Exponents and Logarithms

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These are the solutions to the NZQA past questions on the topics: Exponents and Logarithms.
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These are the notable notes regarding factoring

Factoring Formulas

$ \underline{Difference\;\;of\;\;Two\;\;Squares} \\[3ex] (1.)\;\;x^2 - y^2 = (x + y)(x - y) \\[5ex] \underline{Difference\;\;of\;\;Two\;\;Cubes} \\[3ex] (2.)\;\; x^3 - y^3 = (x - y)(x^2 + xy + y^2) \\[5ex] \underline{Sum\;\;of\;\;Two\;\;Cubes} \\[3ex] (3.)\;\; x^3 + y^3 = (x + y)(x^2 - xy + y^2) \\[5ex] $ These are the laws of exponents and the laws of logarithms.

Laws of Exponents and Laws of Logarithms

Law 1: Exponents
(1.) Product Rule

$ p^c * p^d = p^{c + d} \\[4ex] p^{c + d} = p^c * p^d $

Law 1: Logarithms
(1.)

$ \log_p{c} + \log_p{d} = \log_p{cd} \\[4ex] \log_p{cd} = \log_p{c} + \log_p{d} $

Law 2: Exponents
(2.) Quotient Rule

$ p^c \div p^d = p^{c - d} \\[4ex] \dfrac{p^c}{p^d} = p^{c - d} \\[4ex] p^{c - d} = p^c \div p^d \\[4ex] p^{c - d} = \dfrac{p^c}{p^d} $

Law 2: Logarithms
(2.)

$ \log_p{c} - \log_p{d} = \log_p({c \div d}) \\[4ex] \log_p{c} - \log_p{d} = \log_p{\left(\dfrac{c}{d}\right)} \\[5ex] \log_p({c \div d}) = \log_p{c} - \log_p{d} \\[4ex] \log_p{\left(\dfrac{c}{d}\right)} = \log_p{c} - \log_p{d} $

Law 3: Exponents
(3.)

$ {any\: base}^0 = 1 \\[5ex] p^0 = 1 $

Law 3: Logarithms
(3.)

$ \log_{any\: base}{1} = 0 \\[5ex] \log_p{1} = 0 \\[4ex] \ln{1} = \log_e{1} = 0 $

Law 4: Exponents
(4.)

$ {any\: base}^1 = any\: base \\[5ex] p^1 = p $

Law 4: Logarithms
(4.)

$ \log_{any\: base}{any\: base} = 1 \\[5ex] \log_p{p} = 1 $

Law 5: Exponents
(5.) Expanded Power Rule

$ (p)^c = (p^1)^c = p^{1 * c} = p^c \\[5ex] \left(\dfrac{p}{q}\right)^c = \dfrac{p^c}{q^c} \\[7ex] (p^c)^d = p^{c * d} \\[5ex] p^{c * d} = (p^c)^d \\[7ex] \left(\dfrac{p^c}{q^d}\right)^e = \dfrac{p^{ce}}{q^{de}} \\[7ex] (pk)^d = p^d * k^d \\[5ex] p^d * k^d = (pk)^d \\[5ex] (p^c k^d)^m = p^{cm} * k^{dm} \\[5ex] p^{cm} * k^{dm} = (p^c)^m * (k^d)^m = (p^c k^d)^m \\[5ex] (p^c)^{\dfrac{d}{e}} = p^{\dfrac{cd}{e}} \\[7ex] p^{\dfrac{cd}{e}} = (p^c)^{\dfrac{d}{e}} $

Law 5: Logarithms
(5.)

