How do you solve Log(x+2)+Log(x-1)=Log(88)?

1 Answer
Dec 15, 2015

x=9

Explanation:

Use the product rule of logarithms: log(a)+log(b)=log(ab)

Thus, the expression can be written as

log((x+2)(x-1)=log(88)

Distribute.

log(x^2+x-2)=log(88)

Raise both sides as the power of 10.

10^(log(x^2+x-2))=10^(log(88))

x^2+x-2=88

x^2+x-90=0

(x+10)(x-9)=0

x+10=0
or
x-9=0

x=-10
or
x=9

Plug in both potential values.

Notice that if you plug in -10, you'd have to take the logarithm of a negative number, which is impossible.

Thus, the -10 answer is thrown out and all that's left is

x=9