How to Solve Logarithmic Equations? Find x^2*y^5/z^4

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving logarithmic equations involving variables x, y, and z, where the logarithms of these variables are given in terms of a base u. Participants are tasked with finding the expression x^2*y^5/z^4 based on these logarithmic values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods to manipulate the logarithmic equations, including raising numbers to their exponents and simplifying the expression. Some question how to handle the three unknowns and whether to find the logarithm of the expression first.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with some participants suggesting ways to simplify the expression and others expressing frustration with the acceptance of their answers. No consensus has been reached on a definitive method, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of clarity regarding the expected format of the answer and the potential for rounding errors in calculations. The problem is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements on the solution.

Mermaid4220
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Homework Statement



log base u (x)=2.26
log base u (y)=2.84
log base u (z)=4.38
find ;
x^2*y^5/z^4

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried many things raising each of the numbers to their exponents and dividing, using laws of the exponents it state we have to have the exact answer with no instructions as to what decimal point or just the formula or what...can anyone help either get me started or understand what I am supposed to do?
 
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I think what is meant is, be as exact as you can be and simplify that formula as much as possible. At the moment it has 3 unknowns, can you do something about that?
 
I inserted the numbers x=2.26 and so forth and tried many different ways and all the answers i got were not excepted...:( its probably an easy thing as it is in the first part of the homework but it seems I make the easiest thing hard for some reason :)
 
I would first solve the equations for x,y and z separately. Then label 2.6, 2.84 and 4.38 by a,b,c (so that in the end you get an exponent u^f, where f is entirely in terms of a,b,c - this avoids mid calculation rounding errors) and substitute x,y,z into the expression you need to find the value of. I think this is what you were trying but couldn't get any further?
 
Mermaid4220 said:

Homework Statement



log base u (x)=2.26
log base u (y)=2.84
log base u (z)=4.38
find ;
x^2*y^5/z^4

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried many things raising each of the numbers to their exponents and dividing, using laws of the exponents it state we have to have the exact answer with no instructions as to what decimal point or just the formula or what...can anyone help either get me started or understand what I am supposed to do?

Call the quantity ##w=\frac{x^2y^5}{z^4}##. What is ##\log_u(w)##? Then what is ##w##? The answer will depend on ##u##.
 
Its actually called u= not w= does that make a difference?
 
Mermaid4220 said:
Its actually called u= not w= does that make a difference?

?

You are using u as the base of your logs aren't you? I was just giving a name to your expression.
 
Mermaid4220 said:

Homework Statement



log base u (x)=2.26
log base u (y)=2.84
log base u (z)=4.38
find ;
x^2*y^5/z^4
It's my experience that such a problem would likely to ask you
to find :
##\displaystyle \log_{\,u}\left(
\frac{x^2y^5}{z^4}\right)\ .
##​

Finding this quantity first would help, even if it's not asked for.
 
That is exactly what they want and I found the quantity and tried several different ways of doing it but the program Wiley will not accept the answers :( I will get help tomorrow at school thanks anyways guys :)
 

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