Why is there a twist in these logarithms?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around proving that if \( a, b, c \neq 1 \), then the equation involving logarithms leads to the conclusion that \( abc = 1 \). A participant attempted to simplify the problem by substituting logarithmic expressions but initially struggled to reach the proof. They eventually realized that recognizing the relationship \( a^3 + b^3 + c^3 = 3abc \) was key to solving the problem. The conversation highlights the importance of simplifying logarithmic terms and the need for collaborative problem-solving in mathematics. Ultimately, the participants emphasize the significance of recalling fundamental algebraic identities in tackling complex logarithmic equations.
sidt36
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MENTOR note: THread moved from General Math

I just can get it

This problem has been driving me crazy for a week now

If\quad a,b,c\quad \neq \quad 1\\ Also\quad (log_{ b }{ a\cdot }log_{ c }{ a }\quad +\quad log_{ a }{ a })\quad +\quad (log_{ a }{ b\cdot }log_{ c }{ b }\quad +\quad log_{ b }{ b })\quad +\quad (log_{ a }{ c\cdot }log_{ b }{ c }\quad +\quad log_{ c }{ c })\quad =\quad 0\\ Prove\quad that\quad \\ abc\quad =\quad 1\\ Additionally\\ If\quad a,b,c\quad =\quad 1\quad Prove\quad a=b=cMy attempt

So what I did was

call log_a b = p ,log_b = q,log_c a=q

I plugged this in and made an interesting discovery

pqr = 1

So i used this in the equation above and tried to get to the proof but didn't work

Where am I faltering
?
 
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On the first proof, did you notice how to simplify the ##log_{a} ( a )##?
 
Of course i wrote it as 1 and proceeded
 
Did you try to convert the factors to a common log base base like log_b(a) + ln(a)/ln(b)?
 
Yes i did try that
 
and will you be showing your work? We can't help you here unless you show some work.
 
Well its alright i got it on my own:smile:
 
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Likes jedishrfu
I needed to remember that If a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc

a+b+c=0 or a=b=c
 
  • #10
sidt36 said:
I needed to remember that If a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc

a+b+c=0 or a=b=c

Where did that come from? It wasn't part of the original problem you posted.
 
  • #11
sidt36 said:
I needed to remember that If a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc
Shouldn't there be a minus sign in there?
 

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