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College Algebra
Tutorial 46:
Logarithmic Equations
Learning Objectives
Introduction
In this tutorial I will step you through how to solve equations that have
logarithmic expressions. In these equations, you will notice that the variable
that we are solving for is inside the log expressions. We will rewrite the log
equation exponentially using the definition of logs to help us get the x outside of
the log. If you need a review on the definition of log functions, feel free to go to
Tutorial 43: Logarithmic Functions. Ready, set, GO!!!!!
Tutorial
Solving a Logarithmic Equation of the Form
Get your log on one side everything outside of the log on the other side
of your equation using inverse operations.
Also use properties of logs to write it so that there is only one log. If
you need a review on properties of logs feel free to go to Tutorial 44:
Logarithmic Properties.
Now that the variable is out of the log, solve for the variable using
inverse operations to complete the problem.
*5 cubed is 125
*Solve for x
Since -25 would create a negative number inside both logs in this
problem and we CANNOT take the log of a negative number, we
will have to throw out x = -25 as one of our solutions.
Final answer: x = 4.
*3 squared is 9
*Solve for x
Remember that when you have ln, that means it is the natural log, or
log base e. If you need a review on natural logs feel free to go to
Tutorial 43: Logarithmic Functions.
*Solve for x
The equation that we had to solve in step 3 had a square root in it. If
you need a review on solving equations with radicals feel free to go to
Tutorial 19: Radical Equations and Equations Involving Rational
Exponents.
Practice Problems
These are practice problems to help bring you to the next level. It will allow
you to check and see if you have an understanding of these types of problems.
Math works just like anything else, if you want to get good at it, then you
need to practice it. Even the best athletes and musicians had help along the
way and lots of practice, practice, practice, to get good at their sport or
instrument. In fact there is no such thing as too much practice.
To get the most out of these, you should work the problem out on your own
and then check your answer by clicking on the link for the
answer/discussion for that problem. At the link you will find the answer as
well as any steps that went into finding that answer.
1c. 1d.
(answer/discussion to 1c) (answer/discussion to 1d)
The following are webpages that can assist you in the topics that were
covered on this page:
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/solvelog.htm
This webpage will help you with solving logarithmic equations.
http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/solve/solve8/s81/s81.html
This webpage gives an example of solving a logarithmic
equation.
All contents copyright (C) 2002, WTAMU and Kim Peppard. All rights reserved.
Last revised on November 5, 2002 by Kim Peppard.