Category Archives: Logarithmic Equations

Solve the Logarithmic Equation by the one to one property

Example:

2 log_3(7-x)-log_3 2=log_3 18

Solution:

 

The logarithmic equation
2 log_3(7-x)-log_3 2=log_3 18
Use the power rule and the quotient rule to condense to a single logarithm
2 log_3(7-x)-log_3 2=log_3 18
log_3(7-x)^2-log_3 2=log_3 18
log_3((7-x)^2/ 2)=log_3 18
Since both sides of the equation have the same log base the expressions inside the logarithms must be equal
log_3((7-x)^2/ 2)=log_3 18
(7-x)^2/ 2= 18
Clear the denominator by multiplying by 2 on both sides and simplifying
(7-x)^2/ 2= 18
2*(7-x)^2/ 2= 2*18
(7-x)^2= 36
Get rid of the square by square rooting both sides and simplifying
(7-x)^2= 36
sqrt{(7-x)^2}= sqrt{36}
7-x= pm 6
Get x by itself by subtracting 7 on both sides
7-x= pm 6
7-7-x=-7 pm 6
-x=-7 pm 6
Get x by itself by dividing both sides by negative 1
-x=-7 pm 6
-x/-1={-7 pm 6}/-1
x=7 pm 6
x=7 + 6 or x=7 - 6
x=13 or x=1
Check x=13
2 log_3(7-13)-log_3 2=log_3 18
2 log_3(-6)-log_3 2=log_3 18
Log of a negative is undefined.  Exclude this solution.
Check x=1
2 log_3(7-1)-log_3 2=log_3 18
2 log_3(6)-log_3 2=log_3 18
log_3(6)^2-log_3 2=log_3 18
log_3 36-log_3 2=log_3 18
log_3 36/2=log_3 18
log_3 18=log_3 18
Keep this solution.

The solution to the equation is x=1.

Here is a youtube video that is similar.