Properties of Logarithms

and Equations Involving

Them
At the end of this lecture, a student must be able to:

Determine the properties of a function that involves

logarithms

Demonstrate the properties of logarithms

Solve equations involving logarithmic expressions

 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
We can try getting f −1 (x) and use domf = ranf −1 .
 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
We can try getting f −1 (x) and use domf = ranf −1 .
This fails since f is not one-to-one e.g.

f (−2) = f (2) = logπ 3.

 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
We can try getting f −1 (x) and use domf = ranf −1 .
This fails since f is not one-to-one e.g.

f (−2) = f (2) = logπ 3.

However...
 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
We can try getting f −1 (x) and use domf = ranf −1 .
This fails since f is not one-to-one e.g.

f (−2) = f (2) = logπ 3.

However... when is f (x) defined?

 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
We can try getting f −1 (x) and use domf = ranf −1 .
This fails since f is not one-to-one e.g.

f (−2) = f (2) = logπ 3.

However... when is f (x) defined? It is defined when

x2 − 1 > 0.
 Quick Check

Find the domain of f (x) = logπ (x2 − 1).

Solution:
We can try getting f −1 (x) and use domf = ranf −1 .
This fails since f is not one-to-one e.g.

f (−2) = f (2) = logπ 3.

However... when is f (x) defined? It is defined when

x2 − 1 > 0. Thus, solving the inequality,

domf = (−∞, −1) ∪ (1, +∞).

 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.
 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.

Then x = bm and y = bn .
 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.

Then x = bm and y = bn .Thus,

xy = bm bn
 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.

Then x = bm and y = bn .Thus,

xy = bm bn = bm+n
 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.

Then x = bm and y = bn .Thus,

xy = bm bn = bm+n ⇐⇒ logb (xy) = m + n
 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.

Then x = bm and y = bn .Thus,

xy = bm bn = bm+n ⇐⇒ logb (xy) = m + n
= logb x + logb y.
 Logarithm of a Product

Let x, y > 0, b > 0, b 6= 1. Let m = logb x and

n = logb y.

Then x = bm and y = bn .Thus,

xy = bm bn = bm+n ⇐⇒ logb (xy) = m + n
= logb x + logb y.
Theorem
If b, x, y > 0 and b 6= 1 then

logb (xy) = logb x + logb y.

Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 =
Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 = log5 (25 · 5) =

Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 = log5 (25 · 5) = log5 125 = 3

Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 = log5 (25 · 5) = log5 125 = 3

Example: Evaluate log6 4 + log6 9.

Solution:

log6 4 + log6 9 =
Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 = log5 (25 · 5) = log5 125 = 3

Example: Evaluate log6 4 + log6 9.

Solution:

log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 · 9) =

Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 = log5 (25 · 5) = log5 125 = 3

Example: Evaluate log6 4 + log6 9.

Solution:

log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 · 9) = log6 (36) =

Example: Evaluate log5 25 + log5 5.
Solution:

log5 25 + log5 5 = log5 (25 · 5) = log5 125 = 3

Example: Evaluate log6 4 + log6 9.

Solution:

log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 · 9) = log6 (36) = 2

 Logarithm of a Quotient

Similarly, if m = logb x and n = logb y,

x bm
y = bn
 Logarithm of a Quotient

Similarly, if m = logb x and n = logb y,

x bm m−n
y = bn = b
 Logarithm of a Quotient

Similarly, if m = logb x and

 n = logb y,
m
x b
y = bn = b
m−n
⇐⇒ logb xy = m − n
 Logarithm of a Quotient

Similarly, if m = logb x and

 n = logb y,
m
x b
y = bn = b
m−n
⇐⇒ logb xy = m − n
= logb x − logb y.
 Logarithm of a Quotient

Similarly, if m = logb x and

 n = logb y,
m
x b
y = bn = b
m−n
⇐⇒ logb xy = m − n
= logb x − logb y.
Theorem
If b, x, y > 0 and b 6= 1 then
 
x
logb = logb x − logb y.
y
 Logarithm of a Power

Let x = bm ⇔ logb x = m
 Logarithm of a Power

Let x = bm ⇔ logb x = m

xp = (bm )p
 Logarithm of a Power

Let x = bm ⇔ logb x = m

xp = (bm )p = bmp
 Logarithm of a Power

Let x = bm ⇔ logb x = m

xp = (bm )p = bmp ⇐⇒ logb (xp ) = p·m

 Logarithm of a Power

Let x = bm ⇔ logb x = m

xp = (bm )p = bmp ⇐⇒ logb (xp ) = p·m = p·logb x.