$ \log_p{c^d} = d * \log_p{c} \\[4ex] d * \log_p{c} = \log_p{c^d} $

Law 6: Exponents
(6.) Rule of Negative Exponents

$ p^{-c} = \dfrac{1}{p^c} \\[5ex] \dfrac{1}{p^c} = p^{-c} \\[5ex] p^c = \dfrac{1}{p^{-c}} \\[5ex] \dfrac{1}{p^{-c}} = p^c \\[5ex] p^{-\dfrac{c}{d}} = \dfrac{1}{p^{\dfrac{c}{d}}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{1}{p^{\dfrac{c}{d}}} = p^{-\dfrac{c}{d}} \\[7ex] p^{\dfrac{c}{d}} = \dfrac{1}{p^{-\dfrac{c}{d}}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{1}{p^{-\dfrac{c}{d}}} = p^{\dfrac{c}{d}} $

Law 6: Logarithms
(6.)
Change of Base of Log

$ \log_p{d} = \dfrac{\log_c{d}}{\log_c{p}} \\[4ex] \dfrac{\log_c{d}}{\log_c{p}} = \log_p{d} \\[4ex] \log_p{d} * \log_c{p} = \log_c{d} \\[4ex] \log_c{d} = \log_p{d} * \log_c{p} $

Law 7: Exponents
(7.) Rule of Fractional Exponents

$ p^{\dfrac{1}{c}} = \sqrt[c]{p} \\[5ex] p^{\dfrac{c}{d}} = \sqrt[d]{p^c} \\[5ex] p^{\dfrac{c}{d}} = (\sqrt[d]{p})^c \\[5ex] \sqrt[d]{p^c} = p^{\dfrac{c}{d}} \\[5ex] (\sqrt[d]{p})^c = p^{\dfrac{c}{d}} $

Law 7: Logarithms
(7.)

$ p^{\log_p{c}} = c \\[5ex] c = p^{\log_p{c}} \\[5ex] p^{d\log_p{c}} = p^{\log_p{c^d}} = c^d \\[5ex] c^d = p^{\log_p{c^d}} = p^{d\log_p{c}} \\[5ex] e^{\ln{c}} = c \\[5ex] c = e^{\ln{c}} \\[5ex] e^{d\ln{c}} = e^{\ln{c^d}} = c^d \\[5ex] c^d = e^{\ln{c^d}} = e^{d\ln{c}} $

(1.) Solve the equation $2^x = 2022$

$ 2^x = 2022 \\[3ex] Introduce\;\;\log\;\;to\;\;both\;\;sides \\[3ex] \log 2^x = \log 2022 \\[3ex] x\log 2 = \log 2022 ...Law\;5\;Log \\[3ex] x = \dfrac{\log 2022}{\log 2} \\[5ex] x = \log_{2}2022...Law\;6\;Log \\[4ex] $ Check

$ x = \log_{2}2022 $
LHS	RHS
$ 2^x \\[3ex] 2^{\log_{2}2022} \\[5ex] 2022 ...Law\;7\;Log $	$2022$

(4.) If $\log_b{x} = 2$ and $\log_{3b}{y} = 2$, write y in terms of x.

$ \log_b{x} = 2 \\[4ex] b^2 = x ...Exponent-Logarithm\;\;Relationship \\[3ex] x = b^2 \\[3ex] \log_{3b}{y} = 2 \\[4ex] (3b)^2 = y ...Exponent-Logarithm\;\;Relationship \\[3ex] y = (3b)^2 \\[3ex] y = 3^2 \cdot b^2 \\[3ex] y = 9 \cdot x \\[3ex] y = 9x $

(5.) Solve $9^{(2x + 3)} = \left(\dfrac{1}{27}\right)^x$

$ 9^{(2x + 3)} = \left(\dfrac{1}{27}\right)^x \\[5ex] 9^{2x + 3} = \left(27^{-1}\right)^x...Law\;6\;Exp \\[4ex] 3^{2(2x + 3)} = \left[\left(3^3\right)^{-1}\right]^x \\[4ex] 3^{4x + 6} = 3^{-3x} ...Law\;5\;Exp \\[4ex] Same\;\;Base;\;\;Equate\;\;Exponents \\[3ex] 4x + 6 = -3x \\[3ex] 4x + 3x = -6 \\[3ex] 7x = -6 \\[3ex] x = -\dfrac{6}{7} \\[5ex] $ Check

