How do you solve 2+log_3(2x+5)-log_3x=42+log3(2x+5)log3x=4?

1 Answer
Feb 8, 2015

I would start by collecting the logs on one side:

log_3(2x+5)-log_3(x)=4-2log3(2x+5)log3(x)=42

I can use the fact that:
logM+logN=log(M/N)logM+logN=log(MN)
Giving:

log_3((2x+5)/x)=2log3(2x+5x)=2

Use the definition of logarithm:

log_ax=b ->a^b=xlogax=bab=x

Giving:

(2x+5)/x=3^22x+5x=32
2x+5=9x2x+5=9x
7x=57x=5
x=5/7x=57

hope it helps