 Logarithm of a Power

Let x = bm ⇔ logb x = m

xp = (bm )p = bmp ⇐⇒ logb (xp ) = p·m = p·logb x.

Theorem
If b, x > 0, b 6= 1, and p ∈ R then

logb xp = p · logb x.
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 =
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4

Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

= 4024
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

= 4024

Example: Evaluate log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5.

Solution:
log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5 =
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

= 4024

Example: Evaluate log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5.

Solution:
log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5 = log9 150− log9 2− log9 25
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

= 4024

Example: Evaluate log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5.

Solution:
log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5 = log9 150−
 log9 2− log9 25
150
= log9
2(25)
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

= 4024

Example: Evaluate log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5.

Solution:
log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5 = log9 150−
 log9 2− log9 25
150
= log9
2(25)
= log9 3
Example: Evaluate log2 42012 .
Solution:

log2 42012 = 2012 · log2 4 = 2012 · 2

= 4024

Example: Evaluate log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5.

Solution:
log9 150 − log9 2 − 2 log9 5 = log9 150−
 log9 2− log9 25
150
= log9
2(25)
1
= log9 3 =
2
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy =
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7−
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7−
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1−
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1− (log7 x + log7 (x + y))
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1− (log7 x + log7 (x + y))
= 1 − log7 x − log7 (x + y)
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1− (log7 x + log7 (x + y))
= 1 − log7 x − log7 (x + y)

Example: Express 12 logb m + 23 logb 2n − logb m2 n as a single

logarithm with a coefficient 1.
1
logb m 2
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1− (log7 x + log7 (x + y))
= 1 − log7 x − log7 (x + y)

Example: Express 12 logb m + 23 logb 2n − logb m2 n as a single

logarithm with a coefficient 1.
1 3 1 3
logb m 2 + logb (2n) 2 − logb m2 n = logb (m 2 (2n) 2 )− logb m2 n
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1− (log7 x + log7 (x + y))
= 1 − log7 x − log7 (x + y)

Example: Express 12 logb m + 23 logb 2n − logb m2 n as a single

logarithm with a coefficient 1.
1 3 1 3
logb m 2 + logb (2n) 2 − logb m2 n = logb (m 2 (2n) 2 )− logb m2 n
1 3
m 2 (2n) 2
= logb m2 n
 7


Example: Express log7 x2 +xy as a sum of constants and
logarithms.
7


log7 x2 +xy = log7 7− log7 (x2 + xy)
= log7 7− log7 x(x + y)
= 1− (log7 x + log7 (x + y))
= 1 − log7 x − log7 (x + y)

