Math Problem Statement

(log 5base x)^2 - 3log 5base (x) + 2 = 0

Solution

We have the equation:

(log5(x))23log5(x)+2=0(\log_5(x))^2 - 3\log_5(x) + 2 = 0

This is a quadratic equation in terms of log5(x)\log_5(x). Let's introduce a substitution to simplify the problem:

Let y=log5(x)y = \log_5(x). Then, the equation becomes:

y23y+2=0y^2 - 3y + 2 = 0

Step 1: Solve the quadratic equation

We can factor the quadratic equation:

y23y+2=(y1)(y2)=0y^2 - 3y + 2 = (y - 1)(y - 2) = 0

Thus, we have two possible solutions for yy:

y1=0ory2=0y - 1 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad y - 2 = 0

So, y=1y = 1 or y=2y = 2.

Step 2: Solve for xx

Recall that y=log5(x)y = \log_5(x). So, we have:

  1. If y=1y = 1, then log5(x)=1\log_5(x) = 1, which means x=51=5x = 5^1 = 5.
  2. If y=2y = 2, then log5(x)=2\log_5(x) = 2, which means x=52=25x = 5^2 = 25.

Final Answer:

The possible values of xx are:

x=5orx=25x = 5 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 25


Would you like a more detailed explanation of any step, or have other questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do logarithmic properties apply to solving equations like this?
  2. What is the general approach for solving quadratic equations?
  3. Can you explain how logarithms change when the base changes?
  4. How do we use logarithmic identities to simplify equations?
  5. What is the domain of a logarithmic function, and how does it affect possible solutions?

Tip: When solving logarithmic equations, it's often helpful to introduce a substitution for the logarithm to turn it into a simpler algebraic equation, as done here.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Quadratic Equations

Formulas

log_b(x) = y ↔ x = b^y
Quadratic equation formula ax^2 + bx + c = 0

Theorems

Logarithmic properties
Quadratic equation factorization

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11