Problems with the quotient property of logarithms

[alancj]

My test here asks me to: "Use log5 2 =0.4307 and log5 3=0.6826 to approximate the value of log5 12."

According to my textbook I would solve this by subtracting (using the quotient property): 0.6826-0.4307. That = 0.2519.

But that number isn't right!

log5 12=1.544 (about) Which I found by trial and error. I have to show my work on the test so I need to know how to do it the "right" way.

How would I solve this the way it was intended to be?

Thanks,
Alan

 

[0rthodontist]

You want the product property not the quotient property. log₅12 = log₅(2 * 2 * 3).

 

[alancj]

You want the product property not the quotient property. log₅12 = log₅(2 * 2 * 3).

Yeah, but the only example that looks like my problem is the one where they are talking about the quotient property. That example has the exact same wording as the one I'm working on but just different numbers. I don't see how it would be anything else. Besides, adding 0.4307 + 0.6826 doesn't equal 1.544.

Unless I'm missing something here….

Edit:

HA! I get it now! 0.4307 + 0.4307 + 0.6826=1.544

I still hate my book.