How to Solve the Equation [(√2) +1]²¹ = [(√2)-1]*[3+2(√2)]˟ˉ¹ for x?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the equation \([(√2) +1]^{21} = [(√2)-1]*[3+2(√2)]^{x-1}\). Participants explore the structure of the equation, identify the location of the variable \(x\), and propose methods for solving it, including logarithmic approaches and algebraic manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion regarding the placement of \(x\) in the equation, with one suggesting it is an exponent of \([3 + 2\sqrt{2}]\).
  • Others clarify that the equation can be rewritten as \((\sqrt{2} + 1)^{21} = (\sqrt{2} - 1)(3 + 2\sqrt{2})^{x-1}\).
  • One participant proposes that the problem can be simplified to the form \(a = b \cdot c^{x-1}\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants, and suggests taking logarithms to solve for \(x\).
  • Another participant provides a transformation of the equation, indicating that \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}-1} = \sqrt{2}+1\) and notes that \((\sqrt{2}+1)^2 = 3+2\sqrt{2}\).
  • There is a disagreement regarding whether the solution should involve logarithms or if it can be solved through simpler arithmetic in the context of integers involving \(\sqrt{2}\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to solve the equation. Some advocate for logarithmic solutions, while others argue for a more straightforward arithmetic approach.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of the equation's formatting, which has led to confusion about the variable \(x\) and its role in the equation. The discussion also reflects differing opinions on the appropriateness of using logarithmic methods versus direct arithmetic solutions.

devanlevin
how do i solve this equatio?
[(√2) +1]²¹=[(√2)-1]*[3+2(√2)]˟ˉ¹


(√2) is sqare root of 2

hhow do i find x?

how can i divide [(√2) +1]²¹ by =[(√2)-1]
 
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I don't see x in your equation.
 
devanlevin said:
how do i solve this equatio?
[(√2) +1]²¹=[(√2)-1]*[3+2(√2)]˟ˉ¹


(√2) is sqare root of 2

hhow do i find x?

how can i divide [(√2) +1]²¹ by =[(√2)-1]

there's your x Borek.
 
Perhaps I am missing something, or it is just my computer glitch, but I have no idea where and what the unknown is and I can't see it with this formatting neither in Opera nor in IE. I see either some square or nothing on the right - but even after checking its code (#735) I am not wiser, as by name that's "swedish grave accent"...

Is it shaped as x? Is this the equation?

[tex](\sqrt 2 + 1) ^{21} = \frac {(\sqrt 2 - 1)(3+2 \sqrt 2)} {x}[/tex]
 
I'm confused as well. It appears that the x is located as an exponent of [3 + 2*sqrt(2)], more like:

[3 + 2*sqrt(2)]^(x-1)
 
Last edited:
Something like

[tex](\sqrt 2 + 1) ^{21} = (\sqrt 2 - 1)(3+2 \sqrt 2) ^{x-1}[/tex]
 
Borek said:
Something like

[tex](\sqrt 2 + 1) ^{21} = (\sqrt 2 - 1)(3+2 \sqrt 2) ^{x-1}[/tex]

Yeah like that.

Sorry about what I posted earlier, I changed it since I accidently put -x instead of x-1 :smile:
 
exactly that, x-1 is the exponent
 
So your problem is simply to solve a= bcx-1 where a, b, c are numbers?

Surely you see that cx-1= (a/b). Now take the logarithm of both sides.
 
  • #10
First , you can write
[tex] \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}-1}=\frac{\sqrt{2}+1}{(\sqrt{2}+1)(\sqrt{2}-1)}=\sqrt{2}+1.[/tex]
Also,
[tex] (\sqrt{2}+1)^2=2+2\sqrt{2}+1=3+2\sqrt{2}.[/tex]
Hopefully, that helps
 
  • #11
Your equation is of the form:
[tex]a=b*c^{x-1}[/tex]
where a,b,c are ugly numbers.
Solve for x in this GENERAL form first, and then, if you absolutely have to, substitute them with your ugly numbers.
 
  • #12
arildno said:
Your equation is of the form:
[tex]a=b*c^{x-1}[/tex]
where a,b,c are ugly numbers.
Solve for x in this GENERAL form first, and then, if you absolutely have to, substitute them with your ugly numbers.

I disagree totally with this. The general answer would be x=log(a/b)/log(c)+1, but the point of the original question seems to be to do some simple arithmetic in [tex]Z[\sqrt{2}][/itex], and the answer is an integer, and can be solved exactly without resorting to log tables or a calculator. Expressed as logs, that would not be clear.[/tex]
 

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