How do you solve log(x+1) + log(x-1) = 1?

1 Answer
Oct 28, 2015

I found: x=+sqrt(11)

Explanation:

You can use the rule of logs that relates the sum of logs of same base and the multiplication of the integrand as:
log_ax+log_ay=log_a(x*y)
and get:

log_a[(x+1)(x-1)]=1 using the definition of log:

(x+1)(x-1)=a^1 (1)

Now it depends upon the base a of your logs....and also if it the same for both the original ones!
If a=10 then you have:
x^2-1=10
x^2=11
x=+-sqrt(11)
Where I accept the positive only, x=+sqrt(11)

If a isn't 10 simply insert the right value into (1) and solve.