$ x = -\dfrac{6}{7} $
LHS	RHS
$ 9^{(2x + 3)} \\[3ex] 2x + 3 = 2\left(-\dfrac{6}{7}\right) + 3 \\[5ex] = -\dfrac{12}{7} + \dfrac{21}{7} \\[5ex] = \dfrac{9}{7} \\[5ex] \implies \\[3ex] 9^{\dfrac{9}{7}} \\[7ex] 3^{2\left(\dfrac{9}{7}\right)} \\[7ex] 3^{\dfrac{18}{7}} $	$ \left(\dfrac{1}{27}\right)^x \\[5ex] \left(27^{-1}\right)^x \\[4ex] \left[\left(3^3\right)^{-1}\right]^x \\[4ex] 3^{-3x} \\[4ex] 3^{-3\left(-\dfrac{6}{7}\right)} \\[7ex] 3^{\dfrac{18}{7}} $

(6.) Simplify each expression, leaving your answer with positive indices.

$ (i.) \dfrac{(3y)^4}{3y^{-1}} \\[5ex] (ii.) \sqrt[3]{8y^{27}} \\[5ex] $

$ (i.) \\[3ex] \dfrac{(3y)^4}{3y^{-1}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{3^4 \cdot y^4}{3^1 \cdot y^{-1}} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[7ex] 3^{4 - 1} \cdot y^{4 -(-1)} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[4ex] 3^3 \cdot y^{4 + 1} \\[4ex] 27 \cdot y^{5} \\[4ex] 27y^5 \\[5ex] (ii.) \\[3ex] \sqrt[3]{8y^{27}} \\[4ex] \sqrt[3]{8} \cdot \sqrt[3]{y^{27}} \\[4ex] 2 \cdot \left(y^{27}\right)^{\dfrac{1}{3}} ...Law\;7...Exp \\[7ex] 2 \cdot y^9 \\[4ex] 2y^9 $

(7.) Consider the equation $\log_2(x - a) - \log_2(x + a) = c$, where a and c are constants.

(i.) Show that when x is made the subject of this equation, $x = a \dfrac{1 + 2^c}{1 - 2^c}$
Ensure that you use correct mathematical statements in your reasoning.

(ii.) The equation $\log_2(x - a) - \log_2(x + a) = c$ is only possible to solve for some values of a and for some values of c.
Explaining your reasoning clearly, describe which values of a and of c will make the equation possible to solve.
You may find it useful to recall that, when x is made the subject of this equation, $x = a \dfrac{1 + 2^c}{1 - 2^c}$

$ (i.) \\[3ex] \log_2(x - a) - \log_2(x + a) = c \\[3ex] \log_2\left[\dfrac{x - a}{x + a}\right] = c ...Law\;2\;Log \\[5ex] \dfrac{x - a}{x + a} = 2^c ...Relationship\;\;Between\;\;Exp\;\;and\;\;Log \\[5ex] x - a = 2^c(x + a) \\[4ex] x - a = x \cdot 2^c + a \cdot 2^c \\[4ex] x - x \cdot 2^c = a \cdot 2^c + a \\[4ex] x(1 - 2^c) = a(2^c + 1) \\[4ex] x(1 - 2^c) = a(1 + 2^c) \\[4ex] x = \dfrac{a(1 + 2^c)}{1 - 2^c} \\[5ex] $ Let us begin by testing for some values of a
Then, we shall test for some values of c

$ (ii.) \\[3ex] \log_2(x - a) - \log_2(x + a) = c \\[3ex] Assume\;\;a = 0 \\[3ex] \log_2(x - 0) - \log_2(x + 0) = c \\[3ex] \log_2{x} - \log_2{x} = c \\[3ex] 0 = c \\[3ex] c = 0 \\[3ex] $ So, when a = 0, c = 0
But we do not have any x, so this is an issue.
Also:

