Page | 1 INDICES Kudus to you for getting that right.

Now, let’s
meet the next rule.
Laws of Indices
➢ (𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚×𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛
𝑛 𝑚 𝑛+𝑚
➢ 𝑎 × 𝑎 = 𝑎
Wow! This is an amazing law. It says, if you have
This implies that if you have a base – say a having a base – say a having a power or index – say m
a power or index – say n in the form 𝒂𝒏 all in bracket – say (𝒂𝒎 ) of another power n –
multiplying a value of the same base as itself –
say (𝒂𝒎 )𝒏 . You multiply the powers of indexes
say 𝒂𝒎 , you pick one of the bases and add up (+)
together.
the powers.
And that’s all. simple right?
I.e. If I have, 23 × 24 = 23+4 = 27 = 128
If I have, (23 )4 = 23×4 = 212 = 4096
Indices has help to reduce the stress of solving
How fast right?
questions in this old style; 23 × 24
Basically if not indices, this question would have
where:
been solved like this;
23 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8
(23 )4 = (2 × 2 × 2)4
24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16
= 84
Hence;
=8×8×8×8
23 × 24 = 8 × 16 = 128
Try solve this before we move to the next rule. = 4096
Interesting right!
Problem 1. Simplify: 25 × 27 Ans: 4096 Try this before we get to meet the next rule.
1
➢ 𝑎𝑛 ÷ 𝑎𝑚 = 𝑎𝑛−𝑚
Problem 3. Simplify: (312 )4 Ans: 27
Now you have met the second rule which implies
Hope you got that correctly?
that if you have a base – say a having a power or
Yeah! What an expert you are. Now lets me
index – say n in the form 𝒂𝒏 dividing a value of
introduce you to the next rule.
the same base as itself – say 𝒂𝒎 , you pick one of
1
the bases and subtract (-) the powers. 𝑛
➢ √𝑎 = 𝑎 𝑛
I.e. If I have, 33 ÷ 32 = 33−2 = 31 = 3
Hmm! Getting complicated? No! not really. It
Initially, without this rule this would have been: simple! It simply implies that if you have the nth
33 = 3 × 3 × 3 = 27 root of a number – say ( 𝒏√𝒂 ), it’s the same as
32 = 3 × 3 = 9 writing that same number in the inverse of it
𝟏
Hence;
3×3×3 27 power - 𝒂𝒏
33 ÷ 32 ≡ or =3 1 1 1
3×3 9 I.e. If I have, √4 = 42 = (22 )2 = 22 × 2 = 2
Imagine the stress you would have gone through So also if I have:
if you were to do this (319 ÷ 315 ) without the 3
1

