Solve for x log3 (x-2) + log3 (x-4) = 7

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around solving the logarithmic equation log3 (x-2) + log3 (x-4) = 7. Participants clarify that the equation can be simplified to log3 ((x-2)(x-4)) = 7, leading to the product (x-2)(x-4) = 3^7. The quadratic equation x^2 - 6x - 2179 = 0 is derived, and users are guided to apply the Quadratic Formula correctly. The discussion emphasizes the importance of careful sign management in calculations to arrive at the correct solution.

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  • Understanding of logarithmic functions, specifically log base 3.
  • Familiarity with the properties of logarithms, including product and inverse functions.
  • Knowledge of the Quadratic Formula and its application.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for x.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the properties of logarithms, particularly the product rule.
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  • #31


:rolleyes:
 
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  • #32


nae99 said:
:smile: oh i see ok. so it should be;

x = -(-6) \pm \sqrt{} -6^2 - 4*1*-2179 / 2*1
Use enough parentheses to make your expressions say what you mean.

If you mean, x = {-(-6) ± √[(-6)^2 - 4*1*(-2179) ] }/ (2*1),

then, yes, you are right.
 
  • #33


and now it will be:
x = -(-6) \pm \sqrt{} -36 - 8716 / 2

ok thanks very much
 
  • #34


No,

What is (-6)2 ?

What is -4*(1)*(-2179) ?

How were you taking the square root of negative numbers?
 
  • #35


nae99 said:
i don't know how to plug it into the equation
If log[a](b) denotes the base-a logarithm of b, then x = log[a](b) solves the equation a^x = b = (exp(ln(a))^x = exp(x*ln(a)), so x*ln(a) = ln(b). So, if you can compute ln then x = log[a](b) = ln(b)/ln(a). If you prefer to use base-10 logs, you would have, instead, log[a](b) = log[10](b)/log[10](a).

RGV
 
  • #36


(-6)^2 = -36

-4*(1)*(-2179) = 8716

so should it be √ -36 + 8716 / 2
 
  • #37


sammys said:
no,

what is (-6)2 ?

What is -4*(1)*(-2179) ?

How were you taking the square root of negative numbers?

(-6)^2 = 36

-4*(1)*(-2179) = 8716
 
  • #38


Or you can use change of base. It might be a little tedious though...
 
  • #39


BloodyFrozen said:
Or you can use change of base. It might be a little tedious though...
Have you looked at the previous posts in this thread? Change of base would appear to be a huge stretch if we are having this trouble with plugging into the quadratic formula.
 
  • #40


SammyS said:
Have you looked at the previous posts in this thread? Change of base would appear to be a huge stretch if we are having this trouble with plugging into the quadratic formula.

i don't have any how to plug it into anything, so I am clueless of what you u are talking about
 
  • #41


SammyS said:
Have you looked at the previous posts in this thread? Change of base would appear to be a huge stretch if we are having this trouble with plugging into the quadratic formula.

Yeah, true...

nae99 said:
(-6)^2 = -36
-4*(1)*(-2179) = 8716

so should it be √ -36 + 8716 / 2

(-6)^2 = (-1)^2*(6)^2 = 36
-6^2 = -1*(6)^2 = -36

P.S. Nae99, may I ask what kind of Pre-calc class (college, high school) you are taking?
 
  • #42


BloodyFrozen said:
Yeah, true...



(-6)^2 = (-1)^2*(6)^2 = 36
-6^2 = -1*(6)^2 = -36

P.S. Nae99, may I ask what kind of Pre-calc class (college, high school) you are taking?

college
 

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