Math Problem Statement

Solve the equation log_2 3 * log_3 4 * log_4 5 * ... * log_x (x+1) = 10.

Solution

The given equation is:

log23×log34×log45××logx(x+1)=10\log_2 3 \times \log_3 4 \times \log_4 5 \times \cdots \times \log_x (x+1) = 10

Step-by-Step Solution:

This type of equation involves a product of logarithms with bases and arguments progressing incrementally. We can utilize the change of base formula for logarithms to simplify the expression.

Step 1: Recognize the general pattern.

Each term in the product can be simplified using the change of base formula: logba=logalogb\log_b a = \frac{\log a}{\log b} This allows us to rewrite each term in the product as: log23=log3log2,log34=log4log3,log45=log5log4,,logx(x+1)=log(x+1)logx\log_2 3 = \frac{\log 3}{\log 2}, \quad \log_3 4 = \frac{\log 4}{\log 3}, \quad \log_4 5 = \frac{\log 5}{\log 4}, \quad \dots, \quad \log_x (x+1) = \frac{\log(x+1)}{\log x}

Step 2: General simplification.

The product of these logarithms telescopes. This is because for each adjacent logarithm, the numerator of one term is canceled by the denominator of the previous term: log3log2×log4log3×log5log4××log(x+1)logx=log(x+1)log2\frac{\log 3}{\log 2} \times \frac{\log 4}{\log 3} \times \frac{\log 5}{\log 4} \times \cdots \times \frac{\log(x+1)}{\log x} = \frac{\log(x+1)}{\log 2}

Step 3: Set up the equation.

Now, the equation reduces to: log(x+1)log2=10\frac{\log(x+1)}{\log 2} = 10

Step 4: Solve for xx.

Multiply both sides by log2\log 2 to isolate the logarithm: log(x+1)=10×log2\log(x+1) = 10 \times \log 2 log(x+1)=log(210)\log(x+1) = \log(2^{10}) log(x+1)=log1024\log(x+1) = \log 1024

Since the logarithms are equal, their arguments must be equal: x+1=1024x + 1 = 1024 x=1023x = 1023

Thus, the solution to the equation is x=1023x = 1023.


Let me know if you want more details or have any questions.

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does the change of base formula work in logarithms?
  2. What is a telescoping product and how does it simplify this type of equation?
  3. Can this problem be generalized to different logarithmic products?
  4. What would happen if the product had a finite or infinite number of terms?
  5. What is the role of exponential growth in logarithmic equations?

Tip: The change of base formula is a crucial tool when dealing with logarithms of different bases. Always check if adjacent terms can telescope for simplification.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logarithms
Change of Base Formula
Telescoping Product

Formulas

log_b a = log a / log b
log(x+1) = log 1024
x + 1 = 1024

Theorems

Change of Base Formula
Logarithmic Simplification

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10-12