law of indices. ▪ √𝑎 = 𝑎3
1
Haha! How stressful right? That’s the stress the ▪ 4
√𝑎 = 𝑎4
rule of indices has fred you from. 1
5
▪ √𝑎 = 𝑎5
Why not try that question using the rule? Let’s 1
6
see how interesting it is. ▪ √𝑎 = 𝑎6 and so on …...
Hmm! very simple are the rules right? Try
Problem 2. Simplify: 319 ÷ 315 Ans: 81 these ones.
Problem 4. Simplify the following: 81 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3
3
▪ √8 Ans: 2 Hence, from rule 1 and 2… 33 × 33 ÷ 34
5
▪ √32 Ans: 2 = 33+3 ÷ 34
5 3 = 36 ÷ 34
▪ (√32 × √8)2 Ans: 16
= 36−4
= 32
1
➢ 𝑎−1 = =9
𝑎
This is more or less like a rule but, its better we 3
▪ √27𝑎9
talk about it. It is called the “Inverse or the
reciprocal law”. It implies that if you have a base Can you try this on your own? I know you can.
- say (𝒂) raised to a negative power – say (𝒂−𝒏 ) Okay! Let’s try it together.
𝟏
It becomes an inverse – say (𝒂𝒏 ) 3
1
√27𝑎9
−1
I.e. If I have, 2 = 2
1 1 1 This is a question involving rule 4 and 1. You can
3−3 = = = check back to confirm. Is it so? Let’s find out.
33 3×3×3 27
Observe carefully, the negative sign (-) is the 3
= √27 × 𝑎9
inverse. 1
= (27 × 𝑎9 )3 Rule 4
➢ 𝑎0 = 1 = (33 × 𝑎9 )
1
3
1 1
Congratulations! You get to meet the last rule. = 33×3 × 𝑎9×3 Rule 3
It states that, anything raised to power zero (0) is = 31 × 𝑎3
equal to one (1) = 3𝑎3
5 3
I.e. If I have, ( √32 × √8 )0 = 1
▪ (4𝑏 2 )3 ÷ (2𝑏 2 × 8𝑏 3 )
Worked examples.
Why don’t you give this a trial? Prove to
Simplify the following: mathematics that you are better than she thinks.
I believe you got the answer! Right? There is only
33 ×27
▪ one way to find out.
81
▪
3
√27𝑎9 Let’s see.
▪ (4𝑏 2 )3 ÷ (2𝑏 2 × 8𝑏 3 ) = (4𝑏 2 )3 ÷ (2𝑏 2 × 8𝑏 3 )
2 = (41 × 𝑏 2 )3 ÷ (2 × 𝑏 2 × 8 × 𝑏 3 )
▪ 3𝑥 +2 = 27𝑥
2 = (41×3 × 𝑏 2×3 ) ÷ (16 × 𝑏 2 × 𝑏 3 )
▪ 2𝑥 −2 = 16(25𝑥 )
= (43 × 𝑏 6 ) ÷ (16 × 𝑏 2+3 )
▪ 32𝑥−3 − 4(3𝑥−2 ) + 1 = 0
= (64𝑏 6 ) ÷ (16𝑏 5 )
Solution = 4𝑏 6−5
= 4𝑏
33 ×27
▪ 2 +2
81 ▪ 3𝑥 = 27𝑥
The above question if closely looked at, is an
This question is an example of indices with
example of rule 1 and 2. Let’s make it more
exponential equation.
visible.
Exponential equations are of the form (𝒂𝒙 =
= (33 × 27) ÷ 81
𝒂𝒚 ) it implies that when the bases are equal, the
Easy right? Let’s make it easier.
powers are equal (if 𝒂 = 𝒂 ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝒙 = 𝒚) and
= 33 × 33 ÷ 34
vice versa.
Recall, 27 = 3 × 3 × 3
Hence, solving the above example. (𝑘 − 3)(𝑘 − 9) = 0
2
3𝑥 +2 = 27𝑥 𝑘 − 3 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 − 9 = 0
Recall, 27 ≡ 3 × 3 × 3 = 33 𝑘 = 3 𝑜𝑟 9
Hence, Recall,
2
3𝑥 +2 = (33 )𝑥 𝟑𝒙 = 𝑘
2 When 𝑘 = 3 𝑘=9
3𝑥 +2 = 33×𝑥 Rule 3
𝑥 2 +2 3𝑥
3𝑥 = 3 3𝑥 = 9
3 =3
3𝑥 = 31 3 𝑥 = 32
𝑥 2 +2
3 = 33𝑥 𝑥=1 x=2
2
𝑥 + 2 = 3𝑥 ∴ 𝒙 = 𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝟐
Wow! doesn’t this look familiar? Yeah. It does.
It formed a quadratic equation. Further worked examples
Anyways, let’s find out.
▪ If 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑦 = (𝑎𝑏 2 )𝑧 for values of
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐 = 𝟎
𝑎 and 𝑏, then show that 2𝑥𝑧 = 𝑦(𝑥 + 𝑧)
Solving the above quadratic expression using the
1
factorization method (see page) ▪ Solve the equation 𝑥 = 9√9𝑥 2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 𝑥 + 2 = 0
(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥) − (𝑥 − 2) = 0
Solution
𝑥(𝑥 − 2) − 1(𝑥 − 2) = 0
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 ▪ If 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑦 = (𝑎𝑏 2 )𝑧 , prove that
𝑥 − 1 = 0 or 𝑥 − 2 = 0 2𝑥𝑧 = 𝑦(𝑥 + 𝑧).
𝑥 = 0 + 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 0 + 2 What can you tell about this question? We are
𝒙 = 𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝟐 given 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑦 = (𝑎𝑏 2 ) 𝑧 to arrive at 2𝑥𝑧 =
𝑦(𝑥 + 𝑧) as an answer. Looking at the question
▪ 32𝑥−3 − 4(3𝑥−2 ) + 1 = 0
and its given destination, you will observe that the
Now let’s do this. Wait! You got so carried away difference between them is ‘𝑎’ and ‘𝑏’. If that is
that you didn’t notice I skipped question 5. Opps! observed and its true, then we need to find a way
No, I didn’t. I want you to solve it yourself. to eliminate ‘𝑎’ and ‘𝑏’.
From:
Try it…. Ans: 𝒙 = 𝟔 𝒐𝒓 − 𝟏
𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑦 = (𝑎𝑏 2 ) 𝑧
Back to tutorial 6. If 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑦 …….. Eqn. 1
32𝑥−3 − 4(3𝑥−2 ) + 1 = 0 and 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏 2 ) 𝑧 …….. Eqn. 2
(3𝑥 )2−3 − 4(3𝑥−2 ) + 1 = 0 Rule 3 I can also say;
(3𝑥 )2 ÷ 33 − 4(3𝑥 ÷ 32 ) + 1 = 0 Rule 2 (𝑎𝑏)𝑦 = (𝑎𝑏 2 )𝑧 …….. Eqn. 3
let 3𝑥 be 𝑘 ….. Because they are all equal to themselves.
(𝑘)2 ÷ 33 − 4(𝑘 ÷ 32 ) + 1 = 0 From Eqn. 1
(𝑘)2 ÷ 27 − 4(𝑘 ÷ 9) + 1 = 0 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑦
𝑘2 𝑘 𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎 × 𝑏)𝑦
− 4 [9 ] + 1 =0
27 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎𝑦 × 𝑏 𝑦
𝑘2 4𝑘
− 9 +1= 0 Making ‘𝒃’ subject of the relation
27
2 𝑎𝑥 𝑎𝑦 × 𝑏 𝑦
𝑘 − 12𝑘 + 27 =
=0 𝑎𝑦 𝑎𝑦
27 𝑎 𝑥
𝑘 2 − 12𝑘 + 27 = 0 = 𝑏𝑦
𝑘 2 − 9𝑘 − 3𝑘 + 27 = 0 𝑎𝑦
𝑎 𝑥−𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑦
(𝑘 2 − 9𝑘) − (3𝑘 − 27) = 0
𝑘(𝑘 − 9) − 3(𝑘 − 9) = 0
Multiplying both powers by inverse of y 1
1 1 2
1 1
(𝑥−𝑦)×
𝑦
𝑦×
𝑦
𝑥 = 9× [92 × (𝑥 2 ) ]
𝑎 =𝑏
𝑥−𝑦
𝑎 𝑦 =𝑏 …….. Eqn. 4 1
1 1 2
From Eqn. 2 𝑥 =9× [(32 )2 × (𝑥 2 ) ]
𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏 2 ) 𝑧
𝑎 𝑥 = (𝑎 × 𝑏 2 )𝑧 1 1
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑧 × 𝑏 2×𝑧 𝑥 = 9 × [3 × 𝑥 2×2 ]
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑧 × 𝑏 2𝑧 …….. Eqn. 5 1
𝑥 = 9 × 3 × 𝑥4
To solve exponential questions like this, the base 1
or power has to be equal. But in this case, it’s not 𝑥 = 27𝑥 4
1
Hence we make the bases uniform (i.e. all bases Divide both sides by 𝑥 4
in terms of 𝒂 or 𝒃) 1
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑧 × 𝒃2𝑧 𝑥 27𝑥 4
1 = 1
Substituting 𝒃 (Eqn. 4) in Eqn.5 𝑥4 𝑥4
𝑥−𝑦 2𝑧
From Rule 2 (Page 1)
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑧 × [𝑎 𝑦 ] 1
(𝑥−𝑦) 2𝑧 𝑥 1−4 = 27
×
𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎𝑧 × 𝑎 𝑦 1 3
2𝑥𝑧−2𝑦𝑧 𝑥 4 = 27
𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎𝑧 × 𝑎 𝑦 3 4 4
2𝑥𝑧−2𝑦𝑧 𝑥 4×3 = 273
𝑧+
𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦 4
𝑧 2𝑥𝑧−2𝑦𝑧 𝑥 = 273
+ 4
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎1 𝑦
𝑥 = 33× 3
Taking Lcm of the power
𝑦𝑧+2𝑥𝑧−2𝑦𝑧 𝑥 = 34
𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦 ∴ 𝑥 = 81
Collecting like terms
2𝑥𝑧+𝑦𝑧 −2𝑦𝑧
𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦
2𝑥𝑧 −𝑦𝑧
𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦
Hence,
2𝑥𝑧−𝑦𝑧
𝑥=
𝑦
Cross multiply
𝑥𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧
Re-arranging
2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 = 𝑥𝑦
2𝑥𝑧 = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧
∴ 𝟐𝒙𝒛 = 𝒚(𝒙 + 𝒛) Q.E.D

