How Can I Express a Combination of Logarithms as a Single Logarithm?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of expressing a combination of logarithms as a single logarithm. Participants explore various methods and rules related to logarithmic expressions, including the power rule, sum-to-product, and quotient rules. The context is primarily mathematical reasoning related to logarithmic identities.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a logarithmic expression and outlines steps taken to simplify it, expressing uncertainty about the next steps.
  • Another participant suggests that the initial steps taken are not incorrect but indicates that there may be a more efficient approach to reach the solution.
  • A third participant inquires about the order of applying logarithmic rules, specifically whether to use the quotient rule or the sum-to-product rule first.
  • A later reply asserts that the order of combining terms does not affect the final result, encouraging flexibility in the approach taken.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the best approach to combine the logarithmic terms, indicating that multiple methods may lead to the same result. There is no consensus on a single preferred method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific logarithmic rules and the potential for different intermediate steps, highlighting the complexity and flexibility in manipulating logarithmic expressions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in logarithmic identities and simplification techniques in mathematics.

cbarker1
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Express as a Single Logarithm. Assume all the logarithms have the same base. The problem is:
$4*\log_{d}\left({a}\right)-\frac{5}{6}*\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{2}{3}*\log_{d}\left({c}\right)$, where $d\gt1$

then I use the power rule for logarithm for the beginning and use some grouping symbols for last two:

$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\frac{5}{6}\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{2}{3}\log_{d}\left({c}\right))$

Afterwards, I combine the coeffecients of the logarithms to be the common denominator of one sixth :
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\frac{5}{6}\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{4}{6}\log_{d}\left({c}\right))$

Here is where I have some trouble. Do I factor the one-sixth;then, use the sum-multiplication inside the group symbol or use the power again and the sum-multiplication rule for log inside the grouping symbol like this:
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\frac{5}{6}\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{4}{6}\log_{d}\left({c}\right))$ to
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\frac{1}{6}({5}\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+4\log_{d}\left({c}\right)))$
from that to this
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\frac{1}{6}(\log_{d}\left({b^5*c^4}\right))$
to $\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-\frac{1}{6}(\log_{d}\left({b^5*c^4}\right))$

Or

$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\frac{5}{6}\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{4}{6}\log_{d}\left({c}\right))$
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\log_{d}\left({\sqrt[6]{b^5}}\right)+\log_{d}\left({\sqrt[6]{c^4}}\right))$
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\log_{d}\left({\sqrt[6]{b^5}*\sqrt[6]{c^4}}\right))$
$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-(\log_{d}\left({\sqrt[6]{b^5*c^4}}\right))$

What to do next?Thank you

Cbarker1
 
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I think you can skip a lot of the intermediate steps you are taking. It's not wrong the way you're doing it though.

$$4*\log_{d}\left({a}\right)-\frac{5}{6}*\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{2}{3}*\log_{d}\left({c}\right)$$

$$\log_{d}\left({a^4}\right)-\log_{d}\left({b}^{\frac{5}{6}} \right)+\log_{d}\left({c}^{\frac{2}{3}}\right)$$

From here you need to remember two rules:

1) $$\log_{d}\left({a}\right)+\log_{d}\left({b}\right)=\log_{d}\left({ab}\right)$$

2) $$\log_{d}\left({a}\right)-\log_{d}\left({b}\right)=\log_{d}\left({\frac{a}{b}}\right)$$

Combine any two terms into one, then combine that with the third term. Simplify if possible at the end and keep powers written in fractional form until the end too.
 
Should I use the quotient to difference rule or the sum to multiplication rule first?The answer in the back of the book is $\log_{d}\left({a^4\sqrt[6]{\frac{c^4}{b^5}}}\right)$
 
It doesn't matter. You'll get the same answer either way, which is why I wrote pick any two terms to combine. If it's easier for you to stick with terms left to right then try combining the first two and see what you get. :)
 

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