Math Problem Statement

Given that a > b > 0 and that a and b satisfy the equation log a - log b = log(a - b), show that a = b^2 / (b - 1).

Solution

We are given that a>b>0a > b > 0 and the equation:

logalogb=log(ab)\log a - \log b = \log(a - b)

We need to show that:

a=b2b1a = \frac{b^2}{b - 1}

Step 1: Simplify the logarithmic equation

Using the logarithmic property logxlogy=log(xy)\log x - \log y = \log \left( \frac{x}{y} \right), we can simplify the left-hand side:

log(ab)=log(ab)\log \left( \frac{a}{b} \right) = \log(a - b)

Step 2: Exponentiate both sides

Since the logarithms are equal, we can remove the logarithms by exponentiating both sides:

ab=ab\frac{a}{b} = a - b

Step 3: Solve for aa

Multiply both sides by bb to eliminate the denominator:

a=b(ab)a = b(a - b)

Distribute bb on the right-hand side:

a=abb2a = ab - b^2

Now, isolate aa on one side by subtracting abab from both sides:

aab=b2a - ab = -b^2

Factor out aa on the left-hand side:

a(1b)=b2a(1 - b) = -b^2

Finally, solve for aa by dividing both sides by 1b1 - b:

a=b21ba = \frac{-b^2}{1 - b}

Since 1b1 - b is negative, this simplifies to:

a=b2b1a = \frac{b^2}{b - 1}

Thus, we have shown that:

a=b2b1a = \frac{b^2}{b - 1}

Would you like any further clarification or more details on this?


Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How does the property of logarithms simplify this equation?
  2. What happens if we don't assume a>b>0a > b > 0?
  3. Can this result be applied to other forms of logarithmic equations?
  4. How would this result change if we used natural logarithms instead of base-10 logarithms?
  5. What are the conditions on bb to ensure aa remains positive?

Tip: When dealing with logarithmic equations, always check whether using properties like logxlogy=logxy\log x - \log y = \log \frac{x}{y} simplifies the equation early on.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Algebraic Manipulation
Exponential Equations

Formulas

log(x) - log(y) = log(x / y)
Exponentiation to remove logarithms

Theorems

Logarithmic Properties
Algebraic Rearrangement

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Level