1
▪ Solve the equation 𝑥 = 9√9𝑥 2
1
1 2
𝑥= 9 [9𝑥 2 ]
1
1 2
𝑥 = 9 × [9 × 𝑥2]
Worked tutorial questions.

1. Given log 4 (𝑦 − 1) + log 4 2 =

𝑥 16. Solve the equation 3𝑥 − 2𝑦+2 =
10, 2𝑦 + 3𝑥−2 = 2
𝑎, log 2 (𝑦 + 1) − log 2 𝑥 = 𝑎 − 1. Show 19
that 𝑦 2 = 1 + 8𝑎 17. Simplify 2√54 + 5√294 + 30 √6 −
2. Simplify log10 2 (2 log 4 5 + 1) 27 2
3 3 √ − √
3. If 𝑥 = √𝑎 + 𝑏 + √𝑎 − 𝑏 and 𝑎2 − 50 3
1+√48
𝑏 2 = 𝑟 3 . Prove that 𝑥 3 − 3𝑟𝑥 − 2𝑎 = 0 18. If 5 = 𝑥 + 𝑦√3.
1 √3+4√2−√72−√108+√8+2
4. Given log 8 (𝑝 + 2) + log 8 𝑞 = 𝑟 − 3 Find the value of 𝑥 and 𝑦.
and log 2 (𝑝 − 2) − log 2 𝑞 = 2𝑟 + 1, 19. Simplify
3+√6
show that 𝑝2 = 4 + 32𝑟 5√3−2√12−√32+√50

5. If 𝑎2 = 𝑏𝑐 show that log 𝑏 𝑎 + log 𝑐 𝑎 = 20. Find the square root of the following
2 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐 𝑎 (a) 37 − 20√3 (b) 8 + 2√15
√10+√5−√3
6. By putting 𝛼 = log 𝑎 , 𝛽 = log 𝑏, 21. Simplify
√3−√10−√5
𝛾 = log 𝑐, in the identity 𝛼(𝛽 − 𝛾) + 3√5−√3
𝛽(𝛾 − 𝛼) + 𝛾(𝛼 − 𝛽) show that 22. Express 2 5+3 3 in the form 𝑎√15 + 𝑏
√ √
𝑎
𝑏 log 𝑎 𝑐 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐 23. If log 8 𝑥 = 2 , log 2 2𝑥 = 𝑏 and 𝑎 − 𝑏 =
(𝑐 ) (𝑎) (𝑏 ) =1
4. Find 𝑥
7. Given that 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 5 and 𝑧 = log 𝑥 𝑎
show that 𝑦𝑧 = 5. Hence find the 24. Given that log 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑐, log 𝑐 𝑏 = 𝑎. Prove
that log 𝑐 𝑎 = 𝑎𝑐
numerical value of ‘𝑦’and ‘𝑧’ when
25. Solve the equation 52𝑥 = 7𝑥+1
log 𝑎 (log 𝑎 𝑥 5 ) − log 𝑎 (log 𝑥 𝑎) =
log 𝑎 125
8. Solve the equation for 𝑥 if 22 (3𝑥+1 ) =
52𝑥+1
9. Evaluate log 4 2 log 2 6 log 6 4
1
10. Prove that log 𝑏2 𝑎 log 𝑥 2 𝑏 = 4 log 𝑥 𝑎
11. If 𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 = 0. Prove that log(𝑝 + 𝑞) =
1
[log 𝑝 + log 𝑞 + log 3]
2
12. If j = log 24 12, k =log 36 24, 𝑙 =
log 48 36. Prove that 1 + jk𝑙 = 2k𝑙
75
13. Evaluate log 2 ( ) −
16
4 33
√(25) √25
81 81 1
2 log 2 [ 12 7
] + 3 log 2(215 3−15 )
√(25)
81

