Math Problem Statement

Suppose 2^(x + y) = 125 and 2^(x - y) = 25. Without using a calculator, determine in closed form the value of 2^(y/x).

Solution

Let's solve the given problem step-by-step.

We are given two equations:

  1. 2x+y=1252^{x + y} = 125
  2. 2xy=252^{x - y} = 25

We are asked to determine the value of 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}} in closed form without using a calculator.


Step 1: Rewrite the constants in terms of powers of 2

We know:

  • 125=53125 = 5^3
  • 25=5225 = 5^2

Thus, the equations become: 2x+y=53and2xy=52.2^{x + y} = 5^3 \quad \text{and} \quad 2^{x - y} = 5^2.


Step 2: Take logarithms to make the exponents manageable

Using the base-2 logarithm (denoted by log2\log_2), we take the log of both sides for each equation.

For the first equation: log2(2x+y)=log2(53)    x+y=3log2(5).\log_2 \left(2^{x + y}\right) = \log_2 \left(5^3\right) \implies x + y = 3 \cdot \log_2(5).

For the second equation: log2(2xy)=log2(52)    xy=2log2(5).\log_2 \left(2^{x - y}\right) = \log_2 \left(5^2\right) \implies x - y = 2 \cdot \log_2(5).


Step 3: Solve the system of linear equations

We have: x+y=3log2(5),xy=2log2(5).x + y = 3 \log_2(5), \quad x - y = 2 \log_2(5).

Add the two equations: 2x=5log2(5)    x=52log2(5).2x = 5 \log_2(5) \implies x = \frac{5}{2} \log_2(5).

Now subtract the second equation from the first: 2y=log2(5)    y=12log2(5).2y = \log_2(5) \implies y = \frac{1}{2} \log_2(5).


Step 4: Find yx\frac{y}{x}

yx=12log2(5)52log2(5)=1/25/2=15.\frac{y}{x} = \frac{\frac{1}{2} \log_2(5)}{\frac{5}{2} \log_2(5)} = \frac{1/2}{5/2} = \frac{1}{5}.


Step 5: Compute 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}}

2yx=215.2^{\frac{y}{x}} = 2^{\frac{1}{5}}.


Final Answer

The value of 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}} in closed form is: 215.\boxed{2^{\frac{1}{5}}}.


Do you have any questions or want further clarification?
Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What are the general properties of exponential functions with fractional exponents?
  2. How can logarithmic identities simplify solving equations involving exponents?
  3. What is the relationship between different logarithmic bases (e.g., log2\log_2 and log10\log_{10})?
  4. How do you solve more complex systems involving logarithmic equations?
  5. Can this approach be extended to solve non-linear exponential equations?

Tip: When handling exponential equations, it often helps to use logarithms, especially when unknowns appear in the exponent.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Logarithms
Algebra

Formulas

2^(x + y) = 125
2^(x - y) = 25
logarithmic properties

Theorems

Logarithmic Theorem
Properties of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12