I understanding log/exponents

  • MHB
  • Thread starter micheal1
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In summary, the conversation is about solving the equation 3(5^x)=2^(x-2) by expressing it in the form a^x=b and then using logarithms to solve for x. The participants in the conversation are seeking help and understanding.
  • #1
micheal1
2
0
I need help understand this question;

3(5^x)=2^(x-2)

Any explanation/help would be amazing
 
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  • #2
We are given:

\(\displaystyle 3\cdot5^x=2^{x-2}\)

Our goal here is to express this equation in the form:

\(\displaystyle a^x=b\)

So, in light of this, let's write the equation as:

\(\displaystyle 3\cdot5^x=\frac{2^x}{4}\)

Now, if we multiply both sides of the equation by \(\displaystyle \frac{4}{5^x}\) we obtain:

\(\displaystyle 12=\frac{2^x}{5^x}\)

or

\(\displaystyle \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^x=12\)

Can you proceed?
 
  • #3
micheal said:
I need help understand this question;

3(5^x)=2^(x-2)

Any explanation/help would be amazing

As elegant as Mark's solution is, it is not entirely obvious that that is what could be done.

A good strategy with these sort of problems, where you are trying to solve for an exponent, is to take the logarithm of both sides (any base is fine, but the natural logarithm is the most commonly used), so

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} 3 \cdot 5^x &= 2^{x- 2} \\ \ln{ \left( 3 \cdot 5^x \right) } &= \ln{ \left( 2^{x - 2} \right) } \\ \ln{(3)} + \ln{ \left( 5^x \right) } &= \left( x-2 \right) \ln{ (2) } \\ \ln{(3)} + x\ln{ (5)} &= x\ln{(2)} - 2\ln{(2)} \\ x\ln{(2)} - x\ln{(5)} &= \ln{(3)} + 2\ln{(2)} \\ x \left[ \ln{(2)} - \ln{(5)} \right] &= \ln{(3)} + 2\ln{(2)} \end{align*}$

Finish it...
 
  • #4
Thanks heaps guys!, I think I understand it now~ I'll create new one's in a similar format a revise a little now ahaha.

Thanks!
 

FAQ: I understanding log/exponents

What is a logarithm and how does it relate to exponents?

A logarithm is the inverse operation of an exponent. It tells you what power you need to raise a given base to in order to get a certain number. For example, log base 2 of 8 is equal to 3, because 2 raised to the power of 3 is 8.

How do I convert between logarithmic and exponential form?

To convert from logarithmic form to exponential form, simply rewrite the equation using the base of the logarithm as the base of the exponential. For example, log base 3 of 9 is equivalent to 3 raised to the power of 2. To convert from exponential form to logarithmic form, identify the base and write it as "log base [base]". For example, 5 to the power of 4 is equivalent to log base 5 of 625.

What is the relationship between logarithms and exponents in the context of growth and decay?

Logarithms and exponents are used to model growth and decay in various contexts. For example, in population growth, a logarithmic function can be used to model the growth rate over time, while an exponential function can be used to model the actual population size. In financial applications, logarithms are often used to calculate compound interest, while exponential functions can be used to model the growth of investments over time.

What are the properties of logarithms and exponents?

Some of the key properties of logarithms and exponents include the power rule (where the exponent of a power is multiplied when raised to another power), the product rule (where the logarithm of a product is equal to the sum of the logarithms of the individual factors), and the quotient rule (where the logarithm of a quotient is equal to the difference of the logarithms of the individual terms). Exponents also follow the associative and commutative properties, while logarithms do not.

How are logarithms and exponents used in real-world applications?

Logarithms and exponents have a wide range of real-world applications, from modeling population growth and financial investments, to measuring sound and earthquake intensity, to calculating pH levels in chemistry. They are also used in various scientific fields such as biology, physics, and astronomy to represent large and small numbers in a more manageable way.

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