14. If 𝑎, 𝑏 are in a GP. Prove that

log 𝑛 𝑎 , log 𝑛 𝑏 , log 𝑛 𝑐 are in AP
15. The first term of an AP is log 𝑎, second
term log 𝑏. Show that the sum of the first
1 𝑏𝑥(𝑥−1)
𝑥 term is 2 log [𝑎𝑥(𝑥−3) ]
Solution Cross multiply
𝒙 (𝑦 + 1) = 𝑥 × 2(𝑎−1)
1. Given 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒 (𝒚 − 𝟏) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒 𝟐 = Re-arranging
𝒂, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝒚 + 𝟏) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒙 = 𝒂 − 𝟏. Show that 𝑥 × 2(𝑎−1) = (𝑦 + 1)
𝒚𝟐 = 𝟏 + 𝟖𝒂 Making 𝑥 subject of the relation
From this question, we are asked to show that if 𝑦+1
𝒙
𝑥 = 2𝑎−1 ……. Eqn. 4
log 4 (𝑦 − 1) + log 4 2 = 𝑎 and log 2 (𝑦 + 1) −
Equating x in eqn. 3 and 4
log 2 𝑥 = 𝑎 − 1 then, 𝑦 2 = 1 + 8𝑎 . Looking 21+2𝑎 𝑦+1
closely at those equations, you will observe that = 𝑎−1
𝑦−1 2
the variable (𝑥) can be found in the first two
equations but not the last. If you are thinking what Cross multiplying
am thinking, you probably will be laughing right (𝑦 − 1)(𝑦 + 1) = 21+2𝑎 × 2𝑎−1
now. (smiles!) Anyways, it means we can make 𝑦 2 + 𝑦 − 𝑦 − 1 = 21+2𝑎+𝑎−1
(𝑥) subject of the relation in both expression and
𝑦 2 − 1 = 23𝑎
equate them to get the equation 𝑦 2 = 1 + 8𝑎 .
𝑦 2 = 23𝑎 + 1
Hmm! Simple right? Welcome on board.
𝑥 Re-arranging
log 4 (𝑦 − 1) + log 4 = 𝑎 ……. Eqn. 1 𝑦 2 = 1 + 23𝑎
2
log 2 (𝑦 + 1) − log 2 𝑥 = 𝑎 − 1 ……. Eqn. 2 ∴ 𝑦 2 = 1 + 8𝑎 (Shown)
From eqn. 1,
𝑥 2. Simplify 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 (𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒 𝟓 + 𝟏)
log 4 (𝑦 − 1) + log 4 = 𝑎 log 4 4
2
𝑥 = log10 2 (2 log 4 5 + 1)
log 4 (𝑦 − 1) × = log 4 4𝑎 Simplifying the expression in bracket
2
(𝑦 − 1)𝑥 (2 log 4 5 + 1)
log 4 = log 4 4𝑎 = log 4 52 + 1
2
Equating the logs = log 4 52 + log 4 4 (Recall: 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 4 = 1)
(𝑦 − 1)𝑥 = log 4 25 + log 4 4
= 4𝑎
2 = log 4 25 × 100
Cross multiply = log 4 100
(𝑦 − 1)𝑥 = 2 × 4𝑎 =
log 100
(𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙: log 𝑎 𝑥 =
log 𝑥
)
Making 𝑥 subject of the relation log 4 log 𝑎

2 × 4𝑎 log 102
𝑥= =
𝑦−1 log 22
2 × 22𝑎 2 log 10
𝑥= =
𝑦−1 2 log 2
21+2𝑎 log 10
𝑥= ……. Eqn. 3 =
𝑦−1 log 2
From eqn. 2, = log 2 10
log 2 (𝑦 + 1) − log 2 𝑥 = 𝑎 − 1 Returning the expression back to the bracket
log 2 (𝑦 + 1) − log 2 𝑥 = (𝑎 − 1) log 2 2 = log10 2 (log 2 10)
log 2 (𝑦 + 1) − log 2 𝑥 = log 2 2(𝑎−1) = log10 2 × log 2 10
log 2 (𝑦 + 1) ÷ 𝑥 = log 2 2(𝑎−1) log 2 log 10
= ×
(𝑦 + 1) log 10 log 2
log 2 = log 2 2(𝑎−1)
𝑥 =1
Equating the logs
(𝑦 + 1)
= 2(𝑎−1)
𝑥
 3. If 𝒙 = √𝒂 + 𝒃 + √𝒂 − 𝒃 and
𝟑 𝟑
𝑥 3 = 3𝑟𝑥 + 2𝑎
𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟐 = 𝒓𝟑 . Prove that 𝒙𝟑 − 𝟑𝒓𝒙 − 𝟐𝒂 = 𝟎 ∴ 𝑥 3 − 3𝑟𝑥 − 2𝑎 = 0 (Proved)
3 3 𝟏
𝑥 = √𝑎 + 𝑏 + √𝑎 − 𝑏 ……. Eqn. 1 4. Given 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟖 (𝒑 + 𝟐) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟖 𝒒 = 𝒓 −
𝟑
𝑟 3 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 ……. Eqn. 2 and 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝒑 − 𝟐) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝒒 = 𝟐𝒓 + 𝟏, show
From Eq3n. 1 that 𝒑𝟐 = 𝟒 + 𝟑𝟐𝒓
1 1
𝑥 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)3 + (𝑎 − 𝑏)3 Same approach as question 1 can be adopted –
Let: equating 𝒒 to obtain 𝒑𝟐 = 𝟒 + 𝟑𝟐𝒓
𝑎+𝑏 =𝑚 1
log 8 (𝑝 + 2) + log 8 𝑞 = 𝑟 − ……Eqn. 1
𝑎−𝑏 =𝑛 3
Hence: log 2 (𝑝 − 2) − log 2 𝑞 = 2𝑟 + 1 ……Eqn. 2
1 1
From Eqn. 1
𝑥 = 𝑚3 + 𝑛3 ……. Eqn. 3 1
log 8 (𝑝 + 2) + log 8 𝑞 = (𝑟 − ) log 8 8
From Eqn. 2 3
1
𝑟 3 = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 log 8 (𝑝 + 2) 𝑞 = log 8 8
(𝑟− )
3
If (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑏) = 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 Equating the logs
Hence: 1
𝑟 3 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑏) (𝑝 + 2)𝑞 = 8(𝑟−3)
∴ 𝑟 3 = 𝑚𝑛 Making q subject of the relation
1
1 1 (𝑟− )
8 3
𝑟 3×
3 = (𝑚 × 𝑛)3 𝑞= (𝑝+2)
……Eqn. 3
1 1
𝑟= 𝑚 𝑛 3 3 ……. Eqn. 4 From Eqn. 2
From Eqn. 3 log 2 (𝑝 − 2) − log 2 𝑞 = (2𝑟 + 1) log 2 2
1 1 log 2 (𝑝 − 2) ÷ 𝑞 = log 2 2(2𝑟+1)
𝑥 = 𝑚3 + 𝑛3 𝑝−2
1 1 3 log 2 = log 2 22𝑟+1
𝑥 = 3
(𝑚3 + 𝑛3 ) 𝑞
Equating the logs
From binomial expansion power 3 𝑝−2
1 3 1 2 1 = 22𝑟+1
𝑥 3 = (𝑚3 ) + 3 [(𝑚3 ) (𝑛3 )] + 𝑞
Cross multiply
1 1 2 1 3
3 [(𝑚3 ) (𝑛3 ) ] + (𝑛3 ) 𝑞 × 22𝑟+1 = 𝑝 − 2
Making q the subject of the relation
1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑥 3 = 𝑚 + 3𝑚3 (𝑚3 𝑛3 ) + 3𝑛3 (𝑚3 𝑛3 ) + 𝑛 𝑞 × 22𝑟+1 𝑝−2
2𝑟+1
= 2𝑟+1
2 2
From Eqn. 4 𝑝−2
1 1 𝑞 = 22𝑟+1 ……Eqn. 4
𝑥 3 = 𝑚 + 3𝑚3 𝑟 + 3𝑛3 𝑟 + 𝑛 Equating q in eqn. 3 and 4
1 1 1
3 (𝑟− )
𝑥 =𝑚+ 3𝑟 (𝑚3 + 𝑛3 ) + 𝑛 8 3 𝑝−2
= 2𝑟+1
From Eqn. 3 𝑝+2 2
𝑥 3 = 𝑚 + 3𝑟𝑥 + 𝑛 Cross multiply
1
𝑥 3 = 3𝑟𝑥 + 𝑚 + 𝑛 (𝑝 + 2)(𝑝 − 2) = 22𝑟+1 × 8(𝑟−3)
Recall: 1
(𝑟− )
𝑎+𝑏 =𝑚 𝑝2 − 2𝑝 + 2𝑝 − 4 = 22𝑟+1 × 23 3

