How do I condense the expression 3/2ln5t^6-3/4lnt^4?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around condensing a logarithmic expression involving coefficients and exponents: 3/2ln(5t^6) - 3/4ln(t^4). Participants explore the application of logarithmic properties to simplify the expression.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct application of logarithmic rules, particularly focusing on the properties of logarithms related to subtraction and coefficients. Questions arise about the handling of fractions and exponents within the logarithmic terms.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct methods to condense the expression. Some participants have provided hints and corrections regarding the application of logarithmic laws, while others express uncertainty about their progress and understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. There is a focus on ensuring that the logarithmic properties are correctly applied without providing complete solutions.

ohchelsea
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i have to condense this expression:

3/2ln5t^6-3/4lnt^4

i may have done this in the wrong order but so far I've gotten to this point:
(3/2ln5t^6)/(3/4lnt^4)am i doing this right? is that all i have to do?
 
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Remember the rule: logxa=alogx
 
so what do i do about those fractions and the exponents that are already there?
 
Well, start from the top again, [since you use the incorrect division of logs rule; the correct one is that loga-logb=log(a/b)].

Firstly, tidy up the expression and remove the exponents, so, what would [tex]\frac{3}{2}\ln 5t^6[/tex] simplify to, using the rule I gave in post 2? Similarly, what would the second term become?

Then use the division property I give above to combine the two into one logarithm.
 
ohchelsea said:
i have to condense this expression:

3/2ln5t^6-3/4lnt^4

i may have done this in the wrong order but so far I've gotten to this point:
(3/2ln5t^6)/(3/4lnt^4)


am i doing this right? is that all i have to do?

What exactly do you mean by "condensing" the expression? Writing it as a single expression. Your basic idea is right but you are misremembering a "law of logarithms".
ln a- ln b= ln (a/b), NOT "ln(a)/ln(b)". Also, as cristo pointed out, you need to handle those coefficients, (3/2) and (3/4).
[tex]\frac{3}{2}ln(5t^6)= ln((5t^6)^{3/2}[/tex]
 
okay so i got this:

(ln5t^9)/(lnt^3)

i still don't feel like i did that right =/
 
Sorry, I read that as ln(5t)^6 and then used horrible notation in my post!

ohchelsea said:
okay so i got this:

(ln5t^9)/(lnt^3)

i still don't feel like i did that right =/

You're still using the law of subtraction of logs incorrectly! Also, looking at Halls' post, note that your first term should be [tex]\ln(5^{3/2}t^9)[/tex]. Then look again at the rule loga-logb=log(a/b)
 
okay i see how i was doing it wrong now...sorry had a dumb moment.

so then would i get
ln(5^3/2*t^9)/t^3) ?
 
Ok, can this be simplified?

[Hint: [tex]\frac{x^a}{x^b}=x^{a-b}[/tex] ]
 
  • #10
ln(5^3/2)t^6 ?
 
  • #11
Yea, it's all in the argument of the log function though: [tex]\ln(5^{3/2}t^6)[/tex]
 
  • #12
yay! thank you so much!
 

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