How to Solve Simultaneous Equations with Logarithms

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving simultaneous equations involving logarithmic expressions. Participants are exploring how to express logarithmic terms in relation to a given variable and how to manipulate equations involving logarithms and algebraic expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to express logarithmic terms in terms of a variable, questioning the correctness of their manipulations. There are discussions on isolating variables and substituting expressions in simultaneous equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the logarithmic expressions and simultaneous equations, while others have pointed out errors in reasoning. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the equations, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance and the types of solutions discussed. There is a mention of a textbook reference that may influence the understanding of logarithmic relationships.

discombobulated
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I need some help with this please!

1. given p=logq 16, express in terms of p:
a) logq 2
b) logq (8q)

this is what i got:
a) p= logq16 = logq22
= 4logqqq
=1/4 p

b) p=logq16 =logq8 +logq q
=logq23 + 1
=3logq2 +1
...??

Also can someone please help get me started on these similtaneous equations?

8y =42x+3
log2 y = log2x +4

I'm not sure exactly how to equate them
 
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For the first one, the answer (\log_q2=p/4) is OK, but I have trouble understanding what you wrote before that.

For the second one, you can't assume that 16=8q. Otherwise, you're on the right track:

\log_q(8q)=\log_q8+\log_qq=3\log_q2+1

You already know what \log_q2 is in terms of p, so you're done.

EDIT:

For the third one, try to isolate y in terms of x from the second equation. Remember that \log_216=4. Then substitute that expression into the first equation and rewrite the eq. as a logarithm in base 8. Solve for x and then y.

EDIT2: Tnx, arildno, no wonder I didn't understand what he wrote, since it's wrong.

- Kamataat
 
Last edited:
discombobulated said:
Also can someone please help get me started on these similtaneous equations?

8y =42x+3
log2 y = log2x +4

I'm not sure exactly how to equate them
I'm not quote sure what you are doing here. But since, 8 = 23, and 4 = 22. So taking the logarithm base 2 of both sides, gives:
8y = 42x + 3
<=> log2(8y) = log2(42x + 3)
<=> log2(23y) = log2(22(2x + 3))
You can go from here, right? :)
 
a) is totally wrong.
You are in effect saying p=1/4p, which is incorrect.
 
ok I'm sorry for not setting it out clearly enough. What i meant was:
log 9 2 = 1/4 p
which according to my textbook is correct

don't worry I've managed to work out b) as well
if log 9 2 = 1/4 p
then logq(8q) = logq (23q)
so logq(8q) = 3/4p +1
 
Last edited:
Have you worked out the equation one yet?
Is it clear, or do you need more hints? :)
 

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