Expanding ln isn't working for me

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the incorrect application of logarithmic properties while solving the equation ln(0.2048x^(5/2)) = -5/2. The user initially raises both sides to the base e correctly but encounters issues when expanding the logarithm to ln(0.2048) + (5/2)ln(x). The mistake lies in misunderstanding that e^(lnA + lnB) does not equal A + B, leading to an incorrect solution for x. The correct approach involves maintaining the logarithmic properties without misapplying them during expansion.

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original equation: ln(0.2048x\frac{5}{2})= -\frac{5}{2}

when i just raise this to e i get..

0.2048T\frac{5}{2}= -\frac{5}{2}

and then i can solve for x and get the right answer. but when i expand the logs..

ln(0.2048) + \frac{5}{2}ln(x)= -\frac{5}{2}

0.2048+\frac{5}{2}x=e-\frac{5}{2}

then i try to solve for x i don't get the right answer. what am i doing wrong?
 
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you can't do that with a sum of ln's. Taking the exponent of both sides after expansion does not cancel out the ln in each term. You would have e^(lnA + lnB) and that does not equal A+B.
 
oops, lol thanks
 
no problem
 

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