How do you solve ln(x+6)+ln(x-6)=0?

1 Answer
Jul 8, 2015

I found: x=sqrt(37)=6.082

Explanation:

You can start by using the rule of logs:
loga+logb=log(a*b)

In your case you get:
ln[(x+6)*(x-6)]=0

Now you can use the definition of log as:
log_ax=b -> x=a^b remembering that the natural log is: lnx=log_ex

so:
(x+6)(x-6)=e^0
(x+6)(x-6)=1
rearranging:
x^2-36=1
x^2=37
x=+-sqrt(37)=+-6.082
The negative x cannot be accepted (substituted back it gives a negative argument in the original logs).