Math Problem Statement

Write the following as a single logarithm. Assume all variables are positive.

Solution

To write the expression as a single logarithm, let's analyze it. The given expression is:

loga(x)+2loga(y)12loga(z)\log_a(x) + 2\log_a(y) - \frac{1}{2}\log_a(z)

We'll use logarithmic properties to combine these terms:

  1. Logarithm of a product: loga(x)+loga(y)=loga(xy)\log_a(x) + \log_a(y) = \log_a(xy)
  2. Logarithm of a power: kloga(x)=loga(xk)k \log_a(x) = \log_a(x^k)
  3. Logarithm of a quotient: loga(x)loga(y)=loga(xy)\log_a(x) - \log_a(y) = \log_a\left(\frac{x}{y}\right)

Step 1: Apply the power rule

  • 2loga(y)=loga(y2)2\log_a(y) = \log_a(y^2)
  • 12loga(z)=loga(z1/2)=loga(z)\frac{1}{2}\log_a(z) = \log_a(z^{1/2}) = \log_a(\sqrt{z})

This simplifies the expression to: loga(x)+loga(y2)loga(z)\log_a(x) + \log_a(y^2) - \log_a(\sqrt{z})

Step 2: Apply the product and quotient rules

loga(xy2)loga(z)=loga(xy2z)\log_a\left(x \cdot y^2\right) - \log_a(\sqrt{z}) = \log_a\left(\frac{x y^2}{\sqrt{z}}\right)

Final Result

The expression as a single logarithm is: loga(xy2z)\log_a\left(\frac{x y^2}{\sqrt{z}}\right)


Would you like further explanations or details on logarithmic properties?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you expand a single logarithm into multiple terms?
  2. What is the relationship between logarithms and exponents?
  3. How do you simplify logarithmic expressions with fractional exponents?
  4. Can you express loga(a3b2)\log_a\left(\frac{a^3}{b^2}\right) as a sum or difference of logs?
  5. How does the base of the logarithm affect simplification?

Tip: Always remember to check the domain of the variables when simplifying logarithmic expressions to ensure they are valid.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithmic Properties
Logarithmic Expressions

Formulas

Logarithm of a product: log_a(x) + log_a(y) = log_a(xy)
Logarithm of a power: k * log_a(x) = log_a(x^k)
Logarithm of a quotient: log_a(x) - log_a(y) = log_a(x/y)

Theorems

Properties of Logarithms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12