QuestionSolve the logarithmic equation. Be sure to reject any value of x that is not in the domain of the original logarithmic expressions. Give the exact answer.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
What is this asking? We need to find the value of that makes the equation true, while making sure the inputs to the log function are positive! Watch out! Remember that the logarithm of a negative number or zero is undefined, so we must check our solutions!
STEP 2
1. Combine the logs
2. Remove the logs
3. Solve for
4. Check the solution
STEP 3
We have a difference of logs on the left side.
Remember the log rule: .
So, becomes .
Our equation now looks like this: .
This is great progress!
STEP 4
Since we have , then those "somethings" must be equal!
That means .
One step closer to finding !
STEP 5
To get rid of the fraction, let's multiply both sides of our equation by **2**:
STEP 6
Now, subtract from both sides to get all the terms together:
STEP 7
Let's subtract 6 from both sides to isolate the term with :
STEP 8
Finally, divide both sides by **7** to find :
STEP 9
We found .
Let's make sure this value doesn't make the arguments of the original logarithms negative or zero.
For , we have , which is positive!
For , we have , which is also positive!
So, our solution is valid!
STEP 10
The solution to the equation is .
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