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

Logarithmic Inequalities with Base Less Than One

Find the domain of X given the following:

log17(x2+3x)<2log17(3x+1) \log_{\frac{1}{7}}(x^2+3x)<2\log_{\frac{1}{7}}(3x+1)

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
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 written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Find the domain of X given the following:

log17(x2+3x)<2log17(3x+1) \log_{\frac{1}{7}}(x^2+3x)<2\log_{\frac{1}{7}}(3x+1)

2

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.

3

Final Answer

No solution

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Base Rule: When base < 1, inequality direction flips when removing log
  • Technique: Use power rule: 2logb(x)=logb(x2) 2\log_b(x) = \log_b(x^2)
  • Check: Find discriminant: b24ac=23<0 b^2 - 4ac = -23 < 0 means no real solutions ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to flip inequality direction with base < 1
    Don't keep the same inequality direction when the logarithm base is less than 1 = wrong solution set! When 0<b<1 0 < b < 1 , the log function is decreasing, so inequalities reverse. Always flip the inequality sign when removing logs with base < 1.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \log_{10}3+\log_{10}4= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does the inequality flip when the base is less than 1?

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When the base is between 0 and 1, the logarithm function is decreasing. This means larger inputs give smaller outputs. So if log1/7(a)<log1/7(b) \log_{1/7}(a) < \log_{1/7}(b) , then a>b a > b !

How do I know when a quadratic has no real solutions?

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Calculate the discriminant: b24ac b^2 - 4ac . If it's negative, there are no real solutions. In our case: 932=23<0 9 - 32 = -23 < 0 , so no real x values work.

What does 'no solution' mean for the domain?

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No solution means there are no x-values that satisfy the original inequality. The domain is an empty set because the inequality can never be true for any real number.

Do I still need to check domain restrictions for the logs?

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Yes! Even though we get no solution from the inequality, we should verify that x2+3x>0 x^2 + 3x > 0 and 3x+1>0 3x + 1 > 0 for logs to be defined. But since we have no solution anyway, this confirms our answer.

Could I have solved this a different way?

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You could graph both sides or use substitution, but the algebraic method shown is most reliable. Always simplify using log properties first, then handle the base carefully!

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