Chapter 9: Problem 35
Solve each equation. See Examples 1 through 4. $$ \log _{4} x-\log _{4}(2 x-3)=3 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \(x = \frac{192}{127}\).
Step by step solution
01
Apply Logarithmic Identity
Recall the property of logarithms: \( \log_b a - \log_b c = \log_b \left( \frac{a}{c} \right) \). We can use this identity to combine the two logarithms on the left hand side of the equation: \[ \log_{4} x - \log_{4} (2x - 3) = \log_{4} \left( \frac{x}{2x - 3} \right) \] Thus, the equation becomes: \[ \log_{4} \left( \frac{x}{2x - 3} \right) = 3 \]
02
Convert to Exponential Form
To solve the equation \( \log_{4} \left( \frac{x}{2x - 3} \right) = 3 \), convert the logarithmic equation to its exponential form. The exponential form of \( \log_{b} a = c \) is \( a = b^c \). \[ \frac{x}{2x - 3} = 4^3\] Calculate \(4^3\): \[ 4^3 = 64 \] So we have: \[ \frac{x}{2x - 3} = 64 \]
03
Solve for x
Now solve the equation \( \frac{x}{2x - 3} = 64 \). Start by multiplying both sides of the equation by \((2x - 3)\) to clear the fraction:\[ x = 64(2x - 3) \] Expand the right side:\[ x = 128x - 192 \] Rearrange terms to isolate \(x\):\[ x - 128x = -192 \] Combine like terms:\[ -127x = -192 \] Divide by -127:\[ x = \frac{-192}{-127} = \frac{192}{127} \]
04
Verify the Solution
Substitute \(x = \frac{192}{127} \) back into the original logarithmic equation: \[ \log_{4} \frac{192}{127} - \log_{4}(2 \times \frac{192}{127} - 3) = 3 \] Calculate:\[ 2 \times \frac{192}{127} - 3 = \frac{384}{127} - \frac{381}{127} = \frac{3}{127} \] So: \[ \log_{4} \frac{192}{127} - \log_{4} \frac{3}{127} = \log_{4} \frac{64}{1} = \log_{4} 64 \] Since \(\log_{4} 64 = 3\), the left side equals the right side, verifying the solution. Thus, \(x = \frac{192}{127}\) is the correct solution.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Logarithmic Identities
In mathematics, understanding the properties of logarithms can save you a lot of time and effort when solving equations. A key property to remember is the logarithm subtraction identity: \( \log_b a - \log_b c = \log_b \left( \frac{a}{c} \right) \). This identity allows us to combine two logarithms with the same base into a single logarithm, simplifying the expression.
- It helps in reducing the complexity of equations where logarithms appear on both sides.
- Once combined, it is often easier to manipulate and solve the equation as a whole.
Solving Logarithmic Equations
With the logarithmic identities simplified, the next step is solving the equation. A logarithmic equation typically requires converting it into a more manageable form to find the solution.
- Identify the logarithmic form and recognize applicable identities or properties.
- Convert it into an exponential form, which is often easier to solve.
Exponential Form
Converting a logarithmic equation into its exponential form is a critical step in solving the equation. This conversion directly uses the definition: \( \log_b a = c \) is equivalent to \( a = b^c \).
- This step simplifies the arithmetic involved by transforming a logarithm problem into an exponent problem.
- Exponential equations are typically solved by isolating the variable or using techniques like factorization.
Verifying Solutions
Finding a solution is essential, but verification ensures that the solution you've found is correct. Verifying requires substituting the solution back into the original equation.
- This process helps confirm that the solution satisfies the initial condition set by the equation.
- It also checks for extraneous solutions that might not have been apparent initially.