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A logarithmic equation is an equation that contains logarithms. Similarly, a logarithmic inequality is an inequality that contains logarithms. This lesson will discuss how to solve logarithmic equations and inequalities.

Catch-Up and Review

Here are a few recommended readings before getting started with this lesson.

Challenge

Solving Equations With the Variable in the Exponent

If both sides of an exponential equation can be written as powers with the same base, then the equation can be solved algebraically by using the Property of Equality for Exponential Equations. What happens if the sides of an exponential equation cannot be written as powers with the same base?
How could this type of equation be solved? Round the answer to two decimal places.
Discussion

Exponential Equation

An exponential equation is an equation where variable expressions occur as exponents. As with any kind of equation, there are different types of exponential equations.

Example Equation
With One Variable
With the Same Variable on Both Sides
With the Same Base
With Unlike Bases
With a Rational Base
Method

Solving an Exponential Equation Using Logarithms

An exponential equation can be solved by using the definition of a logarithm. Consider the following example.
To solve this equation, three steps must be followed.
1
Use the Definition of a Logarithm
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First, the definition of a logarithm will be used to isolate the variable term.
2
Solve the Resulting Equation
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Now that the variable is not in an exponent any more, the obtained equation can be solved.
Solve for

3
Check the Solution
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The solution will be checked to make sure it is not an extraneous solution. To do so, will be substituted in the original equation.

Since a true statement was obtained, is a solution to the equation.

Alternative Solution

Both sides of the original equation are positive. Therefore, instead of using the definition of a logarithm to rewrite the equation, common logarithms can be taken on both sides. Then, the Power Property of Logarithms can be used.

Example

Eat the Chapati Before Fungi Grows!

Emily and her friends went to the beach on a cloudy afternoon and cooked some chapati.

Chapati.jpeg

Since they did not smoke the chapati and did not use salt in the cooking process, Emily knows that it will not be too long before the food spoils. Food spoilage is generally caused due to the action of microorganisms like fungi. Fungal growth is exponential and given by the following exponential function.
Here, is the amount of fungi in the chapati hours after it has been baked. Emily knows that they cannot eat the chapati once the amount of fungi is
a Write an exponential equation that must be solved to find out after how many hours the amount of fungi in the chapati is
b Solve the equation from Part A. Round the answer to the nearest integer.

Hint

a Does the number correspond to amount of fungi or time?
b Divide both sides of the equation by and then use the definition of a logarithm.

Solution

a Since the number corresponds to amount of fungi, this number will be substituted for in the given formula.
b The equation from Part A will now be solved. To do so, start by dividing both sides by
Now use the definition of a logarithm. This helps to remove the variable from the exponent.
Finally, the equation can be solved for
Solve for

Just to make sure the obtained solution is not an extraneous solution, will be substituted in the equation.

Evaluate right-hand side
Since a true statement was obtained, is the solution to the equation. This means that the chapati will become unsafe to eat due to fungi growth about hours after cooking it.
Discussion

Exponential Property of Inequality

An exponential inequality is an inequality that involves exponential expressions.

Let be a positive real number different than The following statements hold true.

These facts are also valid for strict inequalities.

Proof

The statements will be proved one at a time.

If is greater than the exponential function is increasing for its entire domain.

increasing exponential function
In the graph, it can be seen that if and only if Considering the definition of the statement is proven.

If is greater than and less than then is decreasing for its entire domain.

decreasing exponential function
In the graph, it is seen that if and only if Considering the definition of the statement is proven.


This property is also known as Property of Inequality for Exponential Functions and is useful when solving exponential inequalities.
Example

Solving an Exponential Inequality

Back home from the beach, Emily realized that she managed to solve an exponential equation to calculate the expiration of the chapati she and her friends cooked. However, she also realized that she has not practiced solving exponential inequalities. To help her practice, she went online to find some worksheets and found an interesting inequality.

emily online
Help Emily solve the inequality!

Solution

To solve the inequality, all numbers involved will first be written as powers of To start, will be written as
Now, all the numbers can be written as powers of

The base of the expressions on both sides is which is is greater than Therefore, by the Exponential Property of Inequality, the left-hand side of the inequality is less than the right-hand side if and only if the exponent on the left-hand side is less than the exponent on the right-hand side.
The inequality can finally be solved.
Solve for
Discussion

Logarithmic Equation

A logarithmic equation is an equation where the variable is in the argument of a logarithm. An example equation is shown below.

Method

Solving Logarithmic Equations Graphically

Logarithmic equations can be tricky to solve sometimes. However, if the exact solution is not needed, an approximated solution can be found by solving the equation graphically. Consider an example logarithmic equation.
There are three steps to follow to solve logarithmic equations graphically.
1
Create Two Functions From the Given Equation
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Each side of the equation can be considered as a function. In this case, both sides can be written as logarithmic functions.
The idea is that each function should be relatively easy to graph.
2
Graph the Functions
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A table of values including both functions will be made. However, the domain of each function needs to be considered first.
With the domains in mind, the table can now be constructed.
- -
- -

Now both functions will be graphed on the same coordinate plane.

functions

The number of solutions to the equation is the number of points of intersection of the graphs. These graphs have one point of intersection, so there is only one solution.

