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

We are given the following system of equations:

2x+y=125and2xy=252^{x + y} = 125 \quad \text{and} \quad 2^{x - y} = 25

We are asked to determine the value of 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}} in closed form.

Step 1: Expressing the equations with logarithms

Start by rewriting the given powers in terms of logarithms. First, express 125 and 25 as powers of 5:

125=53and25=52125 = 5^3 \quad \text{and} \quad 25 = 5^2

Thus, we rewrite the system as:

2x+y=53and2xy=522^{x + y} = 5^3 \quad \text{and} \quad 2^{x - y} = 5^2

Step 2: Taking logarithms on both sides

Take the logarithm of both sides of each equation. Using natural logarithms (or base 2 logs) is appropriate, but we proceed generally:

For the first equation: x+y=log2(53)=3log2(5)x + y = \log_2(5^3) = 3\log_2(5)

For the second equation: xy=log2(52)=2log2(5)x - y = \log_2(5^2) = 2\log_2(5)

Step 3: Solving the system of linear equations

We now have the following system of linear equations:

x+y=3log2(5)x + y = 3\log_2(5) xy=2log2(5)x - y = 2\log_2(5)

Add the two equations to eliminate yy:

2x=5log2(5)2x = 5\log_2(5)

Thus, x=5log2(5)2x = \frac{5\log_2(5)}{2}

Now, subtract the second equation from the first to eliminate xx:

2y=log2(5)2y = \log_2(5)

Thus, y=log2(5)2y = \frac{\log_2(5)}{2}

Step 4: Finding 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}}

We want to find 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}}. From the expressions for xx and yy, we have:

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

Therefore: 2yx=2152^{\frac{y}{x}} = 2^{\frac{1}{5}}

Thus, the value of 2yx2^{\frac{y}{x}} in closed form is 2152^{\frac{1}{5}}.

Would you like further details or clarifications?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would you solve this if the numbers were different powers of a different base, like 3 or 7?
  2. What is the significance of taking logarithms in solving exponential equations?
  3. Can you find a general method for solving equations of the form ax+y=ma^{x+y} = m and axy=na^{x-y} = n?
  4. How does this approach change if the system involved more variables, such as x+y+zx+y+z?
  5. What other mathematical techniques can be used for solving nonlinear systems involving exponentials?

Tip: When solving exponential equations, expressing the constants as powers of the same base can greatly simplify the solution process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Equations
Logarithms
Algebra

Formulas

a^x * a^y = a^(x+y)
log(a^b) = b*log(a)
Linear system of equations

Theorems

Properties of Exponents
Logarithmic Identities

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (or Advanced High School)