Logarithm Question: Solving for x with Substitution

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The discussion revolves around solving the equation √log2x = log2√x by substituting y = log2x. The solution process leads to the conclusion that y = 4, which implies x = 16. Participants confirm the correctness of this solution by checking the values of x and y against the original equation. Additionally, it is noted that there is a second solution, y = 0, which corresponds to x = 1, highlighting the importance of considering all potential solutions. The conversation also touches on improving clarity in mathematical communication on the forum.
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Homework Statement



by substituting y = log2x solve for x in the following equation:

√log2x = logs2√x

Homework Equations



logab=c then a^c = b

The Attempt at a Solution



if y = log2x then the equation becomes √y = log2 x^1/2
this implies √y = 1/2 log2x which simplifies to √y = 1/2 y
[√y]^2 = [ 1/2 y]^2
y = (y^2)/4
4y = y^2
4y-y^2 = 0
y(4-y) = 0
4-y = 0
y = 4
if y = 4 and y = log2x then 4 = log2x
if loga b = c then a ^c = b
this implies that 2^4 = x and x = 16. anyone agrees with this solution
 
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Doubell said:

Homework Statement



by substituting y = log2x solve for x in the following equation:

√log2x = logs2√x

Homework Equations



logab=c then a^c = b

The Attempt at a Solution



if y = log2x then the equation becomes √y = log2 x^1/2
this implies √y = 1/2 log2x which simplifies to √y = 1/2 y
[√y]^2 = [ 1/2 y]^2
y = (y^2)/4
4y = y^2
4y-y^2 = 0
y(4-y) = 0
4-y = 0
y = 4
if y = 4 and y = log2x then 4 = log2x
if loga b = c then a ^c = b
this implies that 2^4 = x and x = 16. anyone agrees with this solution

Is this the equation you're supposed to be solving
\sqrt{\log_2\,x\ }=\log_2\,\sqrt{x}\ \ ?​

The equation 2u2 = u , has two solutions. So does the equation 2y=\sqrt{y}\,.

Write 2u2 = u as 2u2 - u = 0, then factor out the common factor.
 
SammyS, isn't that exactly what he said he did?

Doublell, it's easy to check your answer. If x= 16 then \sqrt{x}= 4 and log_2(\sqrt{x})= log_2(4)= log_2(2^2)= 2. Of course, log_2(16)= log_2(2^4)= 4 so \sqrt{log_2(x})= \sqrt{4}= 2 also.
 
HallsofIvy said:
SammyS, isn't that exactly what he said he did?

Doublell, it's easy to check your answer. If x= 16 then \sqrt{x}= 4 and log_2(\sqrt{x})= log_2(4)= log_2(2^2)= 2. Of course, log_2(16)= log_2(2^4)= 4 so \sqrt{log_2(x})= \sqrt{4}= 2 also.
Well, I admit that I didn't read his post as carefully as I should have. (I may have spent too much time working with another PH user, and some of his behaviors were contagious.) However, what I should have pointed out, is that if y(4 - y) = 0, there are two solutions for y. OP did drop the y = 0 solution.

If log2(x) = 0, then x = 1.
 
Writing my posts more clearly

sammys said:
well, i admit that i didn't read his post as carefully as i should have. (i may have spent too much time working with another ph user, and some of his behaviors were contagious.) however, what i should have pointed out, is that if y(4 - y) = 0, there are two solutions for y. Op did drop the y = 0 solution.

If log2(x) = 0, then x = 1.

i noticed that my post are not as clear as u guys eg i write log2x when in ur posts its clear to understand any advice on how i can post my questions in a similar fashion as yours?
 


Doubell said:
i noticed that my post are not as clear as u guys eg i write log2x when in ur posts its clear to understand any advice on how i can post my questions in a similar fashion as yours?

Please - no textspeak (e.g., u and ur). Using textspeak is a violation of forum rules.

You can write exponents and subscripts using the expanded menu that is available when you click Go Advanced. For subscripts, as in log2(x), click the X2 button and enter the subscript. (It doesn't have to be 2.)

For exponents, as in w4, click the X2 button and enter the exponent. There are a bunch of other symbols that you can use, shown to the right of the text-entry window, such as √, ≤, Ʃ, ±, and Greek letters.
 


mark44 said:
please - no textspeak (e.g., u and ur). Using textspeak is a violation of forum rules.

You can write exponents and subscripts using the expanded menu that is available when you click go advanced. For subscripts, as in log2(x), click the x2 button and enter the subscript. (it doesn't have to be 2.)

for exponents, as in w4, click the x2 button and enter the exponent. There are a bunch of other symbols that you can use, shown to the right of the text-entry window, such as √, ≤, Ʃ, ±, and greek letters.

thanks and i will remember no text speaking
 
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