Example: Express 12 logb m + 23 logb 2n − logb m2 n as a single

logarithm with a coefficient 1.
1 3 1 3
logb m 2 + logb (2n) 2 − logb m2 n = logb (m 2 (2n) 2 )− logb m2 n
1 3 √
m 2 (2n) 2 2 2n
= logb m2 n
= logb 3
m2
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
= loga (23 32 )
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
= loga (23 32 )
= loga 23 + loga 32
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
= loga (23 32 )
= loga 23 + loga 32
= 3 loga 2 + 2 loga 3
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
= loga (23 32 )
= loga 23 + loga 32
= 3 loga 2 + 2 loga 3
= 3(0.3)+
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
= loga (23 32 )
= loga 23 + loga 32
= 3 loga 2 + 2 loga 3
= 3(0.3)+ 2(0.48)
Example: Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48.
Find loga 72.
Solution:
loga 72 = loga 8 · 9
= loga (23 32 )
= loga 23 + loga 32
= 3 loga 2 + 2 loga 3
= 3(0.3)+ 2(0.48)
= 1.86
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g =
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g = (2, +∞)
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g = (2, +∞) since x − 2 must be positive.
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g = (2, +∞) since x − 2 must be positive.
dom f =
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g = (2, +∞) since x − 2 must be positive.
dom f = R\{2}
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g = (2, +∞) since x − 2 must be positive.
dom f = R\{2} since (x − 2)2 must be positive.
Example: Is the function defined by
f (x) = log5 (x − 2)2 the same as the function
defined by g(x) = 2 log5 (x − 2)?
Solution:
Two functions f and g are equal if f (x) = g(x)
and domf = domg.
dom g = (2, +∞) since x − 2 must be positive.
dom f = R\{2} since (x − 2)2 must be positive.
Thus, f and g give different functions.
 Change of Base Formula
Since y = logb x ⇔ by = x,
 Change of Base Formula
Since y = logb x ⇔ by = x,
get logarithms of both sides of the equation:
 Change of Base Formula
Since y = logb x ⇔ by = x,
get logarithms of both sides of the equation:
loga by = loga x (for a ∈ R, a > 0, a 6= 1)
 Change of Base Formula
Since y = logb x ⇔ by = x,
get logarithms of both sides of the equation:
loga by = loga x (for a ∈ R, a > 0, a 6= 1)
y loga b = loga x (logarithm of a power)
 Change of Base Formula
Since y = logb x ⇔ by = x,
get logarithms of both sides of the equation:
loga by = loga x (for a ∈ R, a > 0, a 6= 1)
y loga b = loga x (logarithm of a power)
y = log ax
log b (multiplicative property)
a
 Change of Base Formula
Since y = logb x ⇔ by = x,
get logarithms of both sides of the equation:
loga by = loga x (for a ∈ R, a > 0, a 6= 1)
y loga b = loga x (logarithm of a power)
y = log ax
log b (multiplicative property)
a

Theorem
If a, b, x ∈ R with a, b, x > 0 and a, b 6= 1 then
loga x
logb x =
loga b
Example: Express log7 3 as a logarithm to the
base 5.
Solution:

log7 3 =
Example: Express log7 3 as a logarithm to the
base 5.
Solution:
log5 3
log7 3 =
log5 7
Example: Express log7 3 as a logarithm to the
base 5.
Solution:
log5 3
log7 3 =
log5 7

Example: Express logb x in terms of common and

natural logarithms.
Solution:

logb x =
Example: Express log7 3 as a logarithm to the
base 5.
Solution:
log5 3
log7 3 =
log5 7

Example: Express logb x in terms of common and

natural logarithms.
Solution:
log x
logb x =
log b
Example: Express log7 3 as a logarithm to the
base 5.
Solution:
log5 3
log7 3 =
log5 7

Example: Express logb x in terms of common and

natural logarithms.
Solution:
log x ln x
logb x = =
log b ln b
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
log3 (42 ) +
=
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
log3 (42 ) + log3 3
=
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
log3 (42 ) + log3 3
=
log3 9 − log3 4
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
log3 (42 ) + log3 3
=
log3 9 − log3 4
log3 (42 · 3)
=
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
log3 (42 ) + log3 3
=
log3 9 − log3 4
log3 (42 · 3)
=
log3 94
 2 log3 4+1
Example: Write 2−log3 4 as a single logarithm.
Solution:

2 log3 4 + 1 log3 (42 ) + 1

=
2 − log3 4 2 − log3 4
log3 (42 ) + log3 3
=
log3 9 − log3 4
log3 (42 · 3)
=
log3 94
= log 49 (42 · 3)
Equations involving Logarithmic Expressions
Recall:
• Logarithms and exponential expressions are two ways
to write thesame piece of information:

logb x = y ⇔ x = by
Equations involving Logarithmic Expressions
Recall:
• Logarithms and exponential expressions are two ways
to write thesame piece of information:

logb x = y ⇔ x = by

• Since the the logarithmic function with base b is

one-to-one,

logb x1 = logb x2 ⇔ x1 = x2
Equations involving Logarithmic Expressions
Recall:
• Logarithms and exponential expressions are two ways
to write thesame piece of information:

logb x = y ⇔ x = by

• Since the the logarithmic function with base b is

one-to-one,

logb x1 = logb x2 ⇔ x1 = x2

• In the expression logb x, both b and x must be positive

and b 6= 1
Solve for x: log8 32 = x
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
2
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
23x
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
23x = 2
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
23x = 25
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
23x = 25
3x = 5
Solve for x: log8 32 = x

