How do you solve 2logx = log(-2x+15)?

1 Answer
Aug 9, 2015

color(red)(x=3)

Explanation:

2logx = log(-2x+15)

Recall that alog x= log(x^a), so

logx^2 = log(-2x+15)

Convert the logarithmic equation to an exponential equation.

10^(logx^2) = 10^(log(-2x+15))

Remember that 10^logx =x, so

x^2=-2x+15

x^2+2x-15 =0

(x+5)(x-3)=0

x+5=0 and x-3=0

x=-5 and x=3

Check:

2logx = log(-2x+15)

If x=-5,

2log(-5)= log(-2(-5)+15)

This is impossible, because log(-5) is undefined.

If x= 3,

2log3= log(-2×3+15)

log3^2= log(-6+15)

log9 = log9

x=3 is a solution.