log6(𝑥 + 4)+ log6(𝑥 − 2)= log6 4𝑥 Find 𝑥
Question
log6(𝑥 + 4)+ log6(𝑥 − 2)= log6 4𝑥 Find 𝑥
Solution
Step 1: Use the property of logarithms that states logb(m) + logb(n) = logb(mn) to combine the left side of the equation. This gives us:
log6[(x + 4)(x - 2)] = log6(4x)
Step 2: Since the bases of the logarithms are the same, we can set the arguments equal to each other:
(x + 4)(x - 2) = 4x
Step 3: Expand the left side of the equation:
x^2 + 2x - 8 = 4x
Step 4: Rearrange the equation to set it equal to zero:
x^2 - 2x - 8 = 0
Step 5: Factor the quadratic equation:
(x - 4)(x + 2) = 0
Step 6: Set each factor equal to zero and solve for x:
x - 4 = 0 or x + 2 = 0
x = 4 or x = -2
However, if we substitute x = -2 back into the original equation, we get a negative number inside the logarithm, which is undefined. Therefore, the only solution is x = 4.
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