8x = 32
23x = 25
3x = 5
5
x=
3
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) =
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21 = 2
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21 = 2
log2 x =
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21 = 2
log2 x = 22
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21 = 2
log2 x = 22 = 4
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21 = 2
log2 x = 22 = 4
x = 24
Solve for x: log2 (log2 (log2 x)) = 1

log2 (log2 x) = 21 = 2
log2 x = 22 = 4
x = 24
x = 16
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 =
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 =
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1
0 = x2 − x
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1
0 = x2 − x
0 = x(x − 1)
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1
0 = x2 − x
0 = x(x − 1)
⇒ x = 0 or x = 1
Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1
0 = x2 − x
0 = x(x − 1)
⇒ x = 0 or x = 1

But if x = 0, the base of the logarithm would be 1.

Solve for x: log(x+1) (3x + 1) = 2

3x + 1 = (x + 1)2
3x + 1 = x2 + 2x + 1
0 = x2 − x
0 = x(x − 1)
⇒ x = 0 or x = 1

But if x = 0, the base of the logarithm would be 1.

After checking: x=1

 1
Solve for x: logx 2 + logx 5 = 2
 1
Solve for x: logx 2 + logx 5 = 2

1
logx 10 =
2
 1
Solve for x: logx 2 + logx 5 = 2

1
logx 10 =
2
1
x2 = 10
 1
Solve for x: logx 2 + logx 5 = 2

1
logx 10 =
2
1
x 2 = 10
x = 100
 1
Solve for x: logx 2 + logx 5 = 2

1
logx 10 =
2
1
x 2 = 10
x = 100

After checking:
 1
Solve for x: logx 2 + logx 5 = 2

1
logx 10 =
2
1
x 2 = 10
x = 100

After checking:
x = 100
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
x2 − 4x + 4 =
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
x2 − 4x + 4 = x2 + x
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
x2 − 4x + 4 = x2 + x
4 = 5x
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
x2 − 4x + 4 = x2 + x
4
4 = 5x =⇒ x =
5
Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
x2 − 4x + 4 = x2 + x
4
4 = 5x =⇒ x =
5

But if x = 45 , then log5 (x − 2) would be undefined.

Solve for x: 2 log5 (x − 2) − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

log5 (x − 2)2 − log5 x = log5 (x + 1)

(x − 2)2
log5 = log5 (x + 1)
x
(x − 2)2
= x+1
x
(x − 2)2 = x(x + 1)
x2 − 4x + 4 = x2 + x
4
4 = 5x =⇒ x =
5

But if x = 45 , then log5 (x − 2) would be undefined.

The equation has no solution.
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 =
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
x
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
2
x x +6 = 4
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
(x2 + 8)(x2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ x2 = −8 or x2 = 2
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
(x2 + 8)(x2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ x2 = −8 or x2 = 2

But x2 = −8 has only imaginary solutions.

 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
(x2 + 8)(x2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ x2 = −8 or x2 = 2

But x2 = −8 has√only imaginary solutions. If

x2 = 2 ⇒ x = ± 2.
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
(x2 + 8)(x2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ x2 = −8 or x2 = 2

But x2 = −8 has√only imaginary solutions.

√ If
2
x = 2 ⇒ x = ± 2. But when x = − 2,
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
(x2 + 8)(x2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ x2 = −8 or x2 = 2

But x2 = −8 has√only imaginary solutions.

√ If
2
x = 2 ⇒ x = ± 2. But when x = − 2, log3 x is
undefined.
 1
Solve for x: 2
log3 (x2 + 6) = log3 4 − log3 x

1 4
log3 (x2 + 6) 2 = log3
x
√ 4
x2 + 6 =
√ x
x x2 + 6 = 4
x2 (x2 + 6) = 16
x4 + 6x2 − 16 = 0
(x2 + 8)(x2 − 2) = 0 ⇒ x2 = −8 or x2 = 2

But x2 = −8 has√only imaginary solutions.

