Solve the Logarithmic Equation: log4x + log2 - log9 = log₂4

Logarithmic Equations with Base Conversion

log4x+log2log9=log24 \log4x+\log2-\log9=\log_24

?=x

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We'll use the formula for adding logarithms, we'll get the log of their product
00:18 We'll use the formula for subtracting logarithms, we'll get the log of their quotient
00:28 We'll use the formula for subtracting logarithms, we'll get the log of their quotient
00:38 We'll use these formulas in our exercise, we'll get this logarithm
00:54 We'll calculate the logarithm and continue solving
01:24 We'll isolate X
01:39 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

log4x+log2log9=log24 \log4x+\log2-\log9=\log_24

?=x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the equation log4x+log2log9=log24\log 4x + \log 2 - \log 9 = \log_2 4, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the left side using logarithmic properties
  • Step 2: Convert the right side using change of base
  • Step 3: Equate the simplified expressions and solve for xx

Step 1: Simplify the left side:

The left side log4x+log2log9\log 4x + \log 2 - \log 9 can be combined using the properties of logarithms:

log4x+log2=log(4x2)=log(8x)\log 4x + \log 2 = \log(4x \cdot 2) = \log(8x)

Now, using the subtraction property:

log(8x)log9=log(8x9)\log (8x) - \log 9 = \log \left(\frac{8x}{9}\right)

Step 2: Convert the right side using the change of base formula:

log24=log4log2\log_2 4 = \frac{\log 4}{\log 2}

We recognize that 4=224 = 2^2, so log24=2\log_2 4 = 2.

Step 3: Equate the expressions and solve for xx:

Now equate:

log(8x9)=2\log \left(\frac{8x}{9}\right) = 2

This implies:

8x9=102=100\frac{8x}{9} = 10^2 = 100

Thus, solving for xx:

8x=9008x = 900

x=9008=112.5x = \frac{900}{8} = 112.5

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=112.5x = 112.5.

3

Final Answer

112.5 112.5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Properties: Combine logs using addition, subtraction, and multiplication rules
  • Technique: Convert log24 \log_2 4 to 2 since 22=4 2^2 = 4
  • Check: Substitute x = 112.5: log(8112.59)=log(100)=2 \log(\frac{8 \cdot 112.5}{9}) = \log(100) = 2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to convert the base-2 logarithm
    Don't leave log24 \log_2 4 as is = mixing different log bases gives wrong equations! You can't solve when left side uses base 10 and right side uses base 2. Always convert all logarithms to the same base first.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just solve the equation with different bases?

+

You must use the same base on both sides! When you have log \log (base 10) on the left and log2 \log_2 on the right, they're measuring in different 'units' - like comparing feet to meters.

How do I remember the logarithm properties?

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Think of logs as exponents in disguise: loga+logb=log(ab) \log a + \log b = \log(ab) and logalogb=log(ab) \log a - \log b = \log(\frac{a}{b}) . Addition becomes multiplication, subtraction becomes division!

What's the fastest way to evaluate log24 \log_2 4 ?

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Ask yourself: '2 to what power equals 4?' Since 22=4 2^2 = 4 , we get log24=2 \log_2 4 = 2 . No calculator needed!

Why do we get such a large answer (112.5)?

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This happens because we're solving 8x9=100 \frac{8x}{9} = 100 . Since 8x must equal 900, we get a big value for x. Always check that your large answer makes sense in the original equation!

Can I use a calculator for the logarithms?

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Yes, but be careful with bases! Most calculators have LOG (base 10) and LN (natural log). For log2 \log_2 , use the change of base formula or recognize simple powers of 2.

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