Math Problem Statement

Given log_3(a) = x and log_a(b) = y, evaluate log_6(b).

Solution

The problem in the image reads:

Given: log3a=xandlogab=y,\log_3 a = x \quad \text{and} \quad \log_a b = y, evaluate: log6b.\log_6 b.


Solution:

We start by expressing log6b\log_6 b in terms of the given variables xx and yy.

Step 1: Change the base of log6b\log_6 b to base aa:

log6b=logabloga6.\log_6 b = \frac{\log_a b}{\log_a 6}.

From the given information, we know: logab=y.\log_a b = y.

Thus: log6b=yloga6.\log_6 b = \frac{y}{\log_a 6}.

Step 2: Express loga6\log_a 6 in terms of xx:

We know that 6=326 = 3 \cdot 2. Using the product rule for logarithms: loga6=loga3+loga2.\log_a 6 = \log_a 3 + \log_a 2.

From the first given equation (log3a=x\log_3 a = x), rewrite it as: loga3=1x.\log_a 3 = \frac{1}{x}.

Substitute this into loga6\log_a 6: loga6=1x+loga2.\log_a 6 = \frac{1}{x} + \log_a 2.

Step 3: Express loga2\log_a 2 in terms of log3a\log_3 a (if needed):

If loga2\log_a 2 is unknown, the problem may require additional context for further simplification. For now, the expression becomes:

log6b=y1x+loga2.\log_6 b = \frac{y}{\frac{1}{x} + \log_a 2}.

This is the evaluated expression for log6b\log_6 b in terms of xx and yy. If additional values or relationships (e.g., loga2\log_a 2) are known, the solution can be simplified further.


Do you have any clarifications or additional details? Let me know!

Here are 5 follow-up questions based on this problem:

  1. How does the change of base formula work in logarithms?
  2. Can you derive loga2\log_a 2 in terms of xx if additional values are provided?
  3. What happens if x=1x = 1 and y=1y = 1? What is log6b\log_6 b then?
  4. Why do we use logarithmic properties to simplify such problems?
  5. How do the laws of logarithms help solve real-world problems?

Tip:

Always rewrite logarithmic expressions in terms of a single base if possible; this simplifies solving and substitution.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Change of Base Formula
Properties of Logarithms

Formulas

Change of Base Formula: log_a(b) = log(b)/log(a)
Logarithmic Product Rule: log(a*b) = log(a) + log(b)
Logarithmic Power Rule: log(a^b) = b*log(a)

Theorems

Properties of Logarithms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12