√ If
2
x = 2 ⇒ x = ± 2. But when x = − 2, log3 x is
undefined. √
The solution set is { 2}
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4

(log4 x)(log4 x) = 4
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4

(log4 x)(log4 x) = 4
(log4 x)2 = 4
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4

(log4 x)(log4 x) = 4
(log4 x)2 = 4
log4 x = ±2
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4

(log4 x)(log4 x) = 4
(log4 x)2 = 4
log4 x = ±2
x = 42 or x = 4−2
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4

(log4 x)(log4 x) =4
(log4 x)2 =4
log4 x =±2
x = 42 x = 4−2
or
1
x = 16 or x =
16
Solve for x: log4 (xlog4 x ) = 4

(log4 x)(log4 x) =
4
(log4 x)2 =
4
log4 x ±2
=
x = 42 x = 4−2
or
1
x = 16 or x =
16
1
The solution set is {16, 16 }
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x

Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3

Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 = 0
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 1) = 0
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 1) = 0
y=3 or y = −1
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 1) = 0
y=3 or y = −1
log3 x = 3 or log3 x = −1
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 1) = 0
y=3 or y = −1
log3 x = 3 or log3 x = −1
x = 33 or
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x = 3 (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 1) = 0
y=3 or y = −1
log3 x = 3 or log3 x = −1
x = 33 or x = 3−1
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x 3= (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 0=
(y − 3)(y + 1) 0=
y=3 y = −1
or
log3 x = 3 log3 x = −1
or
x = 33 x = 3−1
or
1
x = 27 or x = .
3
Solve for x: (log3 x)2 − log3 x2 = log2 8

(log3 x)2 − 2 log3 x 3= (Let y = log3 x)

y 2 − 2y − 3 0=
(y − 3)(y + 1) 0=
y=3 y = −1
or
log3 x = 3 log3 x = −1
or
x = 33 x = 3−1
or
1
x = 27 or x = .
3

1
The solution set is {27, }
3
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 =
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 =
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 = 2x − 1
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 − 2x =
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 − 2x = − 1 − 2 log3 4
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 − 2x = − 1 − 2 log3 4
x(log3 4 − 2) =
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) = 2x − 1
(x + 2) log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 = 2x − 1
x log3 4 − 2x = − 1 − 2 log3 4
x(log3 4 − 2) = − 1 − 2 log3 4
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) 2x − 1
=
(x + 2) log3 4 2x − 1
=
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 2x − 1
=
x log3 4 − 2x − 1 − 2 log3 4
=
x(log3 4 − 2) − 1 − 2 log3 4
=
−1 − 2 log3 4
x =
log3 4 − 2
Solve for x: 32x−1 = 4x+2

log3 (4x+2 ) 2x − 1
=
(x + 2) log3 4 2x − 1
=
x log3 4 + 2 log3 4 2x − 1
=
x log3 4 − 2x − 1 − 2 log3 4
=
x(log3 4 − 2) − 1 − 2 log3 4
=
−1 − 2 log3 4
x =
log3 4 − 2
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
ex = 3 ⇒ x =
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
ex = 3 ⇒ x = loge 3
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
ex = 3 ⇒ x = loge 3 = ln 3
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
ex = 3 ⇒ x = loge 3 = ln 3
ex = −2
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
ex = 3 ⇒ x = loge 3 = ln 3
ex = −2 has no solution
Solve for x: e2x − ex = 6

e2x − ex − 6 = 0 (Let y = ex )
y2 − y − 6 = 0
(y − 3)(y + 2) = 0
y=3 or y = −2
ex = 3 or ex = −2
ex = 3 ⇒ x = loge 3 = ln 3
ex = −2 has no solution
The solution set is x = ln 3
Recap:

Determine the properties of a function that involves

logarithms

Demonstrate the properties of logarithms

Solve equations involving logarithmic expressions

 Exercises:
1. Determine the solution set of the following equations:
√ √
a. ln x = ln x d. 3x + 3x = 32x
b. log3 x + log9 x + log27 x = e. 3log3 (x+2) = 8
5.5 √ √ f. 32−x − 108 · 2x−1 = 0
3 4
c. loga x2 + loga x3 = g. log2log
(7x−12)
=2
2x
loga 2 −3 x
h. 5 = 9
√
√ x3 y
2. Write loga x2 3 y and loga a in terms of loga x and loga y.
1
3. Write 2 loga (x − 1) + 4 loga y as a single logarithm with
coefficient 1.
4. Given loga 2 = 0.3 and loga 3 = 0.48. Find the numerical value
of: .
8
√
5
a. loga 6 b. loga 3 c. loga 4.5 d. log2 3

5. Write ln 8 as a logarithm to the base 2 and log2 10 as a common

logarithm.