1
𝑎−𝑏 =𝑛 𝑝2 − 4 = 22𝑟+1 × 2
3𝑟−3( )
3
Hence:
𝑝2 − 4 = 22𝑟+1 × 23𝑟−1
𝑥 3 = 3𝑟𝑥 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑎 − 𝑏
𝑝2 − 4 = 22𝑟+1+(3𝑟−1)
𝑝2 − 4 = 22𝑟+1+3𝑟−1 𝑏 𝑐 𝑎
log 𝑎 log ( ) + log 𝑏 log ( ) + log 𝑐 log ( )
𝑝2 − 4 = 22𝑟+3𝑟+1−1 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏
𝑝2 − 4 = 22𝑟+3𝑟 𝑏 log 𝑎 𝑐 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐
log ( ) + log ( ) + log ( )
𝑝2 − 4 = 25𝑟 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏
log 𝑎
𝑝2 − 4 = (25 )𝑟 𝑏 𝑐 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐

𝑝2 = 4 + (25 )𝑟 1log [( ) ×( ) ×( ) ]=0

𝑐 𝑎 𝑏
∴ 𝑝2 = 4 + 32𝑟 (Proved) Taking natural log of both sides
b log a c log b a log c
log[( ) ×( ) ×( ) ]=e0
𝟐 c a b
5. If 𝒂 = 𝒃𝒄 show that 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒂 + e
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒄 𝒂 = 𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒂 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒄 𝒂 𝑏 log 𝑎 𝑐 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐
( ) ×( ) ×( ) =1
𝑎2 = 𝑏𝑐 ……Eqn.1 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏
Hence;
log 𝑏 𝑎 + log 𝑐 𝑎 = 2 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐 𝑎
𝑏 log 𝑎 𝑐 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐
From the RHS – Right Hand Side (𝑐 ) (𝑎) (𝑏 ) =1 (Shown)
2 log 𝑏 𝑎 log 𝑐 𝑎
= log 𝑏 𝑎2 log 𝑐 𝑎 7. Given that 𝒚 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂 𝒙𝟓 and 𝒛 =
From Eqn. 1 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 𝒂 show that 𝒚𝒛 = 𝟓. Hence find the
= log 𝑏 𝑏𝑐 log 𝑐 𝑎 numerical value of ‘𝒚’and ‘𝒛’ when
From rules of log 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂(𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂 𝒙𝟓 ) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂(𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 𝒂) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂 𝟏𝟐𝟓
= (log 𝑏 𝑏 + log 𝑏 𝑐) log 𝑐 𝑎
= (log 𝑏 𝑏 × log 𝑐 𝑎) + (log 𝑏 𝑐 × log 𝑐 𝑎) where;
Recall; (log 𝑏 𝑏 = 1) hence, 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 5
= (1 × log 𝑐 𝑎) + (log 𝑏 𝑐 × log 𝑐 𝑎) 𝑧 = log 𝑥 𝑎
log 𝑐 log 𝑎 Multiplying 𝑦 and 𝑧
= log 𝑐 𝑎 + (log 𝑏 × log 𝑐 )
𝑦𝑧 = log 𝑎 𝑥 5 × log 𝑥 𝑎
log 𝑎
= log 𝑐 𝑎 + (log 𝑏 ) 𝑦𝑧 = 5 log 𝑎 𝑥 × log 𝑥 𝑎
log 𝑎
log 𝑥 log 𝑎
Recall; (log 𝑏 ) = log 𝑏 𝑎 hence, 𝑦𝑧 = 5 ×
log 𝑎 log 𝑥
= log 𝑐 𝑎 + log 𝑏 𝑎 Hence;
Re-arranging expression 𝑦𝑧 = 5 (Shown)
= log 𝑏 𝑎 + log 𝑐 𝑎 (Shown) When;
log 𝑎 (log 𝑎 𝑥 5 ) − log 𝑎 (log 𝑥 𝑎) = log 𝑎 125
6. By putting 𝜶 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂 , 𝜷 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃,
Substituting 𝑦 and 𝑧 in the expression above
𝜸 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒄, in the identity 𝜶(𝜷 − 𝜸) + 𝜷(𝜸 − Recall;
𝜶) + 𝜸(𝜶 − 𝜷) show that 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 5
𝒃 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂 𝒄 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒂 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒄 𝑧 = log 𝑥 𝑎
(𝒄 ) (𝒂) (𝒃) =𝟏 Hence;
log 𝑎 𝑦 − log 𝑎 𝑧 = log 𝑎 125
where; 𝑦
𝛼 = log 𝑎 log 𝑎 = log 𝑎 125
𝑧
𝛽 = log 𝑏 𝑦
= 125 ……Eqn. 1
𝛾 = log 𝑐 𝑧
From;
Replacing 𝛼, 𝛽 and 𝛾 in the expression below
𝑦𝑧 = 5 ……Eqn. 2
𝛼(𝛽 − 𝛾) + 𝛽(𝛾 − 𝛼) + 𝛾(𝛼 − 𝛽)
Solving Eqn. 1 and 2 simultaneously
log 𝑎 (log 𝑏 − log 𝑐) + log 𝑏(log 𝑐 − log 𝑎) + 𝑦
log 𝑐(log 𝑎 − log 𝑏) = 125
𝑧
𝑦𝑧 = 5
From Eqn. 1; 0.6020 − 0.2219 = 0.9209𝑥
𝑦 = 125𝑧 ……Eqn. 3 0.3801 = 0.9209𝑥
Substituting 𝑦 in Eqn. 2 Dividing both sides by 0.9209 to obtain 𝑥
𝑦𝑧 = 5 ……Eqn. 2 0.3801 0.9209𝑥
=
125𝑧 2 = 5 0.9209 0.9209
5 𝑥 ≅ 0.4127
𝑧2 =
125 9. Evaluate 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒 𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝟔 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟔 𝟒
1
𝑧2 =
25 log 4 2 log 2 6 log 6 4
Square root both sides to obtain 𝑧 log 4 2 × log 2 6 × log 6 4
1 Recall;
√𝑧 2 = √ log 𝑛
25 log 𝑥 𝑛 =
log 𝑥
1
𝑧= Hence;
5 log 2 log 6 log 4
Substituting 𝑧 in Eqn. 3 × ×
𝑦 = 125𝑧 log 4 log 2 log 6
1 =1
𝑦 = 125 ×
5 𝟏
10. Prove that 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃𝟐 𝒂 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙𝟐 𝒃 = 𝟒 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒙 𝒂
