Laws of Logarithms: Definition & Examples

In summary, the conversation is discussing a math question that seems to be missing information or may be a mistake in the textbook. The participants suggest using a hint from the textbook to solve the problem, but agree that without more information, it is impossible to solve. They also mention that the question may have been generated by an AI program and is not a valid math question.
  • #1
Jouster
5
0
Homework Statement
How do you solve this problem? Do you use substitution or another method? The two equations don't seem to have any connection to each other
Relevant Equations
Logarithmic simultaneous equation questions
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  • #2
There must be something missing. As stated the question makes little sense.
 
  • #3
PeroK said:
There must be something missing. As stated the question makes little sense.
This is what it says in the textbook, maybe it's a mistake in the textbook?
 
  • #4
Jouster said:
This is what it says in the textbook, maybe it's a mistake in the textbook?
Why worry? Move on.
 
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Likes Office_Shredder and Jouster
  • #5
This looks like someone tried to get gpt-3 to make a math question. I agree you should skip it
 
  • #6
Jouster said:
This is what it says in the textbook, maybe it's a mistake in the textbook?
Can you take a picture that shows more. May be this is not the whole problem.
 
  • #7
I believe what they are asking.

Im on my mobile, so sorry for non latek.

Recall Log ab = log a + log b (this is true for any appropriate base, please fill in the restrictions on the base).Without giving out the answer, for (a): we want to break up the log expression so that we only only get log of p base a by itself on the left hand side of the equation. Use the above hint.
 
  • Skeptical
Likes PeroK
  • #8
You can't really solve for [itex]\log_a p[/itex] and [itex]\log_a q[/itex] if you have only one equation linking the two: [itex]\log_a (pq^2) = 20[/itex]. You need a second equation, and that the question does not provide.
 
  • #9
Too many variables, this is nonsense. We could do some algebraic manipulation, but it reveals nothing.
 
  • Like
Likes DaveE

FAQ: Laws of Logarithms: Definition & Examples

What are the basic laws of logarithms?

The basic laws of logarithms are the product rule, quotient rule, and power rule. The product rule states that the logarithm of a product is equal to the sum of the logarithms of the individual factors. The quotient rule states that the logarithm of a quotient is equal to the difference of the logarithms of the numerator and denominator. The power rule states that the logarithm of a number raised to a power is equal to the product of that power and the logarithm of the number.

How do you simplify logarithmic expressions using the laws of logarithms?

To simplify logarithmic expressions, you can use the laws of logarithms to combine multiple logarithms into a single logarithm. For example, if you have log base 2 of x plus log base 2 of y, you can use the product rule to rewrite it as log base 2 of xy. You can also use the power rule to rewrite log base 2 of x^3 as 3log base 2 of x.

What is the difference between the natural logarithm and common logarithm?

The natural logarithm, denoted as ln, uses the base e (approximately equal to 2.718) and is commonly used in mathematical and scientific calculations. The common logarithm, denoted as log, uses the base 10 and is often used in practical applications, such as measuring the pH level of a solution.

How do you solve logarithmic equations?

To solve a logarithmic equation, you can use the laws of logarithms to rewrite the equation in a simpler form. Then, you can use algebraic techniques to isolate the variable and solve for its value. It is important to check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation, as some solutions may be extraneous.

Can logarithmic functions be graphed?

Yes, logarithmic functions can be graphed. The graph of a logarithmic function is a curve that approaches but never touches the x-axis. The base of the logarithm determines the shape of the curve, with larger bases resulting in steeper curves. The graph can also be shifted horizontally or vertically depending on the values of the constants in the function.

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