Problem

Solve for x log base 4 of 5x+2=5x

The question is asking you to find the value of the variable "x" which satisfies the logarithmic equation where the logarithm of 5x+2 to the base 4 is equal to 5x. You're expected to use your understanding of logarithms and algebraic manipulation to isolate x and determine what number it must be in order to make the equation true.

$\left(log\right)_{4} \left(\right. 5 x + 2 \left.\right) = 5 x$

Answer

Expert–verified

Solution:

Step 1:

Construct two separate graphs: one for the logarithmic function $y = \log_4(5x + 2)$ and another for the linear function $y = 5x$. The x-coordinates where these graphs intersect are the solutions to the equation. The approximate solutions are $x \approx -0.38625003$ and $x \approx 0.14449075$.

Step 2:

There is no further step provided in the original solution. The problem-solving process ends with the graphical method to find the approximate values of x.

Knowledge Notes:

To solve the equation $\log_4(5x + 2) = 5x$, we can use graphical methods as follows:

  1. Understanding Logarithms:

    • A logarithm $\log_b(a)$ answers the question: "To what power must we raise the base $b$ to obtain $a$?"
    • In this case, $\log_4(5x + 2)$ asks for the power to which 4 must be raised to get $5x + 2$.
  2. Graphing the Functions:

    • Graphing involves plotting points on a coordinate system and drawing a curve that passes through these points.

    • For the logarithmic function $y = \log_4(5x + 2)$, we plot points for various values of x and calculate the corresponding y using the definition of logarithms.

    • For the linear function $y = 5x$, we plot points by simply multiplying x by 5 to get y.

  3. Finding the Intersection:

    • The graphical solution involves finding the point(s) where the two graphs intersect.

    • The x-coordinate(s) of the intersection point(s) are the solution(s) to the original equation.

  4. Approximation:

    • Graphical solutions often provide approximate values, especially when dealing with irrational numbers or when intersection points do not fall exactly on grid lines.
  5. Graphical Tools:

    • This process can be done by hand on graph paper or by using a graphing calculator or software that can handle plotting and finding intersections of functions.
  6. Limitations:

    • Graphical methods may not always provide exact solutions, and the accuracy depends on the scale of the graph and the precision of the plotting tool.

    • For more precise solutions, algebraic methods or numerical methods like the Newton-Raphson method can be used.

link_gpt