Solve each logarithmic equation in Exercises 49–92. Be sure to reject any value of x that is not in the domain of the original logarithmic expressions. Give the exact answer. Then, where necessary, use a calculator to obtain a decimal approximation, correct to two decimal places, for the solution. log2(x−6)+log2(x−4)−log2 x=2
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Problem 77
Textbook Question
Solve each equation. Give solutions in exact form. See Examples 5–9. log2 (2x - 3) + log2 (x + 1) = 1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the logarithmic property that allows you to combine the sum of two logarithms with the same base into a single logarithm: \(\log_b A + \log_b B = \log_b (A \times B)\). Apply this to the left side of the equation: \(\log_2 (2x - 3) + \log_2 (x + 1) = \log_2 \big((2x - 3)(x + 1)\big)\).
Rewrite the equation using the combined logarithm: \(\log_2 \big((2x - 3)(x + 1)\big) = 1\).
Recall that \(\log_b M = N\) means \(b^N = M\). Use this to rewrite the equation without logarithms: \$2^1 = (2x - 3)(x + 1)$.
Simplify the right side by expanding the product: \((2x - 3)(x + 1) = 2x \cdot x + 2x \cdot 1 - 3 \cdot x - 3 \cdot 1 = 2x^2 + 2x - 3x - 3 = 2x^2 - x - 3\).
Set up the quadratic equation: \$2 = 2x^2 - x - 3\(. Move all terms to one side to get \)0 = 2x^2 - x - 3 - 2\(, which simplifies to \)0 = 2x^2 - x - 5$. This quadratic equation can now be solved using the quadratic formula or factoring.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Properties of Logarithms
Understanding the properties of logarithms, especially the product rule, is essential. The product rule states that log_b(A) + log_b(B) = log_b(AB), allowing the combination of multiple logarithmic terms into a single log expression for easier solving.
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Change of Base Property
Solving Logarithmic Equations
Solving logarithmic equations involves rewriting the equation in exponential form after isolating the logarithm. This step converts the problem into an algebraic equation, which can then be solved for the variable.
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Solving Logarithmic Equations
Domain Restrictions of Logarithmic Functions
Logarithmic functions are only defined for positive arguments. When solving equations involving logs, it is crucial to check that the solutions satisfy the domain restrictions, ensuring the expressions inside the logs are greater than zero.
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Domain Restrictions of Composed Functions
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