Solving Logarithms Questions - Matt's Attempt

  • Thread starter Thread starter monkeyhead
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Logarithms
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves solving the equation 5^(x-1) = 4^(1-3x), which falls under the topic of logarithmic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the equation by applying logarithmic properties and rearranging terms. Some participants provide feedback on the correctness of the approach and suggest verifying the solution by substituting back into the original equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes validation of the original poster's approach, with some participants confirming the correctness of the operations performed. There is an indication of further exploration regarding the verification of the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the use of calculators for checking the solution, implying a focus on computational verification rather than theoretical exploration.

monkeyhead
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Just a quick check, I've spend hours trying to crack this. Have I gone the right way about it?

Homework Statement


Solve 5^(x-1)= 4^(1-3x)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(x-1)log5 = log4 (1-3x)

xlog5 - log5 = log4 - 3xlog4

xlog5 + 3xlog4= log4 + log 5

x(log5 + 3log4) = log4 + log 5

x= log4 + log 5/(log5 + 3log4)

= 0.519( 3dp)


Many thanks
Matt
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks correct, and I'm assuming that your actual operation was

x=\frac{\log 20}{\log{(5\times4^3)}}
 
I see thanks for the feedback
Matt
 
If you have a TI, just store your answer and then plug it back into your original equation and see if L=R.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
38
Views
7K