How do you solve ln(x)=x-2ln(x)=x2?

1 Answer
Nov 25, 2017

x = -W_n(-e^(-2))" "x=Wn(e2) for any n in ZZ

Explanation:

The Lambert W function (actually a family of functions) satisfies:

W_n(z e^z) = z

Given:

ln(x) = x - 2

Taking the exponent of both sides, we get:

x = e^(x-2)

So:

x e^(-x) = e^(-2)

So:

(-x) e^(-x) = -e^(-2)

So:

-x = W_n(-e^(-2))" " for any branch of the Lambert W function.

So:

x = -W_n(-e^(-2))" " for any n in ZZ