Final Answer:
Using the properties of logarithms, if log₃a = a and log₂b = b, then log₃18 = log₃(2 * 3) = log₃2 + log₃3 = b + 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
When confronted with log properties, we know that the logarithm of a product is the sum of the logarithms of its factors. Therefore, log₃18 can be represented as log₃(2 * 3) because 18 is the product of 2 and 3. Applying this property, we can split log₃18 into log₃2 + log₃3.
We've been given log₂b = b and log₃a = a, which means log₂b = log₃b / log₃2. As log₃2 = log₂3 / log₂2 = 1 / b (using the change of base formula), log₃b = b * log₃2. Thus, log₃2 = 1 / b and log₃3 = log₃(3²) = 2 * log₃3, yielding log₃3 = 1 / 2. Therefore, log₃18 = log₃2 + log₃3 = b + 1/2 = b + 0.5.
This derivation showcases the application of logarithmic properties to simplify expressions. By leveraging the properties of logarithms and the given values of log₂b and log₃a, we express log₃18 in terms of b. The step-by-step breakdown demonstrates how to manipulate the logarithmic expression to reach the final answer, which is log₃18 = b + 1/2.