Chapter 5: Problem 46
Solve each logarithmic equation. Express all solutions in exact form. Support your solutions by using a calculator. $$1-4 \ln (2 x-1)=-5$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(x = \frac{e^{3/2} + 1}{2}\)
Step by step solution
01
Isolate the Logarithmic Term
To solve the logarithmic equation, we first need to isolate the logarithmic term. Starting from the equation: \[1 - 4 \ln(2x - 1) = -5\]Subtract 1 from both sides:\[-4 \ln(2x - 1) = -6\]
02
Divide Both Sides by -4
Now, divide both sides of the equation by -4 to solve for the natural logarithm:\[\ln(2x - 1) = \frac{6}{4} = \frac{3}{2}\]
03
Exponentiate to Eliminate the Logarithm
To eliminate the logarithm, exponentiate both sides using the base of the natural logarithm, which is \(e\). Hence, \[e^{\ln(2x-1)} = e^{\frac{3}{2}}\]This simplifies to:\[2x - 1 = e^{\frac{3}{2}}\]
04
Solve for x
Now solve for \(x\) by isolating it on one side of the equation:First, add 1 to both sides:\[2x = e^{\frac{3}{2}} + 1\]Then divide by 2:\[x = \frac{e^{\frac{3}{2}} + 1}{2}\]
05
Verify the Solution with a Calculator
Use a calculator to compute \(e^{\frac{3}{2}}\). If necessary, convert the result to a numerical value to verify the final solution. This checks that the solution satisfies the original equation as closely as possible, taking into account any rounding errors.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Logarithm
Natural logarithms are logs to the base of e, where e is approximately equal to 2.71828. The symbol for natural logarithm is \( \ln \). When you see \( \ln(x) \), it means "the power to which we must raise the number e to get x." Natural logarithms are particularly useful in calculus and can simplify complex multiplicative processes with their additive properties.
- Given \( \ln(a) = b \), it indicates that \( e^b = a \).
- In the logarithmic equation \( \ln(2x - 1) = \frac{3}{2} \), it tells us that the expression \( 2x - 1 \) can be rewritten in terms of the exponential function, namely: \( e^{\frac{3}{2}} \).
Exponentiation
Exponentiation is a mathematical operation involving two numbers, the base and the exponent. The exponent indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself. For example, in \( 2^3 \), 2 is the base, and 3 is the exponent, meaning \( 2 \times 2 \times 2 \).
- The property \( e^{\ln(x)} = x \) allows us to "undo" the logarithm. That's why in our step-by-step solution, we use exponentiation to solve \( \ln(2x - 1) = \frac{3}{2} \). Both sides of the equation are raised to the power of e.
- Applying exponentiation helps remove the logarithm, simplifying the expression to \( 2x - 1 = e^{\frac{3}{2}} \).
Exact Form Solutions
In mathematics, an exact form solution provides the answer in terms of constants and variables without numerical approximations. Instead of converting \( e^{\frac{3}{2}} \) into a decimal, exact form means leaving it as \( e^{\frac{3}{2}} + 1 \). It provides exact values that are often more insightful, as any numerical approximation could introduce error.
- In the logarithmic equation solution, we find \( x = \frac{e^{\frac{3}{2}} + 1}{2} \).
- This expression is exact, relying on the fundamental constants like e, which is crucial for maintaining precise information in scientific and mathematical work.
Use of Calculator in Algebra
Using a calculator in algebra can be invaluable when verifying results or converting exact expressions into decimal form. For example, when we solve for \( x \) in the equation and find \( x = \frac{e^{\frac{3}{2}} + 1}{2} \), using a calculator allows us to compute \( e^{\frac{3}{2}} \) to get a numerical approximation for practical interpretation.
- Enter expressions carefully into the calculator to avoid errors. Ensure you're using parentheses correctly to maintain mathematical accuracy.
- Use calculators to check your algebra by comparing the approximated decimal values against your expectations from the exact form solution.