Combine, Then Undo
Part of the Exponentials, Logs & Sequences section of Coddy's Algebra 2 journey. Lesson 28 of 46.
has two logs, and the undo move works on one. So join them first with the product rule, which holds while both inputs are positive: .
Now there is one log, and raising 6 to both sides undoes it: , an ordinary quadratic. Expand, move the 6 across and factor: , so x is 3 or -2.
Those are only candidates. Put each back into the original equation. With x = 3 the inputs are 3 and 2, both positive, and is , which is 1. With x = -2 the first input is -2, and the log of a negative number has no value, so -2 is thrown out. The board's move Check x = ... in the original equation runs this test for each candidate.
Challenge
Solve . Check every candidate and keep only the true answers.
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All lessons in Exponentials, Logs & Sequences
7Log Equations
Combine, Then UndoA Difference of LogsSame Log Both SidesA False AnswerRecap: Log Equations