3
Identify the coordinates of the Points of Intersection
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The solutions to the equation are the coordinates of any points of intersection of the graphs.

functions
The coordinate of the point of intersection is about Therefore, the solution to the equation is This can be verified by substituting for in the given equation and checking whether a true statement is obtained.

Evaluate
Since a true statement was obtained, is a solution to the equation. In this case, an exact solution cannot be found graphically.
Example

Acidic, Basic, and Neutral Solutions

In her chemistry lesson, Emily is learning about the acidity and alkalinity of substances. The acidity or alkalinity of a substance is defined by the value of pH, where is the hydrogen ion concentration of the substance measured in moles per liter.
For example, since their pH values are less than lemon juice and vinegar are acidic solutions. Conversely, hand soap and eggs are a basic, because their pH value is greater then Water is a neutral solution. Emily is working with a solution with a pH of What is the hydrogen ion concentration of this solution? Round the answer to the nearest mole per liter.

Hint

Substitute for pH and solve the logarithmic equation by graphing.

Solution

To find the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution with a pH of the number must be substituted for pH in the given formula.
Next, to solve the equation, each side will be considered as a function.
The first function is a horizontal line whose intercept is The second is a logarithmic function. Considering that its domain is make a table of values.

Now, graph the functions on the same coordinate plane.

graphs of the line and logarithmic function

The graphs intersect at one point. The coordinate of the point of intersection is the hydrogen ion concentration of the solution.

point of intersection
The exact value of the coordinate cannot be identified. However, the answer must be rounded to the nearest mole per liter, so the hydrogen concentration of the solution with a pH of is rounded to the nearest mole per liter. The last step is to check the solution by substituting it back into the equation.

Since a true statement was obtained, is a solution to the equation.
Discussion

Property of Equality for Logarithmic Equations

Let be a positive real number different than Two logarithms with the same base are equal if and only if their arguments are equal.

Since logarithms are defined for positive numbers, and must be positive.

Proof

The biconditional statement will be proved in two parts.

Let be a real number such that
By using the definition of a logarithm, the logarithm equation can be written as an exponential equation.
Finally, can be substituted for and the Inverse Property of Logarithms can be used.

The Inverse Property of Logarithms can be used to express as
Now, let be a real number such that
Next, the definition of a logarithm can be used to rewrite the obtained exponential equation as a logarithmic equation.
Finally, by its own defitnion, is equal to
Method

Solving Logarithmic Equations by Using the Property of Equality

If both sides of a logarithmic equation can be written as a single logarithm with the same base with and then the equation can be solved by using the Property of Equality for Logarithmic Equations. Consider the following logarithmic equation.
To solve the equation, there are four steps to follow.
1
Rewrite Both Sides as a Single Logarithm With the Same Base
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To rewrite the left-hand side as a single logarithm with base the Product Property of Logarithms will be used. To rewrite the right-hand side as a single logarithm with base the Change of Base Formula will be used.

Next, to calculate the value of the definition of a logarithm will be used. Keep in mind that
Knowing that we can continue writing both sides of the equation as a single logarithm with the same bse.

Calculate logarithm

Both sides of the equation have been written as a single logarithm with base
2
Use the Property of Equality for Logarithmic Equations
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Next, the Property of Equality for Logarithmic Equations can be used to simplify the expressions.
3
Solve the Obtained Equation
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Now, the obtained equation can be solved. This equation does not involve logarithms.
Solve for
Two solutions were found, and
4
Check the Solutions
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Finally, the solutions must be checked. It is not uncommon to find extraneous solutions. The solution will be checked first.
Logarithms are not defined for non-positive numbers. Since is not positive, is an extraneous solution. This means that it is not a solution to the given equation. The solution will be checked now.

A true statement was obtained. Therefore, is a solution to the given equation.
Example

Solving Equations With Logarithms on Both Sides

Emily told her study buddy about how she used a graph to solve a logarithmic equation. Her friend is pretty competitive, so he challenged Emily to solve a logarithmic equation with logarithms on both sides but without graphing.

emily and her friend
Help Emily show her study buddy that she has a solid understanding of logarithmic equations! Round the answer to three significant figures.

Hint

Start by rewriting the right-hand side as a single natural logarithm.

Solution

The equation involves natural logarithms. To solve it, the first step is to rewrite the right-hand side as a single logarithm by using the Power Property of Logarithms.

Since both sides are single logarithms with the same base, the Property of Equality for Logarithmic Equations can be used.
Notice that the resulting equation is a quadratic equation. Therefore, the values of and need to be identified.
Next, and will be substituted in the Quadratic Formula.
Evaluate right-hand side

Use a calculator

Finally, the solutions can be verified by substituting them into the original equation. The solution will be checked first.

