How to Solve a Complex Algebraic Equation with Logs and Square Roots?

  • Thread starter Matrix
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation is about finding x in the equation 2x=16-3/4 * sqrt(2). The suggested solution involves using logs, but an alternative method using conversion to base 2 is also mentioned. There is also a side comment about the enjoyment of logs.
  • #1
Matrix
4
0
Hi, I am having trouble finding x for the following exquation:
2x=16-3/4 * sqrt(2)

Any help on solving it would be much apprecitated.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
why don't you use logs.

2^x = 16^(-3/4) * sqrt(2)

x*ln(2) = ln(16^(-3/4) * sqrt(2) )

x = ln(16^(-3/4) * sqrt(2) ) / ln(2)
 
  • #3
reduce it further to:

x = -2.5
 
  • #4
jcsd, your i see you changed your reduction. The previous one was obviously wrong.
 
  • #5
Is it possible to find x not using logs?
 
  • #6
Duardo: No, it was perfectly correct.
 
  • #7
Originally posted by Matrix
Is it possible to find x not using logs?

yes.

you can convert 16 to a base 2

16^(-3/4) = (2^4)^(-3/4) = 2^(-3)

therefore

2^x = 2^(-3) * 2^(1/2)

2^x = 2^(-5/2)

x = -2.5
 
  • #8
This is probably off topic, but don't you just love logs?
 

1. How do you solve the equation 2x=16-3/4 * sqrt(2)?

To solve this equation, we need to isolate the variable x on one side of the equation. First, we can simplify the right side of the equation by multiplying 16 by 4 to get 64 and then dividing by 4 to get 16. We can also multiply 3/4 by sqrt(2) to get 3/4 * 1.414 = 1.0605. Therefore, the equation becomes 2x = 16 - 1.0605. To isolate x, we can subtract 16 from both sides to get 2x - 16 = -1.0605. Finally, we divide both sides by 2 to get the solution x = -1.0605/2 = -0.53025.

2. Can this equation be solved by using a calculator?

Yes, this equation can be solved using a calculator. You can use the PEMDAS order of operations to simplify the right side of the equation and then use the calculator to find the value of x. Alternatively, you can use the solve function on a scientific calculator to directly solve for x.

3. Is there more than one solution to this equation?

Yes, there is more than one solution to this equation. In this case, there is only one solution, which is x = -0.53025. However, for other equations, there may be multiple values of x that satisfy the equation.

4. Can this equation be solved using algebraic manipulation?

Yes, this equation can be solved using algebraic manipulation. In fact, the steps described in question 1 involve algebraic manipulation to isolate the variable x. Other equations may require different algebraic techniques to solve them.

5. What is the significance of solving this equation?

Solving this equation can help us find the value of x that satisfies the equation and can be used in real-world applications. It can also help us understand the relationship between the different terms in the equation and how they affect the value of x.

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