$ \log_2(x - a) - \log_2(x + a) = c \\[3ex] Assume\;\;c = 0 \\[3ex] \log_2(x - a) - \log_2(x + a) = 0 \\[3ex] \log_2\left[\dfrac{x - a}{x + a}\right] = 0 \\[5ex] \dfrac{x - a}{x + a} = 2^0 \\[5ex] \dfrac{x - a}{x + a} = 1 \\[5ex] x - a = x + a \\[3ex] 0 = 2a \\[3ex] 2a = 0 \\[3ex] a = \dfrac{0}{2} \\[5ex] a = 0 \\[3ex] $ So, when c = 0, a = 0
But we do not have any x, so this is an issue.
So, for us to solve for x, a ≠ 0 and c ≠ 0

If we decide to use this formula:

$ x = \dfrac{a(1 + 2^c)}{1 - 2^c} \\[5ex] Denominator \ne 0 ...to\;\;make\;\;it\;\;defined \\[3ex] Assume\;\;we\;\;set\;\;it\;\;to\;\;0 \\[3ex] 1 - 2^c = 0 \\[4ex] 1 = 2^c \\[4ex] 2^c = 1 \\[4ex] 2^c = 2^0 \\[4ex] c = 0 \\[3ex] $ This implies that c should not be equal to 0.

(8.) The level of sound (intensity) is measured on a logarithmic scale using a unit called a decibel.
The formula for the decibel level, d, is given by $$ d = 10\log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P}{P_0}\right) $$ where P is the intensity of the sound and P₀ is the weakest sound that the human ear can hear.
A cooling fan has a decibel level of 38 decibels.
A heat pump has a decibel level of 30 decibels.
Show that the cooling fan sound intensity is more than six times that of the heat pump sound intensity.

$ d = 10\log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P}{P_0}\right) \\[5ex] \underline{Cooling\;\;Fan} \\[3ex] d = 38\;decibels \\[3ex] P_0 = P_0 \\[3ex] P = P_f \\[3ex] 10\log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P_f}{P_0}\right) = 38 \\[5ex] \log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P_f}{P_0}\right) = \dfrac{38}{10} \\[5ex] \log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P_f}{P_0}\right) = 3.8 \\[5ex] \dfrac{P_f}{P_0} = 10^{3.8} \\[4ex] P_f = P_0 \cdot 10^{3.8} \\[5ex] \underline{Heat\;\;Pump} \\[3ex] d = 30\;decibels \\[3ex] P_0 = P_0 \\[3ex] P = P_h \\[3ex] 10\log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P_h}{P_0}\right) = 30 \\[5ex] \log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P_h}{P_0}\right) = \dfrac{30}{10} \\[5ex] \log_{10}\left(\dfrac{P_h}{P_0}\right) = 3 \\[5ex] \dfrac{P_h}{P_0} = 10^{3} \\[4ex] P_h = P_0 \cdot 10^{3} \\[5ex] Show\;\;that\;\;P_f \gt 6 \cdot P_h \\[3ex] \implies \\[3ex] P_0 \cdot 10^{3.8} \gt 6 \cdot P_0 \cdot 10^{3} \\[4ex] 10^{3.8} \gt 6 \cdot 10^3 \\[4ex] 6309.573445 \gt 6000 $

(9.) Jessica is investigating a compounding investment.
She wants to know how long it would take for an investment of $1000 to double in value to $2000.
She forms the following equation: $$ 2000 = 1000\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D $$ where R is the rate of return on the investment, as a percentage, and
D is the time that the investment would take to double in value, in years.

