SOLUTION: 2log5(x)= -log2(25) Solve for x. the 5 next to log is small and the 2 next to log is small

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: 2log5(x)= -log2(25) Solve for x. the 5 next to log is small and the 2 next to log is small      Log On


   



Question 966004: 2log5(x)= -log2(25)
Solve for x.
the 5 next to log is small and the 2 next to log is small

Answer by Theo(13342) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
assuming you can use a calculator, then the easiest way to solve this is to convert everything to base 10 that the calculator can handle.

or you can convert everything to base e that the calculator can also handle.

base 10 is LOG function of calculator.

base e is LN function of calculator.

your equation is 2L5(x) = -L2(25)

L5 means log to the base 5.
L2 means log to the base 2

L5(x) = LOG(x)/LOG(5)

L2(25) = LOG(25)/LOG(2)

your problem becomes 2LOG(x)/LOG(5) = -LOG(25)/LOG(2)

solve for LOG(x) to get LOG(x) = LOG(5) * -LOG(25) / LOG(2) / 2

use your calculator to solve for LOG(x) to get LOG(x) = -1.622958091

this is true if and only if 10^-1.622958091 = x

solve for x to get x = .0238254937

that's your answer.

replace x in your original equation and you will see that the equation is true.

your original equation, after it has been converted to base 10, is:

2LOG(x)/LOG(5) = -LOG(25)/LOG(2)

replace x with .0238254937 and the eqution becomes:

2LOG(.0238254937)/LOG(5) = -LOG(25)/LOG(2)

solve this equation using your calculator and you will get:

-4.64385619 = -4.64385619, which is true.

the solution looks good.