Solve Log Base 1/7 Inequality: Finding Domain of x²+3x < 2log(3x+1)

Question

Find the domain of X given the following:

\log_{\frac{1}{7}}(x^2+3x)<2\log_{\frac{1}{7}}(3x+1)

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Solve
00:07 We'll use the power logarithm formula, raise the number to the coefficient
00:22 We'll compare the logarithm numbers
00:37 We'll expand brackets using shortened multiplication formulas
00:47 We'll group terms and arrange the equation
00:57 We'll use the roots formula to find possible solutions
01:22 There is no negative root, therefore there is no solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the inequality log17(x2+3x)<2log17(3x+1) \log_{\frac{1}{7}}(x^2+3x) < 2\log_{\frac{1}{7}}(3x+1) , let's proceed step by step:

  • Step 1: Simplify the right side using the power rule of logarithms:
    2log17(3x+1)=log17((3x+1)2) 2\log_{\frac{1}{7}}(3x+1) = \log_{\frac{1}{7}}((3x+1)^2).
  • Step 2: The inequality becomes:
    log17(x2+3x)<log17((3x+1)2) \log_{\frac{1}{7}}(x^2+3x) < \log_{\frac{1}{7}}((3x+1)^2).
  • Step 3: Since the base of the logarithm is 17\frac{1}{7}, which is less than 1, the inequality changes direction:
    x2+3x>(3x+1)2 x^2 + 3x > (3x + 1)^2.
  • Step 4: Expand and simplify:
    Expanding the right side: x2+3x>9x2+6x+1 x^2 + 3x > 9x^2 + 6x + 1 .
  • Step 5: Rearrange the inequality:
    0>8x2+3x+1 0 > 8x^2 + 3x + 1 .
  • Step 6: Attempt to solve 8x2+3x+1<0 8x^2 + 3x + 1 < 0 :
    The discriminant of this quadratic, (b24ac)(b^2 - 4ac), is 324×8×1=932=233^2 - 4 \times 8 \times 1 = 9 - 32 = -23, which is less than 0. Therefore, the quadratic has no real roots.
  • Step 7: Conclusion:
    The inequality 8x2+3x+1<0 8x^2 + 3x + 1 < 0 has no solution in terms of real x x . The domain of x x satisfying this is an empty set.

Therefore, the solution is No solution.

Answer

No solution