Chapter 5: Problem 34
Solve each logarithmic equation. Express all solutions in exact form. Support your solutions by using a calculator. $$3 \log x=2$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The exact solution is \( x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \).
Step by step solution
01
Isolate the logarithm
Start by isolating the logarithm on one side of the equation. Divide both sides of the equation by 3 to get the logarithm by itself. The equation becomes: \[ \log x = \frac{2}{3} \]
02
Convert logarithmic form to exponential form
The equation \( \log x = \frac{2}{3} \) can be converted from its logarithmic form to its exponential form. Recall that \( \log_b a = c \) is equivalent to \( b^c = a \). Here the base of the logarithm is 10 (since no base is mentioned, it is assumed to be 10). Therefore, the equation can be rewritten as: \[ x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \]
03
Solve for x
At this point, we need to find the value of \( x \). Calculate \( 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \) using a calculator. This means we need to compute the cube root of \( 10^2 \). \[ x = (10^2)^{\frac{1}{3}} = 100^{\frac{1}{3}} \] Using a calculator: \[ x \approx 4.6416 \] However, express this in exact form as: \[ x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Form
Exponential form is a way of expressing numbers where a base is raised to a power. It gives us a clearer perspective on growth and compound changes. When you have an expression like \( b^c = a \), it means the base \( b \) is multiplied by itself \( c \) times to give \( a \).
In the process of solving logarithmic equations, transitioning to exponential form is key. In our exercise, the original logarithmic equation was \( \log x = \frac{2}{3} \). By applying the conversion principle \( \log_b a = c \) to \( b^c = a \), we identified the base as 10 (common for logarithms without an explicit base). Thus, we rewrote it as \( x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \).
In the process of solving logarithmic equations, transitioning to exponential form is key. In our exercise, the original logarithmic equation was \( \log x = \frac{2}{3} \). By applying the conversion principle \( \log_b a = c \) to \( b^c = a \), we identified the base as 10 (common for logarithms without an explicit base). Thus, we rewrote it as \( x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \).
- The base 10 indicates a common logarithm.
- The exponent \( \frac{2}{3} \) signifies the operation: 10 raised to the power of two-thirds.
Logarithms
A logarithm answers the question: "to what power must we raise a base to get a number?" It is the inverse operation of exponentiation. For example, given \( \log_b a = c \), we know that \( b^c = a \). Logarithms are commonly used in various fields to handle exponential relationships effectively.
In the equation we started with, \( 3 \log x = 2 \), we aimed to find \( x \) by isolating \( \log x \). By dividing both sides by 3, we simplified the equation to \( \log x = \frac{2}{3} \). Here, the base is assumed to be 10, representing the common logarithm.
In the equation we started with, \( 3 \log x = 2 \), we aimed to find \( x \) by isolating \( \log x \). By dividing both sides by 3, we simplified the equation to \( \log x = \frac{2}{3} \). Here, the base is assumed to be 10, representing the common logarithm.
- This process makes the equation manageable, paving the way to convert it into exponential form.
- It highlights how logarithms simplify complex power scenarios, making calculations feasible.
Exact Form Solutions
Expressing solutions in exact form means providing them precisely, without rounding decimals. Exact forms give a clearer, more accurate understanding of mathematical expressions, essential for rigorous math practice.
In our problem, after converting the logarithmic equation to exponential form, we obtained \( x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \). Even though calculating the approximate decimal value gives \( x \approx 4.6416 \), the exact form \( 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \) is preferred for precision.
In our problem, after converting the logarithmic equation to exponential form, we obtained \( x = 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \). Even though calculating the approximate decimal value gives \( x \approx 4.6416 \), the exact form \( 10^{\frac{2}{3}} \) is preferred for precision.
- Exact forms maintain the integrity of the solution.
- They are critical for advanced mathematical proofs and computer algorithms.