Solution (source code)

= Solution

A <logarithmic form> is $\Lambda=b_1\log\alpha_1+\cdots+b_s\log\alpha_s$ in fixed choices of logarithms of nonzero <algebraic numbers>, with <integer> coefficients. The indispensable condition is $\Lambda\ne0$. Put $B\ge\max(e,|b_1|,\ldots,|b_s|)$ and take $A_j\ge\max(Dh(\alpha_j),|\log\alpha_j|,1)$ for a <number field> of degree $D$ containing the arguments. A typical effective estimate is
$$
\log|\Lambda|>-C(s,D)(1+\log B)\prod_j A_j,
$$
with an explicitly computable constant. For fixed arguments this is a power-type lower bound $|\Lambda|>B^{-C}$. It is fundamentally stronger for applications than a crude norm estimate exponential in $B$.

The basic estimates follow the auxiliary-function pattern already used here, in a multivariable form. Choose a <polynomial> or an interpolation determinant in powers of the algebraic arguments; impose many derivative or interpolation conditions by <Siegel lemma>. Analytic extrapolation near the chosen logarithms makes the determinant tiny. Arithmetic denominator and norm estimates prevent a nonzero algebraic determinant from being so small, while a <multiplicity> or zero estimate ensures the necessary determinant does not vanish identically. Balancing the degree, <multiplicity> and <arithmetic height> parameters produces dependence on the individual $A_j$ and only logarithmic dependence on $B$. The nonvanishing argument and the arithmetic <arithmetic height> control are both necessary parts of this outline.

For practical equations the output is a finite, certified computation. Factor the equation in a <number field>, record the finitely many <ideal> and torsion possibilities, and express its factors in <fundamental units>. At a place where the original equation gives an exponentially small remainder, choose the principal logarithm and include a multiple of $2\pi i$ for the branch. Compare that upper bound with the effective lower bound to obtain an initial exponent bound. Question 5 shows this for a <unit> equation, and Question 6 shows why a rational argument of variable <arithmetic height> can still bound a common power exponent. Zero forms and degenerate families are separated before any estimate is applied.

A concrete two-logarithm example is $2^u-3^v=1$, with positive exponents. Here
$$
0<u\log2-v\log3=\log(1+3^{-v})<3^{-v}.
$$
The lower bound and $u=v\log3/\log2+O(1)$ give an effective upper bound for $u,v$. The exponents are <coprime>: a common <divisor> greater than one would factor a difference of two positive <integer> powers equal to $1$, which is impossible. For large $v$ the same upper estimate makes $u/v$ a continued-fraction convergent of $\log3/\log2$, since its error is smaller than $1/(2v^2)$. One checks only the finitely many convergents up to the proven bound, with small cases checked directly. Higher-dimensional problems use the <LLL algorithm> to obtain analogous improvements from the first large bound.

Every numerical logarithm must be evaluated with a certified error interval, so that a proposed reduction really is an inequality and an exact <integer> check can certify each surviving candidate. <Continued fractions> or lattice reduction accelerate the search; the prior effective upper bound is what makes the search complete. This explains how <linear forms in logarithms of algebraic numbers> turn qualitative finiteness into practical Diophantine algorithms, while also outlining the auxiliary machinery behind the estimates.