Solving the Given Logarithmic Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 130 views

Introduction

Logarithmic equations are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and solving them requires a deep understanding of the properties of logarithms. In this article, we will explore the concept of extraneous solutions in logarithmic equations and provide a step-by-step guide on how to identify them.

What are Extraneous Solutions?

An extraneous solution is a solution to an equation that is not valid or does not satisfy the original equation. In the context of logarithmic equations, an extraneous solution is a value that makes the logarithmic expression undefined or invalid.

Properties of Logarithms

Before we dive into solving logarithmic equations, it's essential to understand the properties of logarithms. The three main properties of logarithms are:

Product Property: $\log_b (xy) = \log_b x + \log_b y$
Quotient Property: $\log_b \left(\frac{x}{y}\right) = \log_b x - \log_b y$
Power Property: $\log_b x^y = y \log_b x$

Solving the Given Logarithmic Equation

The given logarithmic equation is:

$\log _3(18 x^3)-\log _3(2 x)=\log _3 144$

To solve this equation, we can use the properties of logarithms to simplify the expression.

Step 1: Simplify the Equation Using the Quotient Property

Using the quotient property, we can rewrite the equation as:

$\log _3 \left(\frac{18 x^3}{2 x}\right) = \log _3 144$

Simplifying the fraction inside the logarithm, we get:

$\log _3 (9 x^2) = \log _3 144$

Step 2: Simplify the Equation Using the Product Property

Using the product property, we can rewrite the equation as:

$\log _3 (9) + \log _3 (x^2) = \log _3 144$

Simplifying the equation further, we get:

$\log _3 (9) + 2 \log _3 (x) = \log _3 144$

Step 3: Simplify the Equation Using the Power Property

Using the power property, we can rewrite the equation as:

$\log _3 (9) + \log _3 (x^2) = \log _3 (144)$

Simplifying the equation further, we get:

$\log _3 (9) + 2 \log _3 (x) = \log _3 (144)$

Step 4: Solve for x

To solve for x, we can start by isolating the logarithmic term:

$2 \log _3 (x) = \log _3 (144) - \log _3 (9)$

Using the quotient property, we can rewrite the equation as:

$2 \log _3 (x) = \log _3 \left(\frac{144}{9}\right)$

Simplifying the fraction inside the logarithm, we get:

$2 \log _3 (x) = \log _3 (16)$

Step 5: Solve for x Using the Power Property

Using the power property, we can rewrite the equation as:

$\log _3 (x^2) = \log _3 (16)$

Simplifying the equation further, we get:

$x^2 = 16$

Taking the square root of both sides, we get:

$x = \pm 4$

Identifying the Extraneous Solution

To identify the extraneous solution, we need to check if the value of x satisfies the original equation.

Plugging in x = -4 into the original equation, we get:

$\log _3(18 (-4)^3)-\log _3(2 (-4))=\log _3 144$

Simplifying the equation, we get:

$\log _3(-1728) - \log _3(-8) = \log _3 144$

Since the logarithm of a negative number is undefined, x = -4 is an extraneous solution.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the concept of extraneous solutions in logarithmic equations and provided a step-by-step guide on how to identify them. We solved the given logarithmic equation and identified the extraneous solution as x = -4.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

A. $x=-16$ is not the correct answer.
B. $x=-8$ is not the correct answer.
C. $x=-4$ is the correct answer.
D. $x=-2$ is not the correct answer.

Q: What is an extraneous solution in a logarithmic equation?

A: An extraneous solution is a solution to an equation that is not valid or does not satisfy the original equation. In the context of logarithmic equations, an extraneous solution is a value that makes the logarithmic expression undefined or invalid.

Q: How do I identify an extraneous solution in a logarithmic equation?

A: To identify an extraneous solution, you need to check if the value of x satisfies the original equation. Plug in the value of x into the original equation and simplify. If the equation becomes undefined or invalid, then the value of x is an extraneous solution.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving logarithmic equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving logarithmic equations include:

Not using the properties of logarithms correctly
Not checking for extraneous solutions
Not simplifying the equation correctly
Not using the correct base for the logarithm

Q: How do I use the properties of logarithms to simplify a logarithmic equation?

A: To use the properties of logarithms to simplify a logarithmic equation, you can use the following steps:

Use the product property to combine logarithms with the same base
Use the quotient property to combine logarithms with the same base
Use the power property to simplify logarithms with a coefficient

Q: What is the difference between a logarithmic equation and an exponential equation?

A: A logarithmic equation is an equation that involves a logarithm, while an exponential equation is an equation that involves an exponential expression. For example:

Logarithmic equation: $\log_3(x) = 2$
Exponential equation: $3^2 = x$

Q: How do I solve an exponential equation?

A: To solve an exponential equation, you can use the following steps:

Use the definition of an exponential expression to rewrite the equation
Use the properties of exponents to simplify the equation
Solve for the variable

Q: What is the relationship between logarithmic and exponential equations?

A: Logarithmic and exponential equations are related in that they are inverse operations. For example:

$\log_3(x) = 2$ is equivalent to $3^2 = x$
$\log_3(x) = -2$ is equivalent to $3^{-2} = x$

Q: How do I check if a value is an extraneous solution in a logarithmic equation?

A: To check if a value is an extraneous solution in a logarithmic equation, you can plug the value into the original equation and simplify. If the equation becomes undefined or invalid, then the value is an extraneous solution.

Q: What are some common types of logarithmic equations?

A: Some common types of logarithmic equations include:

Logarithmic equations with a single logarithm
Logarithmic equations with multiple logarithms
Logarithmic equations with a coefficient
Logarithmic equations with a negative exponent

Q: How do I use a calculator to solve a logarithmic equation?

A: To use a calculator to solve a logarithmic equation, you can follow these steps:

Enter the equation into the calculator
Use the calculator's logarithm function to simplify the equation
Solve for the variable

Q: What are some real-world applications of logarithmic equations?

A: Logarithmic equations have many real-world applications, including:

Finance: Logarithmic equations are used to calculate interest rates and investment returns.
Science: Logarithmic equations are used to model population growth and decay.
Engineering: Logarithmic equations are used to design and optimize systems.
Computer Science: Logarithmic equations are used to analyze and optimize algorithms.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered some of the most frequently asked questions about logarithmic equations and extraneous solutions. We have also provided some tips and tricks for solving logarithmic equations and identifying extraneous solutions. Whether you are a student or a professional, understanding logarithmic equations and extraneous solutions is essential for success in mathematics and other fields.