An Elementary Treatment of the Lambert-W Relation. (15th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, Matthew N.
• Is Part Of: College mathematics journal. Volume 54:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 130
• Page End: 138
• Publication Date: 2023-03-15
• Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Mathematics -- Periodicals; Mathematics; Mathematics -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 510.071
• DOI: 10.1080/07468342.2023.2188040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0746-8342

Abstract

Summary: In this discussion, we introduced the Lambert-W relation, how to solve equations that are solvable via this relation and not solvable otherwise, discussed how to numerically calculate values, how to generate the real and imaginary parts of W for which have sufficiently negative or complex arguments. We then gave a brief insight into one of the physical applications of the Lambert-W relation that is used in fluid mechanics. Although one could introduce several new functions into the algebraic toolbox for those exploring mathematics, we have demonstrated that the Lambert-W relation is one that can easily be adapted into the toolbox of elementary-level mathematics students.