Math Problem Statement

solve x = log4 8

Solution

To solve the equation x=log48x = \log_4 8, we need to express xx in a way that is more easily solvable.

Step 1: Express the logarithm in terms of a more familiar base

We know that: logab=logcblogca\log_a b = \frac{\log_c b}{\log_c a} where cc is any positive number. A common choice for cc is 10 (common logarithm) or ee (natural logarithm), but for simplicity, we will use base 2 because both 4 and 8 are powers of 2.

Step 2: Rewrite log48\log_4 8 in terms of base 2

First, express 4 and 8 as powers of 2: 4=22and8=234 = 2^2 \quad \text{and} \quad 8 = 2^3 Then, substitute these into the logarithm: log48=log2223\log_4 8 = \log_{2^2} 2^3 Using the change of base formula, we get: log2223=log223log222\log_{2^2} 2^3 = \frac{\log_2 2^3}{\log_2 2^2}

Step 3: Simplify the expression

We know that: log223=3andlog222=2\log_2 2^3 = 3 \quad \text{and} \quad \log_2 2^2 = 2 So: log48=32\log_4 8 = \frac{3}{2}

Final Answer:

x=32x = \frac{3}{2}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions for further exploration:

  1. How would you solve x=log525x = \log_5 25?
  2. What is log232\log_2 32?
  3. How do you convert between logarithms of different bases?
  4. Can you solve x=log416x = \log_4 16?
  5. What is the value of log464\log_4 64?

Tip: When dealing with logarithms, expressing the numbers in terms of the same base often simplifies the calculation significantly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Change of Base
Exponents

Formulas

Change of Base Formula: log_a b = log_c b / log_c a
Exponent Conversion: a^b

Theorems

Change of Base Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12