(i.) If an investment takes 11 years to double in value, what is the rate of return?
(ii.) By making D the subject of the expression: $2000 = 1000\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D$, show that $D = \dfrac{\log(2)}{\log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)}$

In her research, Jessica comes across a simple but approximate rule for calculating D, the time that the investment would take to double in value.
It is commonly called the 'Rule of 72', and it states that: $$ D = \dfrac{72}{R} $$ Jessica wonders how close the values of D from the 'Rule of 72' are to those calculated using the actual expression, which is: $$ D = \dfrac{\log(2)}{\log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)} $$ (iii.) Show clearly that the value of R for which the 'Rule of 72' exactly calculates D, is the solution to the equation: $$ 2^R - \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72} = 0 $$ You do not need to solve this equation.

$ (i.) \\[3ex] D = 11\;years \\[3ex] 2000 = 1000\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D \\[5ex] 1000\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D = 2000 \\[5ex] \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{11} = \dfrac{2000}{1000} \\[5ex] \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{11} = 2 \\[5ex] Multiply\;\;the\;\;exponent\;\;on\;\;both\;\;sides\;\;by\;\;\dfrac{1}{11} \\[5ex] \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{11 \cdot \dfrac{1}{11}} = 2^{\dfrac{1}{11}}...Law\;5...Exp \\[9ex] 1 + \dfrac{R}{100} = 1.065041089 \\[5ex] \dfrac{R}{100} = 1.065041089 - 1 \\[5ex] \dfrac{R}{100} = 0.0650410894 \\[5ex] R = 100(0.0650410894) \\[3ex] R = 6.504108944\% \\[5ex] (ii.) \\[3ex] 2000 = 1000\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D \\[5ex] 1000\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D = 2000 \\[5ex] \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D = \dfrac{2000}{1000} \\[5ex] \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D = 2 \\[5ex] Introduce\;\;Logarithm\;\;to\;\;both\;\;sides \\[3ex] \log \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^D = \log(2) \\[5ex] D \log \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right) = \log(2) ...Law\;5...Log \\[5ex] D = \dfrac{\log(2)}{\log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)} \\[10ex] (iii.) \\[3ex] D = \dfrac{72}{R} \\[5ex] D = \dfrac{\log(2)}{\log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)} \\[8ex] D = D \implies \\[3ex] \dfrac{\log(2)}{\log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)} = \dfrac{72}{R} \\[7ex] Cross\;\;Multiply \\[3ex] R\log 2 = 72\log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72} \\[5ex] \log 2^R = \log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72} ...Law\;5...Log \\[5ex] \log 2^R - \log\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72} = 0 \\[7ex] \log\left[\dfrac{2^R}{\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72}}\right] = 0 ...Law\;2...Log \\[10ex] \log = \log_{10} ...standard\;\;log \\[3ex] \implies \\[3ex] \log_{10}\left[\dfrac{2^R}{\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72}}\right] = 0 \\[10ex] 10^0 = \dfrac{2^R}{\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72}}...Exponent-Logarithm\;\;Relationship \\[10ex] 1 = \dfrac{2^R}{\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72}}...Law\;3...Exp \\[10ex] \dfrac{2^R}{\left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72}} = 1 \\[10ex] Cross\;\;Multiply \\[3ex] 2^R = \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72} \\[5ex] 2^R - \left(1 + \dfrac{R}{100}\right)^{72} = 0 \\[5ex] $

(11.) Simplify each expression, leaving your answer with positive indices.

$ (i.)\;\; \sqrt[5]{\dfrac{4(2n)^3}{n^8}} \\[7ex] (ii.)\;\; \left(\dfrac{n^3}{16n^6}\right)^{-0.5} \\[7ex] $

