Exponents with different bases

In summary, the conversation is about solving the equation 12^x = 4.8^(2x) using logarithms. The person attempted to solve it by taking the logarithm of both sides and using the laws of logarithms, but they ended up with an answer that didn't make sense. They then realized they should have used log3 instead of log2 and were able to solve the equation.
  • #1
Mentallic
Homework Helper
3,802
95

Homework Statement


This is re-asking the question in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=273275" which mysteriously went quiet before the answer could be given... Anyway I also tried answering the question, but to no avail.

Homework Equations


[tex]a^m.a^n=a^{m+n}[/tex]
[tex](a^m)^n=a^{mn}[/tex]
[tex]log(ab)=loga+logb[/tex]
[tex]log(a^b)=bloga[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]12^x=4.8^{2x}[/tex]
[tex]3^x.(2^2)^x=2^2(2^3)^{2x}[/tex]
[tex]3^x.2^{2x}-2^{6x+2}=0[/tex]
[tex]2^{2x}(3^x-2^{4x-2})=0[/tex]

Hence, [tex]2^{2x}=0[/tex] (1) or [tex]3^x-2^{4x-2}=0[/tex] (2)
(1) has no solution.

(2) [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] [tex]3^x=2^{4x+2}[/tex]
[tex]xlog3=(4x+2)log2[/tex]

How can one go about solving this? different bases? It gives an answer of [tex]x\approx -0.82814[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Oh hang on...

[tex]xlog3=(4x+2)log2[/tex]
[tex]xlog3=4xlog2+2log2[/tex]
[tex]x(log3-4log2)=2log2[/tex]
[tex]x=\frac{2log2}{log3-4log2}[/tex]

[tex]x\approx -0.82814449[/tex]

Ahh never mind.
 
  • #3
12^x = 4X8^(2x)
take logs of both sides: log(12x) = log(4 X 82x)
Get rid of the power 2 (althought not essential) log(12x) = log(4 X 64x)
Split RHS using the laws of logs and bring the powers out: x log(12) = log(4) + x log(64)
see if u can do the last step (hint collect all terms with x)
 
  • #4
It would rather use log3.
 

Related to Exponents with different bases

1. What is an exponent with different bases?

An exponent with different bases is a mathematical expression that represents repeated multiplication of a number by itself, where the base is not the same for each term. It can be written in the form of an * bm, where a and b are different numbers and n and m are the exponents.

2. How do you simplify exponents with different bases?

To simplify exponents with different bases, you can use the property (an)m = an*m. This means that you can multiply the exponents when the bases are the same. Additionally, you can also use the rule a0 = 1 to simplify any term with an exponent of 0.

3. Can you combine exponents with different bases?

No, you cannot combine exponents with different bases. The bases must be the same in order to combine the exponents. If the bases are different, you can only simplify the exponents using the rules mentioned in the previous question.

4. What are the rules for exponents with different bases?

The rules for exponents with different bases include the product rule am * an = am+n, the quotient rule am / an = am-n, and the power rule (am)n = am*n. These rules can be applied when the bases are the same.

5. Why are exponents with different bases important in science?

Exponents with different bases are important in science because they allow us to represent very large or very small numbers in a compact and efficient way. They are commonly used in scientific notation, which is used to express numbers with many zeros. Exponents are also used in various scientific formulas and equations to represent repeated multiplication, making complex calculations more manageable.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
659
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
796
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
596
Back
Top