Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: log_(√5 - 2)(√5 + 2) + log_(√3 - √2)(√3 + √2).

Solution

Let’s analyze and solve the given expression:

log52(5+2)+log32(3+2).\log_{\sqrt{5} - 2} \left( \sqrt{5} + 2 \right) + \log_{\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}} \left( \sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2} \right).

Step 1: Simplify the first term log52(5+2)\log_{\sqrt{5} - 2} (\sqrt{5} + 2)

Using the logarithmic property:

loga(b)=1logb(a).\log_a(b) = \frac{1}{\log_b(a)}. To simplify, we compute (52)(5+2)(\sqrt{5} - 2)(\sqrt{5} + 2), which is a difference of squares: (52)(5+2)=(5)2(2)2=54=1.(\sqrt{5} - 2)(\sqrt{5} + 2) = (\sqrt{5})^2 - (2)^2 = 5 - 4 = 1.

This implies: 52 and 5+2 are reciprocal bases.\sqrt{5} - 2 \text{ and } \sqrt{5} + 2 \text{ are reciprocal bases.} Thus: log52(5+2)=1.\log_{\sqrt{5} - 2}(\sqrt{5} + 2) = 1.

Step 2: Simplify the second term log32(3+2)\log_{\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}} (\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2})

Similarly, we compute (32)(3+2)(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2})(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}), which is also a difference of squares: (32)(3+2)=(3)2(2)2=32=1.(\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2})(\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}) = (\sqrt{3})^2 - (\sqrt{2})^2 = 3 - 2 = 1.

This implies: 32 and 3+2 are reciprocal bases.\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2} \text{ and } \sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2} \text{ are reciprocal bases.} Thus: log32(3+2)=1.\log_{\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}} (\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}) = 1.

Step 3: Combine the results

Now, we sum the results of the two logarithms: log52(5+2)+log32(3+2)=1+1=2.\log_{\sqrt{5} - 2} (\sqrt{5} + 2) + \log_{\sqrt{3} - \sqrt{2}} (\sqrt{3} + \sqrt{2}) = 1 + 1 = 2.

Final Answer:

2\boxed{2}

Let me know if you would like further clarification!


Related Questions to Explore:

  1. What are the properties of logarithms that can simplify expressions like this?
  2. How does the difference of squares help in simplifying logarithmic bases?
  3. How would the result change if the logarithmic bases were not reciprocal?
  4. What are the implications of reciprocal bases for logarithmic calculations?
  5. Can this problem be extended to complex logarithmic bases?

Tip:

When simplifying logarithms, always look for special relationships between the base and the argument, such as reciprocals or powers. This can save a lot of computation time!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Difference of Squares
Properties of Logarithms

Formulas

log_a(b) = 1 / log_b(a)
(a - b)(a + b) = a^2 - b^2

Theorems

Logarithmic Properties
Difference of Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12