Final answer:
To solve the equation log₃(x) + log₃(x - 6) = 3, combine the logs, expand and simplify, then solve for x. The extraneous solution is rejected, leaving the real solution x = 9.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation log₃(x) + log₃(x - 6) = 3, we can combine the logs using logarithm properties.
- Start by using the product rule of logarithms:
log₃(x) + log₃(x - 6) = log₃(x(x - 6))
- Apply the logarithmic form of the equation:
x(x - 6) = 3³
- Expand and simplify the equation:
x² - 6x = 27
- Move all terms to one side to set the equation equal to zero:
x² - 6x - 27 = 0
- Factor the quadratic equation or use the quadratic formula:
(x - 9)(x + 3) = 0
x = 9 or x = -3
However, x = -3 is an extraneous solution because it results in the log of a negative number, which is not defined. Therefore, the real solution to the equation is x = 9.