Math Problem Statement

Solve the equation. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list. If there is no solution, enter NO SOLUTION.) log(x + 7) − log x = 2 log 10

Solution

We are given the equation:

log(x+7)log(x)=2log(10)\log(x + 7) - \log(x) = 2\log(10)

Step 1: Apply the properties of logarithms

We can use the logarithmic subtraction property to combine the left-hand side into a single logarithm. The property is:

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

So, the equation becomes:

log(x+7x)=2log(10)\log\left(\frac{x + 7}{x}\right) = 2\log(10)

Step 2: Simplify the right-hand side

We can rewrite 2log(10)2\log(10) using the logarithmic power rule:

alog(b)=log(ba)a\log(b) = \log(b^a)

Thus:

2log(10)=log(102)=log(100)2\log(10) = \log(10^2) = \log(100)

Now the equation is:

log(x+7x)=log(100)\log\left(\frac{x + 7}{x}\right) = \log(100)

Step 3: Remove the logarithms

Since the logarithms on both sides are equal, we can set the arguments of the logarithms equal to each other:

x+7x=100\frac{x + 7}{x} = 100

Step 4: Solve for xx

Multiply both sides by xx to eliminate the fraction:

x+7=100xx + 7 = 100x

Subtract xx from both sides:

7=99x7 = 99x

Solve for xx:

x=799=114x = \frac{7}{99} = \frac{1}{14}

Step 5: Check for validity

Since the logarithm function is only defined for positive arguments, we must check that x+7>0x + 7 > 0 and x>0x > 0. With x=114x = \frac{1}{14}, both conditions hold, so the solution is valid.

Final Answer:

x=114x = \frac{1}{14}

Would you like further explanation or have any questions?


Related questions:

  1. How would the solution change if the right-hand side was 3log(10)3\log(10)?
  2. What happens if the equation had log(x+7)+log(x)\log(x + 7) + \log(x)?
  3. Can this method be used to solve an equation involving natural logarithms (ln)?
  4. What are the conditions for a logarithmic equation to have no solution?
  5. How do the properties of logarithms help simplify complex equations?

Tip: Always check the domain of the logarithmic function when solving equations to ensure the solutions are valid.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Properties of Logarithms
Algebra

Formulas

log(a) - log(b) = log(a/b)
a log(b) = log(b^a)

Theorems

Properties of Logarithms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12