You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First, use the property to combine the logs:
Then rewrite the equation in exponential form. In general is equivalent to . Using this pattern on our equation we get:
which simplifies to:
Now we solve this. Multiplying each side by 4 (to eliminate the fraction):
3x + 1 = 100
Subtracting 1:
3x = 99
Dividing by 3:
x = 33
Last, we check. This is not optional! A check must be made to ensure that the "solution(s)" make all bases and arguments of all logs valid. (Valid bases are any positive number except 1 and valid arguments are positive.) Any "solution" that makes any base or any argument invalid must be rejected.
Use the original equation to check:
Checking x = 33:
We can already see that the bases are 5's and the arguments are (or will end up) positive -- both valid. So this solution checks!