form the inverse rule
- \(\displaystyle f(2)=0,\quad f(1+e^{2})=4,\quad\int_0^4\left(1+e^{y/2}\right)\,dy=\left[y+2e^{y/2}\right]_0^4=2e^{2}+2\)Use the function values as inverse limits and evaluate the inverse integral
- \(\displaystyle A=4\left(1+e^{2}\right)-\left(2e^{2}+2\right)=2e^{2}+2\)Subtract the inverse area from the enclosing rectangle
Common mistakes
Difficulty levels
Questions about this topic
Why are the inverse limits the original function values?+
The inverse uses the original output as its input, so the limits are y-values found by evaluating the original function at the two x-endpoints
Why is the inverse integral subtracted?+
The general identity uses the difference x₂y₂−x₁y₁. When the lower output is zero and both plotted pieces are non-negative, the two areas fill the upper endpoint rectangle. For other endpoints, keep both products
Why must the logarithmic domain be restricted?+
An inverse function requires a one-to-one rule on the interval, and the logarithmic argument must also be positive
Can I use a calculator?+
A calculator is allowed unless a question is marked no calculator
Which year level and chapter is this?+
Year 12, VCE Units 3 & 4, Mathematical Methods, chapter 9: Logarithmic calculus