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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on expressing the logarithmic expression $4*\log_{d}\left({a}\right)-\frac{5}{6}*\log_{d}\left({b}\right)+\frac{2}{3}*\log_{d}\left({c}\right)$ as a single logarithm. Participants emphasize the application of logarithmic rules, specifically the power rule and the properties of logarithmic addition and subtraction. The final expression simplifies to $\log_{d}\left({a^4\sqrt[6]{\frac{c^4}{b^5}}}\right)$, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining terms using both the sum-to-product and quotient rules.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logarithmic properties, including the power rule and sum-to-product rules.
  • Familiarity with manipulating algebraic expressions involving logarithms.
  • Knowledge of fractional exponents and their relationship to roots.
  • Basic algebra skills for combining and simplifying expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithms in detail, focusing on the power, product, and quotient rules.
  • Practice simplifying complex logarithmic expressions using various combinations of logarithmic rules.
  • Explore the concept of fractional exponents and their applications in logarithmic expressions.
  • Review examples of logarithmic equations and their solutions to reinforce understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone studying algebraic expressions involving logarithms, particularly those preparing for advanced mathematics or calculus courses.

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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