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Solving Exponential and Logs

1) To solve exponential and logarithmic equations, take various steps depending on whether the bases are the same or different, and whether the base is e or another number. 2) To solve logarithmic equations where every term has log, use properties of logarithms to condense terms and cancel logs. Set the expressions equal and solve for the variable. 3) To solve logarithmic equations where not every term has log, change from log form to exponential form using the definition that logab = x is the same as ax = b, then solve for the variable.

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149 views2 pages

Solving Exponential and Logs

1) To solve exponential and logarithmic equations, take various steps depending on whether the bases are the same or different, and whether the base is e or another number. 2) To solve logarithmic equations where every term has log, use properties of logarithms to condense terms and cancel logs. Set the expressions equal and solve for the variable. 3) To solve logarithmic equations where not every term has log, change from log form to exponential form using the definition that logab = x is the same as ax = b, then solve for the variable.

Uploaded by

Sean andrei Asma
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Solving Exponential & Logarithmic Equations

I. To Solve Exponential Equations (variable in exponent position):

A. When the bases are the same:

Solve: 3X + 4 = 32X – 1 STEPS: When the bases are the same,


set the exponents equal to each other.
Solve for the variable.
Always check the solutions by substitution.
x + 4 = 2x - 1
-x = -5
x=5

B. When the bases are not the same and NOT e:

Solve: 3X + 4 = 5X – 6
STEPS: Take the log of both sides.
Move the exponents in front of the log.
Use the distribution property and solve for x.

log 3X + 4 = log 5X - 6
(x + 4)log 3 = (x - 6)log 5
x log 3 + 4 log 3 = x log 5 – 6 log 5
x log 3 – x log 5 = – 4 log 3 – 6 log 5
x (log 3 – log 5) = – 1 (4 log 3 + 6 log 5)
1(4 log 3  6 log 5)
x=
log 3  log 5

C. When the base is e:

Solve: e2x - 5 =29


STEPS: Take the ln (natural log) of both sides.
Move the exponents to the front of the ln.
Since ln e = 1, 2x – 5 times ln e is 2x – 5.
Solve for x.
ln e2x - 5 = ln 29
(2x – 5)ln e = ln 29
2x – 5= ln 29
2x = ln 29 + 5
(ln 29)  5
x=
2
II. To Solve Logarithmic Equations ( log or ln):

A. When every term has the word log (or ln):

Solve: log (x - 3) + log x = log 18


STEPS: Use properties of logarithms to
condense one side to a single log.
Both sides of equation have the
same base. Therefore, we can cancel
the logs, and solve for the
indicated variable.
log [x(x - 3)] = log 18
x(x - 3) = 18
x2 - 3x - 18 = 0
(x - 6)(x + 3) = 0
x = 6, x = -3 Since it is impossible to take the log of a negative
number, -3 does not check in the original problem.

B. When not every term has log (or ln):

Solve: log (x + 2) - log x = 2


STEPS: Use properties of logarithms to
condense logs into one term.
Change from log form to exponential form.**
Solve for the indicated variable.
log [ (x + 2) ] = 2
x

102 = (x + 2)
x

100 = (x + 2)
x

100x = x + 2
99x = 2
x = 2
99

**In logarithmic form, logab = x is equivalent to the exponential form ax = b


log3 9 = 2

The number The value on the


The base of the log
here is the opposite side of the
is the base of the
solution to equals sign is the
power.
the power. exponent.

32 = 9

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