Exponents with different bases

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an equation involving exponents with different bases, specifically the equation 12^x = 4.8^(2x). Participants are exploring the properties of logarithms and exponents to manipulate the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to rewrite the equation using logarithmic properties and question how to handle the different bases. There is discussion about isolating variables and manipulating logarithmic expressions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided steps towards a solution, including the use of logarithms to simplify the equation. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final approach or solution, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. There is also a reference to a previous thread that went unanswered, indicating potential complexity in the problem.

Mentallic
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Homework Statement


This is re-asking the question in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=273275" which mysteriously went quiet before the answer could be given... Anyway I also tried answering the question, but to no avail.

Homework Equations


[tex]a^m.a^n=a^{m+n}[/tex]
[tex](a^m)^n=a^{mn}[/tex]
[tex]log(ab)=loga+logb[/tex]
[tex]log(a^b)=bloga[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]12^x=4.8^{2x}[/tex]
[tex]3^x.(2^2)^x=2^2(2^3)^{2x}[/tex]
[tex]3^x.2^{2x}-2^{6x+2}=0[/tex]
[tex]2^{2x}(3^x-2^{4x-2})=0[/tex]

Hence, [tex]2^{2x}=0[/tex] (1) or [tex]3^x-2^{4x-2}=0[/tex] (2)
(1) has no solution.

(2) [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] [tex]3^x=2^{4x+2}[/tex]
[tex]xlog3=(4x+2)log2[/tex]

How can one go about solving this? different bases? It gives an answer of [tex]x\approx -0.82814[/tex]
 
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Oh hang on...

[tex]xlog3=(4x+2)log2[/tex]
[tex]xlog3=4xlog2+2log2[/tex]
[tex]x(log3-4log2)=2log2[/tex]
[tex]x=\frac{2log2}{log3-4log2}[/tex]

[tex]x\approx -0.82814449[/tex]

Ahh never mind.
 
12^x = 4X8^(2x)
take logs of both sides: log(12x) = log(4 X 82x)
Get rid of the power 2 (althought not essential) log(12x) = log(4 X 64x)
Split RHS using the laws of logs and bring the powers out: x log(12) = log(4) + x log(64)
see if u can do the last step (hint collect all terms with x)
 
It would rather use log3.
 

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