Math Problem Statement

Solve the following exponential equation by first writing it in the logarithmic form and then using a calculator to solve it to 2 decimal places: 6^x = 146

Solution

To solve the equation 6x=1466^x = 146 by rewriting it in logarithmic form, we can follow these steps:

  1. Rewrite the equation in logarithmic form. For an equation of the form ax=ba^x = b, the logarithmic form is x=loga(b)x = \log_a(b). x=log6(146)x = \log_6(146)

  2. Since calculators typically don’t have a base-6 logarithm function, we can use the change of base formula: x=log10(146)log10(6)x = \frac{\log_{10}(146)}{\log_{10}(6)}

  3. Now, using a calculator to evaluate this:

    • log10(146)2.1644\log_{10}(146) \approx 2.1644
    • log10(6)0.7782\log_{10}(6) \approx 0.7782

    Therefore: x2.16440.77822.78x \approx \frac{2.1644}{0.7782} \approx 2.78

So, x2.78x \approx 2.78 to two decimal places.

To complete the answer in your system:

  1. For the logarithmic form:

    • The base is 66.
    • The number inside the logarithm is 146146.
    • This equals xx.
  2. For the value of xx:

    • x=2.78x = 2.78.

Would you like further details on this solution or have any questions?


Here are 5 related questions that expand on logarithmic functions:

  1. How do you solve exponential equations with different bases?
  2. What is the change of base formula, and why is it useful?
  3. How can logarithmic functions be applied in real-world scenarios?
  4. What are common properties of logarithms that help simplify complex expressions?
  5. How does understanding logarithms assist in graphing exponential functions?

Tip: Remember that the change of base formula, loga(b)=logc(b)logc(a)\log_a(b) = \frac{\log_c(b)}{\log_c(a)}, is especially helpful when calculators don’t support certain logarithmic bases.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Exponential Equations
Change of Base Formula

Formulas

Change of Base Formula: log_a(b) = log_c(b) / log_c(a)

Theorems

Properties of Logarithms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12