𝑦 = 25
1 1
∴ 𝑦 = 25, 𝑧= log 𝑏2 𝑎 log 𝑥2 𝑏 = log 𝑥 𝑎
5 4
8. Solve the equation for 𝒙 if 𝟐𝟐 (𝟑𝒙+𝟏 ) = Where;
log 𝑏2 𝑎 log 𝑥2 𝑏 → LHS (left hand side)
𝟓𝟐𝒙+𝟏 1
22 (3𝑥+1 ) = 52𝑥+1 4
log 𝑥 𝑎 → RHS (right hand side)
Taking log of both sides From the LHS
log[22 (3𝑥+1 )] = log[52𝑥+1 ] log 𝑏2 𝑎 log 𝑥2 𝑏
From rules of log Hence;
log 22 + log(3𝑥+1 ) = log(52𝑥+1 ) log 𝑎 log 𝑏
∙
By simplification log 𝑏 2 log 𝑥 2
log 22 = log(52𝑥+1 ) − log(3𝑥+1 ) log 𝑎 log 𝑏
∙
log 22 = log 52𝑥+1 − log 3𝑥+1 2 log 𝑏 2 log 𝑥
2log 2 = (2𝑥 + 1) log 5 − (𝑥 + 1) log 3 log 𝑎 log 𝑏
∙
Where; 2 log 𝑏 2 log 𝑥
log 2 = 0.3010 log 𝑎 1
∙
log 3 = 0.4771 2 2 log 𝑥
log 5 = 0.6990 1 log 𝑎
Substituting the logs in the expression ∙
2 2 log 𝑥
2log 2 = (2𝑥 + 1) log 5 − (𝑥 + 1) log 3 1 log 𝑎
2(0.3010) = (2𝑥 + 1)0.6990 − (𝑥 + 1)0.4771 ∙
4 log 𝑥
0.6020 = 1.3980𝑥 + 0.6990 − 0.4771𝑥 1
= 4 log 𝑥 𝑎 RHS (Proved)
+ 0.4771
Collecting like terms
0.6020 = 1.3980𝑥 − 0.4771𝑥 + 0.6990
+ 0.4771
0.6020 = 0.9209𝑥 + 0.2219
 11. If 𝒑𝟑 + 𝒒𝟑 = 𝟎. Prove that 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒑 + 12. If j = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐𝟒 𝟏𝟐, k =𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑𝟔 𝟐𝟒, 𝒍 =
𝟏 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒𝟖 𝟑𝟔. Prove that 1 + jk𝒍 = 2k𝒍
𝒒) = [𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒑 + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒒 + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑]
𝟐
1 + jk𝑙 = 2k𝑙
Where;
Where;
𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 = 0 ……Eqn. ∗
1 + jk𝑙 → LHS (left hand side)
From expansion,
2k𝑙 → RHS (right hand side)
𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 = (𝑝 + 𝑞)3 − 3𝑝𝑞(𝑝 + 𝑞)
From the LHS
Hint; 1 + jk𝑙
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = (𝑝 + 𝑞)(𝑝 + 𝑞)(𝑝 + 𝑞) 1 + log 24 12 ∙ log 36 24 ∙ log 48 36
log 12 log 24 log 36
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = (𝑝2 + 𝑝𝑞 + 𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 2 )(𝑝 + 𝑞) 1+ log 24 ∙ log 36 ∙ log 48
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = (𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 2 )(𝑝 + 𝑞) log 12
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = 𝑝(𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 2 ) + 𝑞(𝑝2 + 2𝑝𝑞 + 𝑞 2 ) 1+
log 48
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = 𝑝3 + 2𝑝2 𝑞 + 𝑝𝑞 2 + 𝑝2 𝑞 + 2𝑝𝑞 2 + 𝑞 3 1+ log 48 12
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = 𝑝3 + 3𝑝2 𝑞 + 3𝑝𝑞 2 + 𝑞 3 log 48 48 + log 48 12 (𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙: log48 48 = 1)
Re-arranging and factorizing; Hence;
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = 𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 + 3𝑝2 𝑞 + 3𝑝𝑞 2 log 48 48 × 12
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = 𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 + 3𝑝𝑞(𝑝 + 𝑞) log 48 576
Making 𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 subject of the relation log 48 242
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 − 3𝑝𝑞(𝑝 + 𝑞) = 𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 → 𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒𝟖 𝟐𝟒
∴ 𝒑𝟑 + 𝒒𝟑 = (𝒑 + 𝒒)𝟑 − 𝟑𝒑𝒒(𝒑 + 𝒒) From the RHS
2k𝑙
From Eqn. ∗ 2(log 36 24 ∙ log 48 36)
𝑝3 + 𝑞 3 = 0 2(
log 24 log 36
∙ )
log 36 log 48
Hence;
log 24
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 − 3𝑝𝑞(𝑝 + 𝑞) = 0 2(log 48)
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 = 3𝑝𝑞(𝑝 + 𝑞) → 𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒𝟖 𝟐𝟒
Divide both sides by (𝑝 + 𝑞) ∴ 𝑳𝑯𝑺 = 𝑹𝑯𝑺 (Proved)
(𝑝 + 𝑞)3 3𝑝𝑞(𝑝 + 𝑞)
= 𝟕𝟓
(𝑝 + 𝑞) (𝑝 + 𝑞) 13. Evaluate 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟏𝟔) −
2
(𝑝 + 𝑞) = 3𝑝𝑞 𝟒 𝟑𝟑
√(𝟐𝟓) √𝟐𝟓
Square root both sides to obtain (𝑝 + 𝑞) 𝟖𝟏 𝟖𝟏 𝟏
𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 [ 𝟏𝟐 𝟕
] + 𝟑 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟐𝟏𝟓 𝟑−𝟏𝟓 )
√(𝑝 + 𝑞)2 = √(3𝑝𝑞) √(𝟐𝟓)
𝟖𝟏
1
(𝑝 + 𝑞) = (3𝑝𝑞)2 With the application of BODMAS, firstly, lets
Taking log of both sides deal with the expression in the bracket.
1
log(𝑝 + 𝑞) = log(3𝑝𝑞)2 Hence;
33
1 √(25) √(25)
4
log(𝑝 + 𝑞) = log(3𝑝𝑞) 81 81
2
1 7
log(𝑝 + 𝑞) = 2 [log 3 + log 𝑝 + log 𝑞] √(25)
12

