document.write( "Question 171900: We are trying to help my friends son start to solve the following equation prior to graphing: f(x)=log3(x-1). How do you set the problem up to solve? Perhaps the first 3 steps would help us remember since it has been 30 years since we took college algebra. Not in book.
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Algebra.Com's Answer #126997 by stanbon(75887)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
We are trying to help my friends son start to solve the following equation prior to graphing: f(x)=log3(x-1). How do you set the problem up to solve? Perhaps the first 3 steps would help us.
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\n" ); document.write( "I'm going to assume that \"3\" is the base of the logarithm. If that is
\n" ); document.write( "correct you have the following:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "y = log3 (x-1)= [log(x-1)]/[log3] = [log(x-1)]/0.4771
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\n" ); document.write( "Comment: Your friend's son may recognize that the line x=1 is a vertical
\n" ); document.write( "asymptote for the graph.
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Now plot three points:
\n" ); document.write( "Let x = 2, then y=[log(1)]/0.4771 = 0/0.4771 = 0; gives you point(2,0)
\n" ); document.write( "Let x = 4, then y=[log(3)]/0.4771 = =1 ; gives you point (4,1)
\n" ); document.write( "Let x = 10, then y = [log(9)/0.4771] = 2 ; gives you point (10,2)
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\n" ); document.write( "Plot these points and keep in mind that x=1 is a vertical asymptote
\n" ); document.write( "and you have all the information you need to graph the function.
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\n" ); document.write( "Cheers,
\n" ); document.write( "stan H.
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