Find the value in terms of p and q

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the value of $\log_a(72)$ in terms of given logarithmic values $\log_a(2) = p$ and $\log_a(3) = q$. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and properties of logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to begin the problem and suggests converting logarithms to decimals.
  • Another participant provides the factorization of 72 as $2^3 \cdot 3^2$ and encourages the use of logarithmic properties to express $\log_a(72)$ in terms of $p$ and $q$.
  • A later reply reiterates the factorization and emphasizes that the values of $p$ and $q$ do not change, explaining the derivation of the powers in the factorization.
  • One participant successfully applies the properties of logarithms to derive that $\log_a(72) = 3p + 2q$ and seeks confirmation on this result.
  • Another participant confirms that the derived expression is correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the factorization of 72 and the application of logarithmic properties to express $\log_a(72)$ in terms of $p$ and $q$. There is no explicit disagreement noted, but initial uncertainty is present in the first post.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the initial steps, indicating a potential gap in understanding logarithmic properties or factorization methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in logarithmic properties, mathematical reasoning, or those seeking to understand how to manipulate logarithmic expressions in algebraic contexts may find this discussion beneficial.

mathlearn
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If $log_a 2 = P $ & $ log_a 3 = q$ find $log_a 72 $ in terms of $p$ & $q $

I'm not sure on how to begin this may be convert the logarithms to decimals :confused:

Many Thanks :)
 
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We are given:

$$\log_a(2)=p$$ and $$\log_a(3)=q$$

Now, we may write:

$$\log_a(72)=\log_a\left(2^3\cdot3^2\right)$$

Can you now proceed to use the properties of logs to express this in terms of $p$ and $q$?
 
MarkFL said:
We are given:

$$\log_a(2)=p$$ and $$\log_a(3)=q$$

Now, we may write:

$$\log_a(72)=\log_a\left(2^3\cdot3^2\right)$$

Can you now proceed to use the properties of logs to express this in terms of $p$ and $q$?

Thank you very much MarkFL (Happy) (Party)

Then expressing this in terms of $p$ & $q$,

It would be $p=3$ & $q=2$

May I know how the power of 3 on 2 & the power of 2 on 3 get derived below in the RHS

$\displaystyle \log_a(72)=\log_a\left(2^3\cdot3^2\right)$
 
mathlearn said:
Thank you very much MarkFL (Happy) (Party)

Then expressing this in terms of $p$ & $q$,

It would be $p=3$ & $q=2$

May I know how the power of 3 on 2 & the power of 2 on 3 get derived below in the RHS

$\displaystyle \log_a(72)=\log_a\left(2^3\cdot3^2\right)$

No, $p$ and $q$ don't somehow change values here. We observe that by prime factorization we have:

$$72=8\cdot9=2^3\cdot3^2$$

Hence:

$$\log_a(72)=\log_a\left(2^3\cdot3^2\right)$$

Now, you want to use the properties of logs, specifically:

$$\log_a(b^c)=c\cdot\log_a(b)$$

$$\log_a(bc)=\log_a(b)+\log_a(c)$$

to further simplify. What do you get?
 
MarkFL said:
No, $p$ and $q$ don't somehow change values here. We observe that by prime factorization we have:

$$72=8\cdot9=2^3\cdot3^2$$

Hence:

$$\log_a(72)=\log_a\left(2^3\cdot3^2\right)$$

Now, you want to use the properties of logs, specifically:

$$\log_a(b^c)=c\cdot\log_a(b)$$

$$\log_a(bc)=\log_a(b)+\log_a(c)$$

to further simplify. What do you get?

Thank you very much MarkFL (Happy) (Party)

My apologies! for being a little late in replying,

Using the given properties of logarithms,

$\log_a72 = \log_a(2^3 \cdot 3^2)\\
=\log_a (2^3) + \log_a (3^2)\\
= 3 \log_a2 + 2\log_a3\\
= 3p + 2q$

Correct ? (Smile)
 
Yes, that looks good. :D
 

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