Hence; [ 81 ]
1 Simplifying the bracket using the laws of indices
log(𝑝 + 𝑞) = 2 [log 𝑝 + log 𝑞 + log 3] (Proved) 1 1
25 3×4 25 3
(81) (81)
1
25 7×12
(81)
 3 1
25 4 25 3 75 25 1 2 15
(81) (81) log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 ( )
16 81 3 3
7
25 12 1
(81) 75 25 2 15×3
log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 ( )
16 81 3
3 1 7
25 4 25 3 25 12 75 25 2 5
( ) ×( ) ÷( ) log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 ( )
81 81 81 16 81 3
3 1
25 4 25 3 1 75 25 25
( ) ×( ) × 7
log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 ( 5 )
81 81 16 81 3
25 12
(81)
75 25 32
3 1
−
7 log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 ( )
25 4 25 25 3 12 16 81 243
( ) ×( ) ×( )
81 81 81 75 25 32
log 2 [ ÷ × ]
3 1 7 16 81 243
25 4 + 3 + − 12
( ) 75 81 32
81 log 2 [ × × ]
16 25 243
3 1 7
25 4 + 3 − 12 log 2 2
( )
81 =1
Taking lcm of the powers 14. If 𝒂, 𝒃 are in a GP. Prove that
9+4−7
25 12 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒏 𝒂 , 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒏 𝒃 , 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒏 𝒄 are in AP
( )
81 From AP;
25
6
25
1 𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 𝑇2 − 𝑇1
12 2
(81) = (81) If;
𝑇1 = 𝑎 = log 𝑛 𝑎
Putting the above expression in the bracket to 𝑇2 = 𝑏 = log 𝑛 𝑏
obtain; 𝑇3 = 𝑐 = log 𝑛 𝑐
1
75 25 2 1 Hence;
log 2 ( ) − 2 log 2 [( ) ] + log 2 (215 3−15 ) 𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 𝑇2 − 𝑇1
16 81 3
→ log 𝑛 𝑐 − log 𝑛 𝑏 = log 𝑛 𝑏 − log 𝑛 𝑎
1 2 log 𝑛 𝑐 ÷ 𝑏 = log 𝑛 𝑏 ÷ 𝑎
75 25 2 1 𝑐 𝑏
log 2 ( ) − log 2 [( ) ] + log 2 (215 3−15 ) log 𝑛 = log 𝑛
16 81 3 𝑏 𝑎
Equating the logs
1 𝑐 𝑏
75 25 2×2 1 log 𝑛 = log 𝑛
log2 ( ) − log2 ( ) + log2(215 × 3−15 ) 𝑏 𝑎
16 81 3 𝑐 𝑏
∴ 𝑏=𝑎 (Proved)
75 25 1 1
log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 (215 × 15 )
16 81 3 3
75 25 1 215
log 2 ( ) − log 2 ( ) + log 2 ( 15 )
16 81 3 3
 15. The first term of an AP is 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒂, second 𝑥 𝑏𝑥 𝑎
= [log (𝑎2 × 𝑥 × )]
2 𝑎 𝑏
term 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃. Show that the sum of the first
𝟏 𝒃𝒙(𝒙−𝟏) 𝑥 𝑎 2 ×𝑏𝑥 ×𝑎
𝒙 term is 𝟐 𝐥𝐨𝐠 [𝒂𝒙(𝒙−𝟑) ] = 2 [log ( )]
𝑎 𝑥 ×𝑏

