Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

logarithm question help needed please!?

simplify:

xln(x)−8+2ln(x)−4x=0

4 Answers

Relevance
  • Rogue
    Lv 7
    7 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    it is already simplified

    to factor it:

    xln(x) − 8 + 2ln(x) − 4x = 0

    => xln(x) + 2ln(x) − 4x − 8 = 0

    => ln(x)(x + 2) − 4(x + 2) = 0

    => (x + 2)(ln(x) − 4) = 0

    to solve it via factoring

    x + 2 = 0 or ln(x) − 4 = 0

    => x = -2 or ln(x) = 4

    => x = -2 or e^4

    given x = -2 will result in a log of a number 0 or less in the original equation

    => x = e^4

    edit: @Learner actually the natural log of negative numbers is defined. because e^iπ = -1

    => ln(e^iπ) = ln(-1)

    given log_a(a^n) = n

    => iπ = ln(-1)

    and ln(-n) = ln(-1) + ln(n)

    it you just need to be working in a context where complex numbers are accessible not just real numbers.

    So it not correct to say that "the logs of negative numbers are undefined" [like you would say for dividing by zero] but you say "there are no real solutions to logs of negative numbers."

  • 7 years ago

    i) Grouping and factoring, (x + 2)*ln(x) - 4*(x + 2) = 0

    ==> (x + 2)*{ln(x) - 4} = 0

    ii) So of the above, either x + 2 = 0 or ln(x) - 4 = 0

    When x + 2 = 0, x = -2

    and when ln|x| - 4 = 0, ln|x| = 4; ==> x = e⁴

    But at x = -, ln(x) is not defined; hence this value is discarded.

    Thus x = e⁴ only.

    x ----------- x ----------- x ---------------- x ------------- x -------------- x --------- x

    NOTE: New format of Yahoo Q & A is not supporting preview before submission; so any errors and omission can only be corrected through edition by reviewing after submission.

    Also once BA is selected comments can't be given; so if you require any clarification, it has to be before BA or only through mails.

    Also width of margin available for typing matters is comparatively much less with previous format. As such there is every possibility, that the equations is not completed in one full line. You may have to read them continuously with the second line.

  • 7 years ago

    xln(x)−8+2ln(x)−4x=0

    xln(x)+2ln(x)-4x-8=0

    ln(x)(x+2)-4(x+2)=0

    (ln(x)-4)(x+2)=0

    either ln(x)-4=0 => ln(x)=4 =>r x= e^4

    or x+2=0 => x = -2

  • 7 years ago

    x.Ln(x) - 8 + 2.Ln(x) - 4x = 0 → where x > 0

    x.Ln(x) + 2.Ln(x) - 4x - 8 = 0

    (x + 2).Ln(x) - (4x + 8) = 0

    (x + 2).Ln(x) - 4.(x + 2) = 0

    (x + 2).[Ln(x) - 4] = 0

    First case: (x + 2) = 0 → x + 2 = 0 → x = - 2 ← no possible because the condition

    Second case: [Ln(x) - 4] = 0→ Ln(x) = 4 → x = e^4 ← possible

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.