Oh I feel so insignificant help me

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Cyrus200
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around two mathematical problems posed by a new member regarding exponentiation and algebraic equations. The scope includes homework-related questions and technical reasoning about solving equations involving powers and logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant clarifies the first equation, suggesting a reformulation for clarity and providing a step-by-step approach to isolate x using logarithms.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the notation used in the second equation, indicating that additional parentheses are needed for clarity.
  • A different participant proposes that since both sides of the second equation have the same base (5), the exponents must be equal, leading to the equation 24x^2 = -71x + 30.
  • Another participant offers a specific solution for the first equation, stating that if interpreted correctly, x = -1.625.
  • Some participants comment on the emotional aspect of feeling insignificant or unnecessary in the context of asking for help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the mathematical problems, with some providing solutions while others highlight the need for clearer notation. No consensus is reached on the correct interpretation of the second equation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the notation in the second equation, which affects the clarity of the mathematical reasoning. The discussion reflects different levels of understanding and approaches to solving the problems presented.

Cyrus200
ok a friend told me that this is a great forum.
yeah i need two questions...ahem i feel helpless so bare with me...

Legend-To the power is (^)

Solve for X

1)8^1/4 times (1/4)^x over 2 = 16^3/4

2)5^24x^2 = 5^-71x+30

Im new here and i will spending a lot of time here because Math isn't one of my strongest subjects, I am in grd.11 advance math btw.
 
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Oh I am deeply sorry I posted in the wrong board...*sigh*
Would one of the mods. erase this...sorry again
 
Nothing wrong with feeling insignificant!

Also nothing wrong with posting mathematics questions to the mathematics board!

Although you might get a more sympathetic hearing for problems like these by posting to the "homework" boards.


In any case, you have:
1)8^1/4 times (1/4)^x over 2 = 16^3/4

By which I guess you mean 8^(1/4)*(1/4)^x/2= 16^(3/4)

First thing you should do is clear the "constant" parts from the left side by dividing the equation by 8^(1/4) and multiplying by 2. That gives (1/4)^x = 2(16^(3/4))/8^(1/4). It might help to break 16 into 2*8 and write 16^(3/4) as 2^(3/4)*8^(3/4). 8^(3/4)= (8^(1/4))^3 so 8^(3/4)/8^(1/4)= (8^(1/4))^2= 8^(1/2)= (4*2)^(1/2)= 2*2^(1/2).

That simplifies the right side to give (1/4)^x= 4*2^(1/2).

Since x is an exponent on the right, you need to use the "opposite" of exponential, the logarithm.
log((1/4)^x)= xlog(1/4)= log(4*2^(1/2)= log(4)+ (1/2)log(2)
so x= (log(4)+ (1/2)log(2))/(log(1/4))

Since log(4)= log(2^2)= 2log(2) and log(1/4)= -log(4)= -2log(2),

x= (2log(2)+ (1/2)log(2))/(-2log(2))
= (2+ 1/2)log(2)/(-2 log(2))= (5/2)/(-2)= -5/4.

2)5^24x^2 = 5^-71x+30

Here we really need more information- more parentheses!

Does 5^24x^2 mean 5^(24x^2)?. In other words is the x^2 in the exponent as well?

Also does 5^-71x+ 30 mean (5^(-71))x+ 30
or (5^(-71x))+ 30 or 5^(-71x+ 30)?
 
Sky high! w00t! Go fish! MONG
 
o.O couldn't hurt to use a few more parentheses. Please edit your post if you don't already have the solutions?
 
the first one is kinda confusing cause the way you typed it. but the second one is not hard. since both sides have the base of 5, and they are equal, that means the exponents have to be the same. so 24x^2=-71x+30
 
this thread reminds me of homer and jethro: "lord, I feel so unnecessary"
 
#1
If you meant
((8^.25)(.25^x))/2 = 16^.75
then, x = -1.625.
 

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