# Homework Help: Simplifying logs

1. Dec 16, 2009

### shocklightnin

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
How do i solve for the subscript in:
(log (sub5)) / 2 = log(sub x)

2. Relevant equations

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3. The attempt at a solution

the original question was:

(log(subx)7)(log(sub7)5)=2
solve for x.
however i dont get how to solve for a subscript....

2. Dec 16, 2009

### icystrike

i don't get your question:

$$\frac{\log_{5}}{2}=\log_{x}$$

3. Dec 16, 2009

### shocklightnin

thats the right equation, i was just wondering if anyone could help me solve for that 'x'?

4. Dec 16, 2009

### icystrike

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5. Dec 16, 2009

### shocklightnin

thank you so much, you make understanding logs really easy! thanks.

6. Dec 16, 2009

### icystrike

Its my pleasure (=

7. Dec 16, 2009

### HallsofIvy

Warning, shocklightnin. Icystrike may have misunderstood your question and given a wrong answer!

I would interpret your question, since you specifically stated that "5" and "x" were "subscripts" (I would say "bases") as
"If
$$\frac{log_5(a)}{2}= log_x(a)$$
for some a, what is x?"

Then icystrike is answering a completely different question:
$$\frac{log(5)}{log(2)}= log(x)$$
which is, in a sense, the "reverse" of the original question!

If my interpretion is correct, since $log_x(a)= log(a)/log(x)$ and $log_5(a)= log(a)/log(5)$, where "log" on the right of each equation can be to any base, it follows that
$$\frac{log(a)}{log(5)}= 2\frac{log(a)}{log(x)}$$
Now the "log(a)" terms cancel out and we have

$$\frac{1}{log(5)}= \frac{2}{log(x)}$$

That is the equation you want to solve.

8. Dec 16, 2009

### icystrike

there was a missing "a" to the equation , thus , i check with him if he was referring to the above equation that i mention. Hope he will reply (=

9. Dec 16, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

Which seems to be

$$\log_x 7 \times \log_7 5 = 2$$

and as far as I can tell it was not yet mentioned...