Solving Logarithmic Equations: 2 Problems

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Homework Statement


I have 2 problems ,which are:
1) Solve :log 7 (x 3+27) + log 7 (x+3)
2) Solve for x:log5 ( 5 1/x+ 125) log 5 6+1+1/2x


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The first one tried like this :
log 7 { (x 3+27)/(x+3) }= 2
or 7 2 = (x 3+27)/(x+3)
But I don't know how to proceed beyond it please help!
in second one
log5{( 5 1/x+ 125) /6}=1+1/2x
but I can't proceed here too.
I need an urgent help!
Thank You!
 
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Please check the original problems as I see typos abound. For instance, in the first problem,

log 7 (x 3+27) + log 7 (x+3)

...I see no right hand side. Also, if what you have above is correct, then you're next step...

log 7 { (x 3+27)/(x+3) }= 2

...is already wrong. (Is is supposed to be divide?)

Finally, if the last step above is supposed to have a divide, then review factoring special products -- specifically, the sum of two cubes.


69
 
For the first one, you could multiply through by x+3 to give

[tex]49(x+3)=x^3+27[/tex]

and then solve that cubic by simplifying and turning it into the form [tex]ax^3+bx^2+cx+d=0[/tex]
but cubics are hard to solve, an easier way would be to realize that [tex]x^3+27[/tex] is a sum of two cubes, mainly [tex]x^3+3^3=(x+3)(x^2-3x+9)[/tex] which means you can cancel the x+3 from the numerator and denominator, giving you only a quadratic to solve, which is much simpler. Remember to look back at the original question to figure out what the domain of x is.

For the second, do the same thing as you did above, turn the log into powers such that

[tex]\frac{5^{\frac{1}{x}}+125}{6}=5^{1+\frac{1}{2x}}[/tex]

Now simplify the right hand side. You should be able to factorize out 51/x and then solve.
 
1/2" said:

Homework Statement


I have 2 problems ,which are:
1) Solve :log 7 (x 3+27) + log 7 (x+3)
2) Solve for x:log5 ( 5 1/x+ 125) log 5 6+1+1/2x

I agree with eumyang. Is the question to simply the above expressions? Also, with the second problem, are you missing any brackets/parenthesis at all?

The Bob
 
At least in the second, 1/2" specifically says "solve for x". There are no equations to be solved!
 
HallsofIvy said:
At least in the second, 1/2" specifically says "solve for x". There are no equations to be solved!

1/2" said:
2) Solve for x:log5 ( 5 1/x+ 125) log 5 6+1+1/2x

...

log5{( 5 1/x+ 125) /6}=1+1/2x

It's an honest mistake to mix up + and = considering they're the same key on the keyboard, but he did have lots of typos so it could have been re-interpreted as anything.

And for the first equation, let's just assume he started to solve the correct problem, i.e. f(x)=2.
 
Thanks for the help but I figured it out!
Thanks everyone!
 

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