Solving the Logarithmic Equation: log_4(3^(x)-1)log_(1/4)(3^(x)-1)/(16)
This article will explore the solution to the logarithmic equation:
log_4(3^(x)-1)log_(1/4)(3^(x)-1)/(16)
To solve this equation, we will utilize several key properties of logarithms:
Understanding Logarithms
- Base Change Formula: log_a(b) = log_c(b)/log_c(a)
- Inverse Property: log_a(a^b) = b
- Product Rule: log_a(b) + log_a(c) = log_a(bc)
Solving the Equation
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Simplify the Equation:
Let's start by simplifying the expression using the base change formula. We can rewrite log_(1/4)(3^(x)-1) in terms of base 4:
log_(1/4)(3^(x)-1) = log_4(3^(x)-1)/log_4(1/4) = -log_4(3^(x)-1)
Substituting this back into the original equation:
log_4(3^(x)-1) * (-log_4(3^(x)-1))/16
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Simplify further:
- (log_4(3^(x)-1))^2 / 16
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Solve for the expression:
Let y = log_4(3^(x)-1). The equation becomes:
-y^2/16 = 0
Multiplying both sides by -16:
y^2 = 0
Taking the square root of both sides:
y = 0
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Substitute back and solve for x:
Now, substitute y back:
log_4(3^(x)-1) = 0
Using the inverse property of logarithms:
3^(x)-1 = 4^0 = 1
Adding 1 to both sides:
3^(x) = 2
Solving for x by taking the logarithm of both sides (using any base):
x * log(3) = log(2)
x = log(2)/log(3)
Solution
Therefore, the solution to the logarithmic equation log_4(3^(x)-1)log_(1/4)(3^(x)-1)/(16) is:
x = log(2)/log(3)
Important Notes
- This solution is a single value.
- We can approximate the value of x using a calculator.
- Always check for any restrictions on the domain of the original equation to ensure the solution is valid.