MET#2: Problem Solving
Involving Functions
Solving Logarithmic
Equations And Inequalities
Prepared by:
MRS. MARILYN O. ABAS
General Mathematics
Teacher
In solving logarithmic equations and
inequalities, it is important for you to
remember the restrictions on the values of 𝑏
Solving and 𝑥 in the logarithmic expression log 𝑏 𝑥.
Logarithmic Recall that:
Equations ❑ 𝑏 can be any positive real number
and except 1
Inequalities ❑ 𝑥 can be any real number
❑ The entire expression log 𝑏 𝑥 can be
any real number (hence, can be
negative)
Here are some strategies that might help
you in solving logarithmic equations and
inequalities.
➢ Rewriting to exponential form
➢ Using logarithmic properties
Solving
(see pp. 95-96 of your book)
Logarithmic ➢ Applying the one-to-one property of
Equations logarithmic functions
and
For any logarithmic function 𝑓 𝑥 = log 𝑏 𝑥, if
Inequalities log 𝑏 𝑢 = log 𝑏 𝑣 , then 𝑢 = 𝑣.
➢ Another useful property is the Zero
Factor Property. If 𝑎𝑏 = 0, then 𝑎 = 0
or 𝑏 = 0.
Example 1: (changing into
(a) log x 16 = 2
exponential form)
𝑥 2 = 16
Find the 𝑥 2 − 16 = 0
value of 𝑥 in (factorization using
𝑥+4 𝑥−4 =0 𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏)
the following 𝑥 = −4, 4
equations:
(Zero Factor
Property)
(b) log 2 ( 𝑥 + 1) + log 2 𝑥 − 1 = 3
Example 1: log 2 ( 𝑥 + 1) 𝑥 − 1 = 3 (using the property
3 log 𝑏 𝑢 + log 𝑏 𝑣)
𝑥+1 𝑥−1 =2 = log 𝑏 (𝑢𝑣)
Find the (multiplication 2
𝑥 −1=8
value of 𝑥 in of two 2 (factorization
binomials) 𝑥 − 9 = 0 using 𝑎2 − 𝑏2 =
the following
𝑥 + 3 𝑥 − 3 = 0 (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏))
equations:
𝑥 = −3, 3
(Zero Factor Property)
Example 2:
Use Solution: 2𝑥 = 3 (applying the one-to-one
logarithms to
log 2𝑥 = log 3 property)
solve for the
value of 𝑥 in 𝑥 log 2 = log 3 (applying log 𝑢𝑛 = 𝑛 log 𝑢
𝑏 𝑏
the log 3
𝑥 = log 2 since 2 is positive)
exponential
equation ≈ 𝟏. 𝟓𝟖𝟒𝟗𝟔
2𝑥 = 3.
Example 3: (a) log 6 𝑥 > 3
Solve each Solution: log 6 𝑥 > 3
logarithmic 𝑥 > 63 (Express in exponential form.)
inequality. 𝒙 > 𝟐𝟏𝟔 (Simplify.)
(b) log 4(𝑥 + 3) > log 4 (2𝑥 + 1)
Solution:
● Use the property of
Example 3: equality for logarithmic
equations to solve for
the value of the variable. ● Take the expression of the
Solve each logarithm and determine
logarithmic log 4 (𝑥 + 3) > log 4 (2𝑥 + 1) where the value is greater
𝑥 + 3 > 2𝑥 + 1
inequality. 3 − 1 > 2𝑥 − 𝑥
than 0 (this will create a
boundary).
2>𝑥
or 𝒙 < 𝟐 𝑥+3>0 2𝑥 + 1 > 0
𝒙 > −𝟑 2𝑥 > −1
𝟏
𝒙 > −𝟐
The value of the
variable is 𝒙 < 𝟐 ●Compare the two inequalities and determine if
boundary is needed for the inequality solution.
The value greater
than 0:
𝒙 > −𝟑
𝟏
𝒙>−
𝟐 Therefore, the solution of the inequality is
𝟏
− 𝟐 < 𝒙 < 𝟐.