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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the equation log3 (x-2) + log3 (x-4) = 7, which falls under logarithmic equations in algebra. Participants are exploring the steps to isolate x and apply the properties of logarithms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss combining logarithmic terms and applying the inverse function of logarithms. There are attempts to manipulate the equation into a quadratic form, with some questioning the correctness of their algebraic steps and sign usage.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and corrections regarding the application of the quadratic formula and the handling of signs. There is a recognition of potential errors in calculations, but no consensus on the final solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the domain restrictions for x, indicating that x must be greater than 4 due to the logarithmic terms. There are also mentions of confusion regarding the application of the quadratic formula and the use of calculators for logarithmic functions.

  • #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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