Chapter 7: Problem 113
Solve: \(\quad \log _{3} x+\log _{3}(x+6)=3\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution to the equation is \(x = 3\).
Step by step solution
01
Combine Logs
Using property of logarithms, we can combine the two logarithms: \(\log _{3} x+\log _{3}(x+6) = \log_{3}(x*(x+6))\). This simplifies to \(\log_{3}(x^2+6x) = 3\)
02
Transform to Exponential Form
We can transform the logarithmic equation into an exponential form. This gives: \(3^{3} = x^2 + 6x\), simplifying to \(27 = x^2 + 6x\). Now this equation looks like a standard quadratic equation.
03
Rearrange into Standard Quadratic Form
We rearrange this equation into a standard quadratic form, by subtracting 27 from both sides to set the equation equal to zero. This gives: \(x^2 + 6x - 27 = 0\).
04
Factor the Quadratic Equation
We can solve for x by factoring the quadratic equation: \((x - 3)(x + 9) = 0\).
05
Solve for x
We set each factor equal to zero and solving, we obtain two potential solutions: \(x = 3\) and \(x = -9\). However, the domain of logarithms are \(x > 0\), so the only valid solution is \(x = 3\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Properties of Logarithms
Logarithms allow us to simplify expressions and solve equations through a set of properties. One particularly useful property is the product property, which combines two logarithms with the same base:
- Product Property: \ \( \log_a b + \log_a c = \log_a (b \cdot c) \)
- Power Property: \ \( \log_a (b^c) = c \cdot \log_a b \)
- Quotient Property: \ \( \log_a (\frac{b}{c}) = \log_a b - \log_a c \)
Exponential Form
Transforming logarithmic equations into exponential form is another critical step when solving these types of problems. The fundamental relationship is:
- If \ \( \log_a b = c \), then \ \( a^c = b \)
Quadratic Equations
Once a logarithmic equation is expressed in exponential form, it often leads us to a quadratic equation. Quadratic equations generally take the form:
- Standard Form: \ \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \)
- For \ \( (x - 3)(x + 9) = 0 \), solve each factor separately \ \( x - 3 = 0 \) and \ \( x + 9 = 0 \: \)
- Giving potential solutions of \ \( x = 3 \) and \ \( x = -9 \)
- Remember, solutions must be within domain constraints, especially for logarithms like \ \( x > 0 \)