Solving Logs Subscript: (log(sub5))/2=log(subx)

  • Thread starter Thread starter shocklightnin
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Simplifying
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving logarithmic equations, specifically focusing on the relationship between different logarithmic bases. The original problem involves determining the value of 'x' in a logarithmic equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to clarify the original equation and its components, with some questioning the interpretation of subscripts as bases. Others express confusion about the correct formulation of the problem and how to isolate 'x'.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations of the original question, with some participants providing alternative formulations and equations. Guidance has been offered regarding the potential misunderstanding of the subscripts and how they relate to the logarithmic properties, but no consensus has been reached on the exact approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original question may have lacked clarity regarding the variable 'a' in the logarithmic expressions, which could affect the interpretation of the problem. There is also mention of imposed homework rules that may limit the type of assistance provided.

shocklightnin
Messages
31
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


How do i solve for the subscript in:
(log (sub5)) / 2 = log(sub x)


Homework Equations



--

The Attempt at a Solution



the original question was:

(log(subx)7)(log(sub7)5)=2
solve for x.
however i don't get how to solve for a subscript...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
i don't get your question:

[tex]\frac{\log_{5}}{2}=\log_{x}[/tex]
 
icystrike said:
i don't get your question:

[tex]\frac{\log_{5}}{2}=\log_{x}[/tex]

thats the right equation, i was just wondering if anyone could help me solve for that 'x'?
 
attachment.php?attachmentid=22535&stc=1&d=1260950590.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 2.jpg
    2.jpg
    3.6 KB · Views: 470
icystrike said:
attachment.php?attachmentid=22535&stc=1&d=1260950590.jpg

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

Its my pleasure (=
 
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
[tex]\frac{log_5(a)}{2}= log_x(a)[/tex]
for some a, what is x?"

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

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

[tex]\frac{1}{log(5)}= \frac{2}{log(x)}[/tex]

That is the equation you want to solve.
 
HallsofIvy said:
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
[tex]\frac{log_5(a)}{2}= log_x(a)[/tex]
for some a, what is x?"

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

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

[tex]\frac{1}{log(5)}= \frac{2}{log(x)}[/tex]

That is the equation you want to solve.

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 (=
 
shocklightnin said:
the original question was:

(log(subx)7)(log(sub7)5)=2

Which seems to be

[tex]\log_x 7 \times \log_7 5 = 2[/tex]

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

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K