Using Exponentiation to Solve for x

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of logarithms and explore how to solve for x in the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7. Logarithms are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and understanding how to work with them is crucial for solving a wide range of problems in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science.

Understanding Logarithms

Before we dive into solving the equation, let's take a moment to understand what logarithms are. A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation. In other words, if we have a number x and we want to find the logarithm of that number to a certain base, we are essentially asking what power we need to raise the base to in order to get x.

For example, if we have log4(x) = 3, this means that 4^3 = x. In other words, we need to raise 4 to the power of 3 in order to get x.

Solving the Equation

Now that we have a basic understanding of logarithms, let's focus on solving the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7.

To solve this equation, we need to isolate the logarithmic term. We can do this by subtracting 2 from both sides of the equation.

log4(x) = -7 - 2 log4(x) = -9

Using Exponentiation to Solve for x

Now that we have isolated the logarithmic term, we can use exponentiation to solve for x. Since log4(x) = -9, we can rewrite this as 4^(-9) = x.

Calculating 4^(-9)

To calculate 4^(-9), we need to understand that a negative exponent means that we need to take the reciprocal of the base and raise it to the power of the positive exponent.

In this case, 4^(-9) = 1 / 4^9.

Calculating 4^9

To calculate 4^9, we can use the fact that 4 = 2^2. This means that 4^9 = (2²⁾9 = 2^(2*9) = 2^18.

Calculating 2^18

To calculate 2^18, we can use the fact that 2^10 = 1024. This means that 2^18 = (2¹⁰⁾1.8 = 1024^1.8.

Calculating 1024^1.8

To calculate 1024^1.8, we can use a calculator or a computer program. The result is approximately 1.67 x 10^6.

Calculating 1 / 1.67 x 10^6

To calculate 1 / 1.67 x 10^6, we can simply take the reciprocal of the result.

The final answer is approximately 0.0006.

Conclusion

In this article, we have solved the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7 by isolating the logarithmic term and using exponentiation to solve for x. We have also used various mathematical concepts, including negative exponents and the fact that 4 = 2^2. The final answer is approximately 0.0006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the definition of a logarithm? A: A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation.
Q: How do I solve for x in the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7? A: To solve for x, you need to isolate the logarithmic term and use exponentiation to solve for x.
Q: What is the final answer to the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7? A: The final answer is approximately 0.0006.

Introduction

In our previous article, we solved the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7 by isolating the logarithmic term and using exponentiation to solve for x. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help readers understand the concepts and techniques used to solve the equation.

Q&A Section

Q: What is the definition of a logarithm?

A: A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation. In other words, if we have a number x and we want to find the logarithm of that number to a certain base, we are essentially asking what power we need to raise the base to in order to get x.

Q: How do I solve for x in the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7?

A: To solve for x, you need to isolate the logarithmic term and use exponentiation to solve for x. First, subtract 2 from both sides of the equation to isolate the logarithmic term. Then, use exponentiation to solve for x.

Q: What is the difference between a logarithm and an exponent?

Q: How do I calculate 4^(-9)?

A: To calculate 4^(-9), you need to understand that a negative exponent means that you need to take the reciprocal of the base and raise it to the power of the positive exponent. In this case, 4^(-9) = 1 / 4^9.

Q: How do I calculate 4^9?

A: To calculate 4^9, you can use the fact that 4 = 2^2. This means that 4^9 = (2²⁾9 = 2^(2*9) = 2^18.

Q: How do I calculate 2^18?

A: To calculate 2^18, you can use the fact that 2^10 = 1024. This means that 2^18 = (2¹⁰⁾1.8 = 1024^1.8.

Q: How do I calculate 1024^1.8?

A: To calculate 1024^1.8, you can use a calculator or a computer program. The result is approximately 1.67 x 10^6.

Q: How do I calculate 1 / 1.67 x 10^6?

A: To calculate 1 / 1.67 x 10^6, you can simply take the reciprocal of the result.

Q: What is the final answer to the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7?

A: The final answer is approximately 0.0006.

Additional Tips and Tricks

When solving logarithmic equations, always isolate the logarithmic term first.
Use exponentiation to solve for x.
Understand the concept of negative exponents and how to calculate them.
Use a calculator or a computer program to calculate large numbers.

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided a Q&A section to help readers understand the concepts and techniques used to solve the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7. We hope that this article has been helpful in clarifying any doubts and providing additional tips and tricks for solving logarithmic equations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the definition of a logarithm? A: A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation.
Q: How do I solve for x in the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7? A: To solve for x, you need to isolate the logarithmic term and use exponentiation to solve for x.
Q: What is the final answer to the equation log4(x) + 2 = -7? A: The final answer is approximately 0.0006.