$ (i.) \\[3ex] \sqrt[5]{\dfrac{4(2n)^3}{n^8}} \\[7ex] \sqrt[5]{\dfrac{4 \cdot 2^3 \cdot n^3}{n^8}} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[7ex] \sqrt[5]{\dfrac{32}{n^{8 - 3}}} ...Law\;2...Exp \\[7ex] \sqrt[5]{\dfrac{32}{n^{5}}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{\sqrt[5]{32}}{\sqrt[5]{n^5}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{2}{n^{5 \cdot \dfrac{1}{5}}} ...Law\;7...Exp \\[7ex] \dfrac{2}{n} \\[7ex] (ii.) \\[3ex] \left(\dfrac{n^3}{16n^6}\right)^{-0.5} \\[7ex] \left(\dfrac{1}{16 \cdot n^{6 - 3}}\right)^{-0.5} ...Law\;2...Exp \\[7ex] \left(\dfrac{1}{16 \cdot n^{3}}\right)^{-0.5} ...Law\;2...Exp \\[7ex] \dfrac{1^{-0.5}}{16^{-0.5} \cdot \left(n^3\right)^{-0.5}} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[10ex] Solving\;\;step\;\;by\;\;step \\[3ex] -0.5 = -\dfrac{5}{10} = -\dfrac{1}{2} \\[5ex] 1^{-0.5} = 1 \\[4ex] 16^{-0.5} = 16^{-\dfrac{1}{2}} = \left(2^4\right)^{-\dfrac{1}{2}} = 2^{-2} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[8ex] \left(n^3\right)^{-0.5} = \left(n^3\right)^{-\dfrac{1}{2}} = n^{-\dfrac{3}{2}} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[8ex] \implies \\[3ex] \dfrac{1}{2^{-2} \cdot n^{-\dfrac{3}{2}}} \\[10ex] \dfrac{1}{2^{-2}} \cdot \dfrac{1}{n^{-\dfrac{3}{2}}} \\[10ex] 2^2 \cdot n^{\dfrac{3}{2}} ...Law\;6...Exp \\[7ex] 4 \cdot \sqrt{n^3} \\[4ex] 4\sqrt{n^3} $

(12.) The value, V, in dollars ($), of a laptop can be modelled by $V = 40 + ke^{-0.5t},\;t \ge 0$, where t is the time in years since the laptop was purchased.
The original price of the laptop was $900.
How long does it takes for the laptop's value to be reduced to 50% of the original value?

$ V = 40 + ke^{-0.5t},\;t \ge 0 \\[4ex] At\;\;original\;\;price, \;\;t = 0 \\[3ex] \implies \\[3ex] 900 = 40 + ke^{-0.5 \cdot 0} \\[4ex] 40 + ke^{0} = 900 \\[3ex] 40 + k(1) = 900 ...Law\;3...Exp \\[3ex] k = 900 - 40 \\[3ex] k = 860 \\[3ex] Value\;\;to\;\;be\;\;reduced\;\;to\;\;50\%\;\;of\;\;the\;\;original\;\;value \\[3ex] 50\%\;\;of\;\;original\;\;price \\[3ex] = 50\%\;\;of\;\;900 \\[3ex] = 0.5(900) \\[3ex] = 450 \\[3ex] \implies \\[3ex] 40 + ke^{-0.5t} = 450 \\[4ex] 40 + 860e^{-0.5t} = 450 \\[4ex] 860e^{-0.5t} = 450 - 40 \\[4ex] 860e^{-0.5t} = 410 \\[4ex] e^{-0.5t} = \dfrac{410}{860} \\[5ex] e^{-0.5t} = \dfrac{41}{86} \\[5ex] Introduce\;\;\ln\;\;to\;\;both\;\;sides \\[3ex] \ln e^{-0.5t} = \ln\left(\dfrac{41}{86}\right) \\[5ex] -0.5t = -0.7407752295 \\[3ex] t = \dfrac{-0.7407752295}{-0.5} \\[5ex] t = 1.481550459\;years $

(13.) Show that $\dfrac{\left[x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} + x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}\right]\left[x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{-1}{2}}\right]}{\left[x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}\right]^2}$ can be simplified to $\dfrac{x + 1}{x(x - 1)}$

