SHS

General
Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 26:
Solving Logarithmic Equations and
Inequalities

1
General Mathematics – SHS
Quarter 1 – Week 8, Module 26: Solving Logarithmic Equations and
Inequalities

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Michelle Burce Baluis
Editor: Desiree R. Euste
Reviewers: Sarah Christine P. Godoy
Simeon D. Brillantes
Illustrator: Michelle Burce Baluis
Layout Artist: Jhomar B. Jaravata, Antonio L. Morada

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 SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

Introduction
This module aims to help you become familiar with the laws of
logarithm and its application in solving problems involving logarithmic equations and
inequalities.

Objectives
At the end of this module, you should be able solve
logarithmic equations and inequalities. (M11GM-Ii-1).

Vocabulary List

The following important terms will be used in this module. They are defined as
follows.
Logarithm is the inverse function to exponentiation. It means that the
logarithm of a given number x is the exponent to which another fixed
number, the base b, must be raised, to produce that number x. In the
simplest case, the logarithm counts the number of occurrences of the
same factor in repeated multiplication.
Common logarithms are logarithms with base 10; logx is a short notation for
𝑙𝑜𝑔10x. (Deped General Mathematics Learner Material p-99)
Natural Logarithm are logarithms to the base e and are denoted by ln. In
other words, lnx is another way of writing 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 x.(Deped General
Mathematics Learner Material p-99)
Logarithmic functions are the inverses of exponential functions. The
inverse of the exponential function y = ax is x = ay. The logarithmic
function y = logax is defined to be equivalent to the exponential
equation x = ay. (www.sparknotes.com)
Laws of logarithm are rules that allows logarithmic expressions be written in
different ways.(www.mathcentre.ac.uk)

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 Pre-Test

Direction: Circle the letter that corresponds to the BEST answer.

1. What is the exponential form of 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 8 = 3?
a. 32 = 8 b. 23 = 8 c. 83 = 2 d. 82 = 3
2. What is the logarithmic form of 81 = 92 ?
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 2 = 81
b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 81 = 9
c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 81 = 2
d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 9 = 81
3. Solve 2log5 3x = 4
25
a. x= 0 b. x = c. x = 4 d. x = 16
3

4. Solve ln (x – 2) + ln (2x -3) = 2 ln x

a. x= 1, -5 b. x = -1, -3 c. x = 1, 6 d. x = -1 , 4
5. Solve log2 4x > log4 3x
3
a. x > 16 b. x = 25 c. x = 3 d. x = 1

2
 Learning Activities

This module will present to you the common laws of logarithms also known
as the “log rules”. These laws are needed in solving logarithmic equations and
inequalities.
Let’s Start!

Laws of Logarithm
Law 1. logb(M.N) = logb M + logb N
𝑀
Law 2. logb ( 𝑁 ) = logb M – logb N

Law 3. logb Mk = k.logb M

Law 4. logb(1) = 0
Law 5. logb (b) = 1
Law 6. logb(bk) = k
Law 7. blogb (k) = k
Law 8. logb M = logb N if and only if M = N
Where:
b > 0 but b ≠ 1, and M, N, and k are real numbers but M and N must be
positive.

Laws of Logarithms
Law 1: Product Rule
logb(M.N) = logb M + logb N
● The logarithm of the product is the sum of the logarithm of the factors.
Law 2. Quotient Rule
𝑀
logb ( ) = logb M – logb N
𝑁

● The logarithm of the ratio of two quantities is the logarithm of the

numerator minus the logarithm of the denominator.
Law 3. Power Rule
logb Mk = k.logb M

3
 ● The logarithm of an exponential number is the exponent times the
logarithm of the bases.
Law 4. Zero Rule
logb(1) = 0
● The logarithm of 1 such that b > 0 but b ≠ 1 equals zero.
Law 5. Identity Rule
logb (b) = 1
● The logarithm of the argument (inside the parenthesis) wherein
the argument is the same as the base is equal to 1. Since the argument is equal to
the base, b must be greater than 0 but cannot be equal to 1.
Law 6. Log of Exponent Rule (Logarithm of a Base to a Power Rule)
logb(bk) = k
● The logarithm of an exponential number where its base is the
same as the base of the log is equal to the exponent.
Law 7. Exponent of log Rule (A base to a Logarithmic Power Rule)
blogb (k) = k
● Raising the logarithm of a number to its base is equal to the
number.
Law 8. One to One Rule
logb M = logb N if and only if M = N