Logarithms are only defined for positive numbers, so is an extraneous solution. The solution will be checked now.

A true statement was found this time. Therefore, the only solution to the equation is
Discussion

Solving Equations With a Logarithm on One Side

If only one side of a logarithmic equation can be written as a single logarithm with base with and then the equation can be solved by using the definition of a logarithm.
Since logarithms are defined only for positive numbers, must be a positive number. Consider an example equation.
To solve this equation, four steps must be followed.
1
Isolate the Logarithmic Expression on One Side
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The first step is to isolate the logarithmic expression. This can be done by using inverse operations.
2
Use the Definition of a Logarithm
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Once the logarithmic expression is isolated, the definition of a logarithm can be used to eliminate the logarithm.
3
Solve the Obtained Equation
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The obtained equation can now be solved.
Solve for
4
Check the Solutions
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Finally, to detect any extraneous solutions, the obtained value can be checked by substituting it into the original equation.
Evaluate left-hand side

A true statement was obtained, so the solution is not extraneous.
Example

Logarithms and the Decibels at a Rock Concert

Decibels (dB) are units of measurement that are used to describe a sound's loudness. The decibels of a sound with an intensity of watts per square meter are given by the following formula.
Here, is the intensity of the softest sound a healthy human ear can detect, the value of which is Emily wants to attend a rock concert, but she is concerned about how loud the music may be.

Rock Concert.jpeg

A typical rock concert decibel level is about Calculate the watts per square meter of a typical rock concert. Round the answer to the nearest hundreds.

Hint

Substitute for in the given formula and solve for

Solution

To calculate the watts per square meter of a typical rock concert, will be substituted for in the given equation. The logarithmic equation will then be solved algebraically. Recall that For simplicity, the units will not be considered until the end.
Next, to eliminate the logarithm, its definition will be used. Since the base is not stated, the formula involves a common logarithm.
Finally, the equation can be solved for
Solve for
A rock concert with a decibel level is has a sound with an intensity of watts per square meter. To make sure that this is not an extraneous solution, it can be confirmed by substituting the value back into the equation.

Since a true statement was obtained, is a solution to the equation.
Discussion

Logarithmic Property of Inequality

A logarithmic inequality is an inequality that involves logarithms.

Let be a positive real number different than The following statements hold true.

These facts are also valid for strict inequalities.

Proof

The statements will be proved one at a time.

If is greater than the logarithmic function is increasing over its entire domain.

increasing logarithmic function
In the graph, it can be seen that if and only if Considering the definition of the statement is proven.

If is greater than and less than then is decreasing over its entire domain.

decreasing exponential function
In the graph, it can be seen that if and only if Considering the definition of the statement is proven.


This property is useful when solving logarithmic inequalities.
Example

Solving a Logarithmic Inequality

After going to the rock concert and using logarithms to calculate the watts per square meter, Emily wants to finish this topic on a high note. Her teacher asked her to solve a logarithmic inequality for extra credit.

logarithmic inequality
Write the answer in interval notation.

Hint

Rewrite the right-hand side of the inequality as a single logarithm with base Then, use the Logarithmic Property of Inequality.

Solution

To solve the inequality, the first step is writing the right-hand side as a single logarithm with base Start by writing as a logarithmic expression by using the definition of a logarithm.
With this information, can be substituted for Then, the Quotient Property of Logarithms can be used.

Both sides are written as single logarithms with base which is greater than Therefore, by the Logarithmic Property of Inequality, the left-hand side of the inequality is less than the right-hand side if an only if the argument of the left-hand side is less than the argument of the right-hand side.
Now solve this new inequality by using inverse operations.
Solve for
Finally, recall that logarithms are only defined for positive numbers. Therefore, the arguments of the logarithms in the original inequality must be greater than zero.
Argument on the LHS Argument on the RHS




The solution set is the intersection of three inequalities.
To find the solution set, the inequalities can be graphed on the same number line. The solution set consists of the numbers on the line that belong to the three individual solutions. In other words, the solution set is the intersection of all three solutions.
The solution to the inequality are all real numbers greater than and less than because the three lines overlap between and This solution can be written as a compound inequality or in interval notation.
Closure

Exponential Expressions With Different Bases

With the topics covered in this lesson, the challenge presented at the beginning can now be solved. Consider the given exponential equation again.
Here, each side is an exponential expression. What is the value of Round the answer to two decimal places.

Hint

Take common logarithms on both sides.

Solution

Since the expressions have different bases, the Property of Equality for Exponential Equations cannot be used. However, both and are greater than zero for any value of Therefore, common logarithms can be taken on both sides.
Now use the Power Property of Logarithms. Then the variable can be isolated.

The solution to the exponential equation is This can verified by substituting it into the original equation.

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