Given; 𝑥 𝑎 2 ×𝑎×𝑏𝑥
= 2 [log ( 𝑎 𝑥 ×𝑏
)]
𝑇1 = log 𝑎
𝑇2 = log 𝑏 Applying laws of indices
Recall; 𝑥 𝑎 3 ×𝑏𝑥
= [log ( 𝑥 )]
Sum of terms (𝑆𝑛 ) in AP 2 𝑎 ×𝑏
𝑛 𝑥 𝑎3 𝑏𝑥
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑) = 2 [log (𝑎𝑥 × )]
2 𝑏
Where; 𝑥
First term ′𝑎′ = log 𝑎 = [log(𝑎3−𝑥 × 𝑏 𝑥−1 )]
2
Common difference ′𝑑′ = second term – first
From the above expression, you will agree that
term.
I.e. 𝑑 = 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 3 − 𝑥 when re-arranged is equal to −𝑥 + 3.
If so;
∴ = log 𝑏 − log 𝑎 𝑥
Inserting the given parameters into the formula = [log(𝑎−𝑥+3 × 𝑏 𝑥−1 )]
2
for sum of the terms (in term of 𝑥). 𝑥
Hence; = 2 [log(𝑎−(𝑥−3) × 𝑏 𝑥−1 )]
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑) Recall from the laws of Indices, 𝑎−𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛
1
2
𝑥
𝑆𝑥 = [2 log 𝑎 + (𝑥 − 1) log 𝑏 − log 𝑎] Hence;
2 𝑥 1
From laws of logarithm = 2 [log (𝑎(𝑥−3) × 𝑏 𝑥−1 )]
𝑥 𝑏
= 2
[2 log 𝑎 + (𝑥 − 1) log (𝑎)] 𝑥 𝑏𝑥−1
= [log (𝑥−3) ]
Opening the bracket (𝑥 − 1) 2 𝑎
𝑥 𝑏 𝑏 1 𝑏𝑥−1
= 2
[2 log 𝑎 + 𝑥 log (𝑎) − log (𝑎)] = 2 × 𝑥 [log 𝑎(𝑥−3) ]
𝑥 𝑏 𝑥 𝑏 1 𝑏𝑥−1
= [2 log 𝑎 + log ( ) − log ( )] = 2 𝑥 [log 𝑎(𝑥−3) ]
2 𝑎 𝑎

𝑥 𝑏 𝑥 𝑏 𝑥
= 2
[log 𝑎2 + log (𝑎) − log (𝑎)] 1
= [log (𝑥−3)]
𝑏𝑥−1
2 𝑎
𝑥 𝑏 𝑥 𝑏
= 2 [log 𝑎2 + log (𝑎) − log (𝑎)] 𝑎 𝑥 𝑎𝑥
Recall from the laws of Indices, (𝑏 ) = 𝑏𝑥
𝑏 𝑥 I.e.
𝑥 𝑎2 ×( )
𝑎
= [log ( 𝑏 )] By applying the above law of indices,
2
𝑎 3 2 32 9
(2) = (22 ) = (4) = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓 which is equivalent
Which implies that; 3 2
to (2) = (1.5)2 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟓
𝑥 𝑏 𝑥 𝑏
= 2 [log (𝑎2 × (𝑎) ÷ (𝑎))] Hence;
𝑥
1 𝑏𝑥−1
Hence; = 2 [log 𝑎(𝑥−3)]
𝑥 𝑏 𝑥 𝑎 𝒂
= 2 [log (𝑎2 × (𝑎) × (𝑏 ))] Note; 𝒃 1 𝑏(𝑥−1)𝑥
= 2 log [𝑎(𝑥−3)𝑥 ]
 1 𝑏𝑥(𝑥−1) 10 + 13𝑞 = 18
∴ 𝑆𝑥 = 2
log [ 𝑎 𝑥(𝑥−3)
] (Proved)
13𝑞 = 18 − 10
16. Solve the equation 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟐𝒚+𝟐 = 13𝑞 = 8
8
𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝒚 + 𝟑𝒙−𝟐 = 𝟐 𝑞=
13
Given; Substituting q in Eqn. ∗
3𝑥 − 2𝑦+2 = 10 ……Eqn. 1 𝑝 = 10 + 4𝑞
8
2𝑦 + 3𝑥−2 = 2 ……Eqn. 2 𝑝 = 10 + 4 × 13
From Eqn. 1; Taking l.c.m;
3𝑥 − 2𝑦+2 = 10 32
Applying the laws of indices 𝑝 = 10 +
13
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 × 22 = 10 10 32
𝑝= +
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 × 4 = 10 1 13
3𝑥 − 4(2𝑦 ) = 10 ……Eqn. 3
From Eqn. 2; 130 + 32
𝑝=
2𝑦 + 3𝑥−2 = 2 13
Re-arranging 162
𝑝=
3𝑥−2 + 2𝑦 = 2 13
Applying the laws of indices Recall;
3𝑥 ÷ 32 + 2𝑦 = 2 3𝑥 = 𝑝 and 2𝑦 = 𝑞
3𝑥 ÷ 9 + 2𝑦 = 2 Where;
3𝑥 3𝑥 = 𝑝
9
+ 2𝑦 = 2 ……Eqn. 4 162
Solving Eqn. 3 and 4 simultaneously 3𝑥 =
13
3𝑥 − 4(2𝑦 ) = 10 Taking log of both sides
3𝑥 162
+ 2𝑦 = 2 log 3𝑥 = log
9
13
From the above equations let; Recall from the laws of logarithm,
3𝑥 = 𝑝 log 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑎
2𝑦 = 𝑞 Therefore;
Hence; 162
𝑝 − 4𝑞 = 10 ……Eqn. 5 𝑥 log 3 = log
𝑝
13
9
+𝑞 =2 ……Eqn. 6 𝑥 log 3 = log 12.4615
From Eqn. 5; Solving for 𝑥;
𝑝 = 10 + 4𝑞 ……Eqn. ∗ 𝑥 log 3 log 12.4615
=
Substituting 𝑝 in Eqn. 6 log 3 log 3
10+4𝑞 log 12.4615
9
+𝑞 = 2 𝑥=
log 3
Taking l.c.m; 1.0956
10+4𝑞 𝑞
+1 =2 𝑥=
9 0.4771
(10 + 4𝑞) + 9𝑞 𝑥 ≅ 2.3
=2 Where;
9
10 + 4𝑞 + 9𝑞 2𝑦 = 𝑞
=2
9
10 + 13𝑞 8
=2 𝑞=
9 13
Cross multiply;
 8
∴ 2𝑦 =
13
Taking log of both sides
8
log 2𝑦 = log
13
Recall from the laws of logarithm,
log 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥 log 𝑎
Therefore;
8
𝑦 log 2 = log
13
𝑦 log 2 = log 0.6154
log 0.6154
𝑦=
log 2
𝑦 = − 0.70
∴ 𝑥 = 2.3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = −0.7