nae99
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Homework Statement
2log(x-1) + logx = logx + log4
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
log(x-1)^2 + logx = logx (4)
The problem involves the equation 2log(x-1) + logx = logx + log4, which is situated in the context of logarithmic properties and algebraic manipulation.
The discussion is ongoing with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem using logarithmic identities, while others are questioning the steps taken and expressing uncertainty about the algebra involved.
There are indications of confusion regarding the manipulation of logarithmic expressions and the assumptions about the domain of x, particularly regarding the condition x-1 > 0.
Omega_Prime said:Hey there,
ok it looks like you have some exact same term on both sides to begin with, so those can just cancel out right? This leaves you with a log of something = a log of something else, that should simplify it down nice for ya.
nae99 said:so are u saying it should be:
log (2x - x)^2 = 4x
Omega_Prime said:Well the first step is just an algebra step, you have log (x) on both sides of the = sign, so the equation can be reduced. When that happens you are left with a log (of something) = log (of something else) when this happens you can sort of drop the log and just solve for x.
Pranav-Arora said:Noooooo, :)
What you need to do here is just first cancel out the terms \log x on both sides.
Then shift \log 4 to the left side remaining 0 at the right side.
Now using these two identities, try to figure out the answer:-
p(\log_a b)=log_a b^p
and
\log_a u-\log_a v=\log_a \frac{u}{v}
nae99 said:2log (x-1) - log 4 = 0
nae99 said:2log (x-1) - log 4 = 0
Pranav-Arora said:Yep, that's what i meant to say. Now try converting 2log (x-1) using the identities i gave.![]()
nae99 said:log (x-1)^2 - log 4 = 0
Pranav-Arora said:Now use the second identity.![]()
nae99 said:log (x^2-1) /4 = 0
Pranav-Arora said:It would be
\log \frac{(x-1)^2}{4}=0
Whatever the base would be, when you use the antilog method here, the right hand side would become 1. So what you get is:-
\frac {(x-1)^2}{4}=1
Now solve it further.![]()
nae99 said:ok so i would do this next but i don't think its right
(x^2-1) /4 = 1
nae99 said:ok, but i thought (x-1) meant (x-1) (x-1)
Pranav-Arora said:I still didn't get you
(x-1)^2=(x-1)(x-1)=x^2-2x+1
nae99 said:so i would end up with:
x^2-2x+1 = 4
Pranav-Arora said:Yes, now proceeding further you get
x^2-2x-3=0
Now this is quadratic equation, try to solve it. :)
nae99 said:x = -(-2) \pm \sqrt{} (-2)^2 - 4*1*(-3)/ 2*1
x= -(-2) \pm \sqrt{} -4+12/ 2
how is that
Pranav-Arora said:What is the square of (-2)?![]()
nae99 said:is it -4
nae99 said:oh ok
Pranav-Arora said:Now what's the answer?
nae99 said:x= -(-2) ± √ 4+12/ 2
x = -(2) \pm\sqrt{} 16 / 2
x = -(-2) \pm 4 / 2
x = -(-2) + 4 / 2
x = 6/ 2
x= 4
OR
x = -(-2) - 2 / 2
x = -2/ 2
x = -1