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5 votes
Question 3
Solve for x.
In (x + 3) = In 10-In x

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

x = 2

Explanation:

Given equation:


\ln(x+3)=\ln 10 - \ln x


\textsf{Apply the log quotient law}: \quad \ln a - \ln b= \ln (a)/(b)


\implies \ln(x+3)=\ln\left((10)/(x)\right)


\textsf{Apply the log equality law}: \quad \textsf{if }\: \ln a= \ln b\:\textsf{ then }\:a=b


\implies x+3=(10)/(x)

Multiply both sides by x:


\implies x^2+3x=10

Subtract 10 from both sides:


\implies x^2+3x-10=0

Split the middle term:


\implies x^2+5x-2x-10=0

Factor the first two terms and the last two terms separately:


\implies x(x+5)-2(x+5)=0

Factor out the common term (x+5):


\implies (x-2)(x+5)=0

Apply the zero-product property:


\implies x-2=0\implies x=2


\implies x+5=0 \implies x=-5

As logs of negative numbers cannot be taken, the only valid solution is:

  • x = 2
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