Let us try!
Evaluate the expressions using the laws of logarithm.
1. log2 4 + log2 16
► First, let us express 4 and 16 to exponential numbers with a base of 2.
Then, apply Power Rule followed by Identity Rule. After doing so, add the resulting
values to get the final answer.
Solution.
log2 4 + log2 16 = log2 22 + log2 24
= 2log22 + 4 log22 (Power Rule)
=2 (1) + 4(1) (Identity Rule)
=2+4
=6

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 Therefore: log2 4 + log2 16 = 6
2. log3 243 – log3 9
Solution.
log3 243 – log3 9 = log3 35 – log3 32
= 5log3 3 – 2log33 (Power Rule)
= 5(1) – 2(1) (Identity Rule)
=3
Therefore, log3 243 – log3 9 = 3
3. Expand: log5 (25x2 y3)
► Inside the parenthesis is a product of factors. Let us apply the Product
Rule to break it as the sum of individual log expressions. Identity Rule will be used to
make the simplification process easy.
Solution
log5 (25x2 y3) = log5 25 + log5 x2 + log5 y3
=log5 52 + log5 x2 + log5 y3
=2log5 5 + 2log5 x + 3log5 y
=2(1) + 2log5 x + 3log5 y
log5 (25x2 y3) = 2 + 2log5 x + 3log5 y

Another way is by the use of change-of base-formula.

Change-of-base-Formula
Let m, n, and k are real numbers, with M ≠1, N ≠ 1.
𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝒌
logn k = 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒎𝒏
𝒎

Let us try!
Evaluate the expressions using the change-of-base-formula.
1. log8 32 (change to base 10)
log 32
=
log 8
1.505
= 0.903

= 1.667

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 1
2. log243 27 (change to base 3)
1
𝑙𝑜𝑔3 27
=
𝑙𝑜𝑔3 243

For numerator:
1
𝑙𝑜𝑔3 27 = log3 1 – log3 27
= log3 1 – log3 33
= log3 1 – 3log33
= log31 – 3(1)
=0–3
= -3
For denominator:

𝑙𝑜𝑔3 243 = log3 35

= 5log3 3
= 5(1)
=5
1 −3
Therefore: . log243 27 (change to base 3) = 5

Since you become familiar with the laws used in solving logarithmic
equations and inequalities, let us now try to solve equations and inequalities.
Let us try Logarithmic Equation!
Examples:
1. 2log5 3x = 4
Solution
2log5 3x = 4 Write the original equation
log5 3x = 2 Law 6. logb(bk) = k
5log53x = 52 Exponentiate each side (base 5)
3x = 25 Inverse Property
25
x= Divide each side by 3
3

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2. ln x – ln 5 = 0
Solution
ln x – ln 5 = 0 Write the original equation
ln x – ln 5 + ln 5 = o + ln 5 Add ln 5 both sides
ln x = ln 5 One to One Law
x=5
3. log9 (4+x) = log9 (2x – 1)
Solution
log9 (4+x) = log9 (2x – 1) Write the original equation
4 + x = 2x – 1 One to one Law
4 + x – x + 1 = 2x – 1 – x + 1 Additive Inverse
4+1 =x Simplify
5=x
4. 5 + 2 ln x = 4
Solution
5 + 2 ln x = 4 Write the original equation
5 + 2 ln x -5 = 4 – 5 Additive Inverse
2 ln x = -1 Simplify
1
ln x = - 2 Divide each side by 2

eln x = e-1/2 Exponentiate each side

x = e-1/2 Inverse Property
x = 0.61 Use calculator
5. 2 log5 3x = 4
Solution
2 log5 3x = 4 Write original equation
log5 3x = 2 Divide each by 2
5log5 3x = 52 Exponentiate each side (base 5)
3x = 25 Inverse Property
25
x= Divide each side by 3
3

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Let us try Logarithmic Inequalities!
Logarithmic inequality in one variable is an inequality that can be written in
the form of logb x + k < 0, logb x +k > 0, logb x + k ≤ 0, or logb x + k ≥ 0 where b > 0,
and b ≠ 1.
Example :
1. log5 (2x + 59) > 2
Solution
log5 (2x + 59) > 2 Write original equation
log5 (2x + 59) > log5 25 In solving inequality, you should
think on how both sides
can have the same log base. Since 2
is equivalent to log5 25, so we use
log5 25 to make both sides have the
same base of 5 and simply eliminate
log5 on both sides.
2x + 59 > 25 Inequality symbol remained the same after
eliminating log5,
then simplify the system of inequality
2x + 59 – 59 > 25 - 59 Additive Inverse
2x > 25 - 59 Simplify
2x < -34 Divide both sides by 2
x > -17 The value of x is >-17

