Changing the bases of logs question

  • Thread starter lionely
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Bases
In summary, to solve the equation log4 x = 1 + log 2 2x, x>0, we can use log identities to simplify the right hand side and then get rid of the fraction on the left hand side. After simplification, we get x = 1/16 as the solution.
  • #1
lionely
576
2

Homework Statement



solve the equation log4 x = 1 + log 2 2x , x>0

My attempt

I changed it base 2

so I now have( when i write log it's to the base 2)

log2x/( log2 4) = log 2 + log 2x

and I'm stuck here I keep trying to form an equation, but I can't.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
lionely said:

Homework Statement



solve the equation log4 x = 1 + log 2 2x , x>0




My attempt

I changed it base 2

so I now have( when i write log it's to the base 2)

log2x/( log2 4) = log 2 + log 2x

and I'm stuck here I keep trying to form an equation, but I can't.

Use the log identities to take get one log on the right hand side.

Then since log_2(4) equals two you can multiply by 2 to get rid of the fraction on the left hand side.

Then log identities again to get it so you just have 2 logs. And then it should be simple from there on.
 
  • #3
Yeah I think I see it now :S

2^x = 2^-4

= 1/16
 
  • #4
lionely said:
Yeah I think I see it now :S

2^x = 2^-4

= 1/16

Any chance you could post more of your solution as I can't see how you're getting to that step (but log questions can have a couple of possible solutions), although your answer is right.
 
  • #5
Umm logx/log4 = log 2 + log 2 + log x

logx = 4 + 2logx

2logx-logx +4 =0

logx = log2^-2
..

Seems my working is wrong I'm stuck again
 
  • #6
lionely said:
Umm logx/log4 = log 2 + log 2 + log x

logx = 4 + 2logx

2logx-logx +4 =0

logx = log2^-2
..

Seems my working is wrong I'm stuck again

Go back to the equation and see you can get it from there:

$$\frac{log_2 (x)}{log_2(4)} = log_2(2)+log_2(2x)$$

Now use the log identity, [itex]log_b(xy)=log_b(x)+log_b(y)[/itex] to simplify the right hand side.

After you do that can you see how to get rid of the fraction on the left hand side?
 
  • #7
Uhh I think i really got it this time what I did now was

(log x)/ (log4) = log 2 + log 2 + log x

(logx)/(log4) = 2 + log x

(logx)/2 = 2+ log x

logx = 4 + 2logx

2logx-logx +4 = 0

logx = log 2^-4

logx = log(1/16)

x= 1/16
 
  • #8
lionely said:
Uhh I think i really got it this time what I did now was

(log x)/ (log4) = log 2 + log 2 + log x

(logx)/(log4) = 2 + log x

(logx)/2 = 2+ log x

logx = 4 + 2logx

2logx-logx +4 = 0

logx = log 2^-4

logx = log(1/16)

x= 1/16

Yeah that's right.
 
  • #9
Is that the same method you were telling me to try?
 
  • #10
lionely said:
Is that the same method you were telling me to try?

Yeah its pretty much the same (as I said earlier there's usually a couple of different routes to the same answer with a log question), starting from the line in your OP

$$\frac{log_2(x)}{2}=log_2(4x)\\
\\log_2(x)=log_2(16x^2)
\\x=16x^2
\\x(16x -1) = 0$$
[itex]∴ x = \frac{1}{16}[/itex] as solution x = 0 is not possible.
 
  • #11
oh lol your way is much simpler =.= . I'm so blind D:
 

Related to Changing the bases of logs question

1. What is the purpose of changing the base of a logarithm?

Changing the base of a logarithm allows us to rewrite a logarithmic expression in a different form, making it easier to solve or manipulate algebraically.

2. How do you change the base of a logarithm?

To change the base of a logarithm, we use the change of base formula which states that logb(x) = loga(x)/loga(b), where a and b are the original and desired bases, respectively.

3. Can any base be used when changing the base of a logarithm?

Yes, any positive base can be used when changing the base of a logarithm. However, the most common bases used are 10, e (natural logarithm), and 2.

4. Does changing the base of a logarithm affect its value?

Yes, the value of a logarithm changes when we change its base. However, the actual numerical value does not change, only the way it is written or represented.

5. What are some practical applications of changing the base of a logarithm?

Changing the base of a logarithm is commonly used in fields such as finance, engineering, and physics to simplify complex equations and calculations. It is also used in computer science to measure the efficiency of algorithms.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
757
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
889
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
761
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
496
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top