SOLUTION: Solve a) log(base 3)(a-3) =1 + log(base 3)(a+1) Can you please help me out? Thanks so much in advance:)

Algebra ->  Logarithm Solvers, Trainers and Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Solve a) log(base 3)(a-3) =1 + log(base 3)(a+1) Can you please help me out? Thanks so much in advance:)      Log On


   

Question 810576: Solve
a) log(base 3)(a-3) =1 + log(base 3)(a+1)
Can you please help me out? Thanks so much in advance:)
Answer by Okeke_Christian(26) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
log(base 3)(a-3)=1 + log(base 3)(a+1)
Collect similar terms
log(base 3)(a-3)-log(base 3)(a+1)=1
but log(base x)(x)=1
Our equation becomes;
log(base 3)(a-3)-log(base 3)(a+1)=log(base 3)3
log(base 3)[(a-3)/(a+1)]=log(base 3)3
Divide through by log(base 3)
%28a-3%29%2F%28a%2B1%29=3
Cross multiply
a+-+3+=+3a+%2B+3
Collect like terms
a-3a=3%2B3
-2a=6
Divide through by -2
a=-3