2. log 1 (2𝑥 + 59) > 2

2

Solution
log 1 (𝑥 + 5) > 2 logb(bk) = k
2

1 2
log 1 (𝑥 + 5) > log 1 (2) Property 6: logb(bk) = k
2 2

1 1
log 1 (𝑥 + 5) > log 1 log 1 ( 2) = 2
2 2 4 2 2

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 1
x +5< Property 10
4

Note: We change the direction of the

inequality since b is between 0 and 1
1
x+5–5< -5 Additive Inverse
4
19
x<− Simplify
4

☺Another simple technique in solving inequality is to change the inequality sign to an

equal sign so that you may not be confused solving logarithmic inequality.

Let’s test your understanding!

Practice Task 1

Direction: Solve each logarithmic expression using the Laws of logarithm or by

change of base formula.

1. log2 8 + log2 128

Solution:

2. log3(729x5y6)
Solution:

512𝑛2
3. log8 ( )
𝑚4

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 Solution:

4. log6 1296 + log6 36

Solution:

5. log5 200 + 2log52 + log4 8 – log4 32

Solution:

Practice Task 2

Direction: Solve the following logarithmic equations and inequalities.

1. log5 (3x + 5) = 3
Solution:

2. log5 x2 = 2
Solution:

1
3. 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 x + 3𝑙𝑜𝑔10(x+1) = 5

Solution:

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4. 2ln (x+2) > ln x
Solution:

5. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 x + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (x-4) < 1

Solution:

Practice Task 3

Direction: Verify each logarithmic equation.

1
1. 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 = -3 - 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
250

Solution:

2. – ln 24 = - (3 ln 2 + ln 3)
Solution:

1
3. -𝑙𝑜𝑔10 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100
100

Solution:

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 Post –Test

Direction: Circle the letter that corresponds to the CORRECT answer by solving the
given logarithmic equations and inequalities.
1
1. log4 x - log4 (x -1) = 2

a. x = 3 b. x= 2 c. x = 1 d. x= 4

2. ln (x+1) – ln (x -2) = ln x
2 3+√13 1
a. x = 3 b. x = c. x = 2 d. x = 1
2

3. log10 8x – log10 (1 + √𝑥 ) = 2
11600+√132000000
a. x = 128

11600+√112000000
b. x = 128

11600+√112000000
c. x = 129

11600+√132000000
d. x = 129

4. log5 (3x + 2) > log5 (6 - x)

a. 1<x < 6 b. 1<x<2 c. x>4 d. x=0

5. log2 8x – log2 ( 1+ √𝑥 )= 2
a. x= b. x=2 c. x= 3 d. x= 4

Assignment: Solve the following logarithmic equations and inequalities.

1. log5 (3x-1) <1
2. log5 2 + 2log5 x = log5 18

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References:
Larson Ron, (2016) Algebra and Trigonometry Real Mathematics, Real People 7 th Edition
Alferez Merle S., (2010) MSA Comprehensive Mathematics Reviewer
Crisologo Leo Andrei A. et.al (2016) Department of Education General Mathematics
Teacher’s Guide

Answer Key
Pre-test Practice Test 3
1
1. b 1. 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 = -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
250
2. c 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 1 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 250 = -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
3. b 0 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 250= -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
4. c −𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (125)(2) = -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
5. a −𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (125)+ 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (2) = -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
Practice Task 1 −𝑙𝑜𝑔5 53 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2 = -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
1. 10 ✓
−3 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2 = -3 – 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 2
2. 6+5log3 x + 6log3 y
3. 3+2log8 n – 4log8m 2. − ln 25 = −(3𝑙𝑛2 + 𝑙𝑛3)
4. 6 − ln 25 = −(𝑙𝑛23 + 𝑙𝑛3)
5. 1 + log5 32 − ln 25 = −(𝑙𝑛8 + 𝑙𝑛3)
Practice Task 2 − ln 25 = −(𝑙𝑛8(3))
1. x= 40 − ln 25 ≠ −𝑙𝑛24
1
2. x = 5, -5 3. -𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100
= 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100
3. x = 4 −(𝑙𝑜𝑔10 1 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100)= 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100
4. x>4 or (4, +∞) −(0 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100)= 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100
5. x>5 or (5, +∞) ✓
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 100

Post-test
1. b
2. b
3. d
4. a
5. b

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