Solve the Complex Logarithmic Equation: log₅x + log₅(x+2) + log₂5 - log₂2.5 = log₃7 × log₇9

Complex Logarithmic Equations with Change of Base

log5x+log5(x+2)+log25log22.5=log37×log79 \log_5x+\log_5(x+2)+\log_25-\log_22.5=\log_37\times\log_79

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:04 We'll use the logical multiplication formula, we'll get the log of their product
00:11 We'll use this formula in our exercise
00:21 We'll use the logical subtraction formula, we'll get the log of their quotient
00:31 We'll use this formula in our exercise
00:46 We'll open parentheses properly, multiply by each factor
01:01 We'll use the logical multiplication formula, we'll swap between the numbers
01:16 We'll use this formula in our exercise
01:36 The log of any number in its own base is always equal to 1
01:51 We'll calculate the log and substitute it in the exercise
02:21 We'll arrange the equation
02:26 We'll solve the log
02:31 We'll arrange the equation
02:51 We'll use the root formula to find the possible solutions
03:06 We'll calculate and solve
03:51 We'll find the domain
04:01 This is the complete domain, we'll use it to find the solution
04:09 This solution is outside the domain, therefore it's incorrect
04:14 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

log5x+log5(x+2)+log25log22.5=log37×log79 \log_5x+\log_5(x+2)+\log_25-\log_22.5=\log_37\times\log_79

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the left-hand side using logarithm properties.
  • Step 2: Simplify the right-hand side using change of base.
  • Step 3: Equate simplified forms and solve for x x .

Now, let's proceed:

Step 1: Simplify the left-hand side:
We can combine the logs as follows:
log5x+log5(x+2)=log5(x(x+2))=log5(x2+2x).\log_5 x + \log_5 (x+2) = \log_5 (x(x+2)) = \log_5 (x^2 + 2x).
The constants are simplified as:
log25log22.5=log2(52.5)=log22=1.\log_2 5 - \log_2 2.5 = \log_2 \left(\frac{5}{2.5}\right) = \log_2 2 = 1.
Thus, the entire left-hand side becomes:
log5(x2+2x)+1.\log_5 (x^2 + 2x) + 1.

Step 2: Simplify the right-hand side:
log37×log79\log_3 7 \times \log_7 9 can be written using the change of base formula:
log37=log7log3\log_3 7 = \frac{\log 7}{\log 3} and log79=log9log7\log_7 9 = \frac{\log 9}{\log 7}. Multiplying these, we have:
log9log3=2, since log9=log32=2log3.\frac{\log 9}{\log 3} = 2, \text{ since } \log 9 = \log 3^2 = 2 \log 3.

Step 3: Equate and solve:
Equate the simplified versions:
log5(x2+2x)+1=2\log_5 (x^2 + 2x) + 1 = 2
So, subtracting 1 from both sides:
log5(x2+2x)=1\log_5 (x^2 + 2x) = 1
Taking antilogarithm, we find:
x2+2x=51=5x^2 + 2x = 5^1 = 5

Rearrange to form a quadratic equation:
x2+2x5=0x^2 + 2x - 5 = 0

Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation:
Use the quadratic formula, where a=1a = 1, b=2b = 2, c=5c = -5:
x=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}
x=2±2241(5)21=2±4+202=2±242=2±262x = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{2^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot (-5)}}{2 \cdot 1} = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{4 + 20}}{2} = \frac{-2 \pm \sqrt{24}}{2} = \frac{-2 \pm 2\sqrt{6}}{2}
x=1±6x = -1 \pm \sqrt{6}

The valid answer must ensure x+2>0 x + 2 > 0 , so x=1+6 x = -1 + \sqrt{6}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=1+6 x = -1 + \sqrt{6} .

3

Final Answer

1+6 -1+\sqrt{6}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Logarithm Properties: Combine logs using addition rule: log₅x + log₅(x+2) = log₅[x(x+2)]
  • Change of Base: Simplify log₃7 × log₇9 = (log 9)/(log 3) = 2
  • Domain Check: Verify x > 0 and x+2 > 0, so x = -1+√6 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to check domain restrictions
    Don't solve x² + 2x - 5 = 0 and accept both solutions x = -1±√6! The negative solution makes log₅x undefined since logarithms require positive arguments. Always verify that x > 0 and x+2 > 0 before finalizing your answer.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \log_75-\log_72= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I use x = -1-√6 as a solution?

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Because logarithms are only defined for positive numbers! Since -1-√6 ≈ -3.45, both log₅x and log₅(x+2) would be undefined. Always check that your solutions make all logarithmic terms valid.

How do I simplify log₃7 × log₇9 without a calculator?

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Use the change of base formula: log₃7 = (ln 7)/(ln 3) and log₇9 = (ln 9)/(ln 7). When you multiply them, the ln 7 terms cancel, leaving (ln 9)/(ln 3) = ln 3²/ln 3 = 2!

What does log₂5 - log₂2.5 equal and why?

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It equals 1! Using the subtraction property: log₂5 - log₂2.5 = log₂(5/2.5) = log₂2 = 1, since 2¹ = 2.

How do I know when to combine logarithms vs. separate them?

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Combine when you see addition or subtraction of logs with the same base. Use log_a(m) + log_a(n) = log_a(mn) and log_a(m) - log_a(n) = log_a(m/n) to simplify before solving.

Why does the quadratic give two solutions but only one works?

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Mathematical equations often produce extraneous solutions that don't satisfy the original problem's restrictions. In logarithmic equations, always check that your solutions keep all arguments positive!

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