Math  /  Algebra

QuestionSolve the logarithmic equation. Be sure to reject any value of xx that is not in the domain of the original logarithmic expressions. Give the exact answer. log6(x+8)+log6(x+3)=1\log _{6}(x+8)+\log _{6}(x+3)=1
Solve the equation. Select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box to complete your choice. A. The solution set is \square \}. (Simplify your answer. Use a comma to separate answers as needed.) B. There are infinitely many solutions. C. There is no solution.

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to find the value(s) of xx that satisfy the given logarithmic equation, keeping in mind that we can't take the logarithm of a negative number or zero! Watch out! We need to make sure our solution(s) don't make the arguments of the logarithms negative or zero.
Sometimes, perfectly good-looking solutions can cause trouble, so we gotta check 'em!

STEP 2

1. Combine the logarithms
2. Rewrite the logarithmic equation as an exponential equation
3. Solve the quadratic equation
4. Check for extraneous solutions

STEP 3

We've got log6(x+8)+log6(x+3)=1\log_{6}(x+8) + \log_{6}(x+3) = 1.
Since we're adding logarithms with the same **base**, we can multiply their arguments.
This is because of the product rule of logarithms: logb(m)+logb(n)=logb(mn)\log_b(m) + \log_b(n) = \log_b(m \cdot n).

STEP 4

Applying this rule, we get log6((x+8)(x+3))=1\log_{6}((x+8) \cdot (x+3)) = 1, which simplifies to log6(x2+11x+24)=1\log_{6}(x^2 + 11x + 24) = 1.
Awesome!

STEP 5

Remember that logarithms and exponentials are **inverse operations**.
So, we can rewrite our logarithmic equation log6(x2+11x+24)=1\log_{6}(x^2 + 11x + 24) = 1 in exponential form.

STEP 6

The base is **6**, the exponent is **1**, and the result is x2+11x+24x^2 + 11x + 24.
This gives us the equation 61=x2+11x+246^1 = x^2 + 11x + 24, or simply 6=x2+11x+246 = x^2 + 11x + 24.
Looking good!

STEP 7

To solve 6=x2+11x+246 = x^2 + 11x + 24, let's subtract 6 from both sides to get 0=x2+11x+180 = x^2 + 11x + 18.
Now we have a nice quadratic equation!

STEP 8

We can **factor** this quadratic as (x+2)(x+9)=0(x+2)(x+9) = 0.
This gives us two possible solutions: x+2=0x+2=0 or x+9=0x+9=0.

STEP 9

Solving these gives us x=2x = -2 and x=9x = -9.
Almost there!

STEP 10

Remember, we can't have negative arguments inside our logarithms.
Let's check x=2x = -2.
Substituting into the original equation, we get log6(2+8)+log6(2+3)=1\log_{6}(-2+8) + \log_{6}(-2+3) = 1, which simplifies to log6(6)+log6(1)=1\log_{6}(6) + \log_{6}(1) = 1.
Since log6(6)=1\log_{6}(6) = 1 and log6(1)=0\log_{6}(1) = 0, we have 1+0=11 + 0 = 1, which is true!
So, x=2x = -2 is a valid solution.

STEP 11

Now let's check x=9x = -9.
Substituting, we get log6(9+8)+log6(9+3)=1\log_{6}(-9+8) + \log_{6}(-9+3) = 1, which simplifies to log6(1)+log6(6)=1\log_{6}(-1) + \log_{6}(-6) = 1.
Uh oh!
We can't take the logarithm of negative numbers.
So, x=9x = -9 is an **extraneous solution** and we must reject it.

STEP 12

The solution set is {2}\{-2\}.
We choose A, and fill in the box with -2.

Was this helpful?

Studdy solves anything!

banner

Start learning now

Download Studdy AI Tutor now. Learn with ease and get all help you need to be successful at school.

ParentsInfluencer programContactPolicyTerms
TwitterInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscord