How do you solve ln x + ln(x-2) = 1lnx+ln(x2)=1?

1 Answer
Oct 17, 2015

1+sqrt(1+e)~~2.92831+1+e2.9283

Explanation:

Use the properties of logarithms to rewrite the expression.

ln(x(x-2))=1ln(x(x2))=1

Rewrite both sides in terms of the base ee

e^(ln(x(x-2)))=e^1eln(x(x2))=e1

From the properties of logarithms this becomes

x(x-2)=ex(x2)=e

Distribute xx on left hand side

x^2-2x=ex22x=e

Subtract ee form both sides

x^2-2x-e=0x22xe=0

Applying the quadratic formula

(-(-2)+-sqrt((-2)^2-4(1)(-e)))/2(1)(2)±(2)24(1)(e)2(1)

(2+-sqrt((4+4e)))/22±(4+4e)2

(2+-sqrt(4(1+e)))/22±4(1+e)2

2/2+-(2sqrt(1+e))/222±21+e2

1+-sqrt(1+e)1±1+e

We are only interested in 1+sqrt(1+e)~~2.92831+1+e2.9283

The other root is negative and not in the domain of the logarithmic function.