$ \dfrac{\left[x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} + x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}\right]\left[x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{-1}{2}}\right]}{\left[x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}\right]^2} \\[12ex] \dfrac{x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{-1}{2}} + x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{-1}{2}}}{\left[x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}\right]\left[x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}\right]} \\[12ex] \dfrac{x^{\dfrac{3}{2} + \dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{3}{2} + \dfrac{-1}{2}} + x^{\dfrac{1}{2} + \dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2} + \dfrac{-1}{2}}} {x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{3}{2}} + x^{\dfrac{1}{2}} \cdot x^{\dfrac{1}{2}}} \\[12ex] \dfrac{x^{\dfrac{4}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{3}{2} - \dfrac{1}{2}} + x^1 - x^{\dfrac{1}{2} - \dfrac{1}{2}}}{x^{\dfrac{3}{2} + \dfrac{3}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{3}{2} + \dfrac{1}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{1}{2} + \dfrac{3}{2}} + x^{\dfrac{1}{2} + \dfrac{1}{2}}} \\[12ex] \dfrac{x^2 - x^{\dfrac{2}{2}} + x - x^0}{x^{\dfrac{6}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{4}{2}} - x^{\dfrac{4}{2}} + x^1} \\[12ex] \dfrac{x^2 - x + x - 1}{x^3 - x^2 - x^2 + x} \\[7ex] \dfrac{x^2 - 1}{x^3 - 2x^2 + x} \\[7ex] \dfrac{x^2 - 1^2...Difference\;\;of\;\;Two\;\;Squares}{x(x^2 - 2x + 1)...Factoring\;\;Quadratic\;\;Trinomial} \\[7ex] \dfrac{(x + 1)(x - 1)}{x(x - 1)(x - 1)} \\[5ex] \dfrac{x + 1}{x(x - 1)} $

(15.) (a.) (i.) Find m if $\log_2{(3m + 1)} = 4$

(ii.) Solve the following equation: $3\log_x{(64)} = 6$

(b.) Find an expression for p in terms of x if $\dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{25^{-x}} = 125^p$

(c.) Find the value of $6 + \log_{b}\left(\dfrac{1}{b^3}\right) + \log_{b}\left(\sqrt{b}\right)$

(d.) Using an algebraic method, solve $4^x - \dfrac{10}{4^x} = 3$

$ (a.)(i.) \\[3ex] \log_2{(3m + 1)} = 4 \\[4ex] 3m + 1 = 2^4 ...Exponent-Logarithm\;\;Relationship \\[4ex] 3m + 1 = 16 \\[3ex] 3m = 16 - 1 \\[3ex] 3m = 15 \\[3ex] m = \dfrac{15}{3} \\[5ex] m = 5 \\[3ex] $ Check

$m = 5$
LHS	RHS
$ \log_2{(3m + 1)} \\[4ex] \log_2{3(5) + 1} \\[4ex] \log_2{15 + 1} \\[4ex] \log_2{16} \\[4ex] \log_2{2^4} \\[4ex] 4\log_2{2} ...Law\;5...Log \\[3ex] 4(1) ...Law\;4...Log \\[3ex] 4 $	4

$ (ii.) \\[3ex] 3\log_x{(64)} = 6 \\[4ex] \log_x{(64)^3} = 6 ...Law\;5...Log \\[4ex] x^6 = 64^3 ...Exponent-Logarithm\;\;Relationship \\[4ex] x = \sqrt[6]{64^3} \\[4ex] x = \left(64^3\right)^{\dfrac{1}{6}} ...Law\;7...Exp \\[5ex] x = 64^{\dfrac{1}{2}} \\[5ex] x = \sqrt{64} \\[3ex] x = 8 \\[3ex] $ Check

$x = 8$
LHS	RHS
$ 3\log_x{(64)} \\[4ex] 3\log_8{(64)} \\[4ex] 3 \cdot \log_8{8^2} \\[5ex] 3 \cdot 2\log_8{8} ...Law\;5...Log \\[4ex] 3 \cdot 2 \cdot 1 ...Law\;4...Log \\[4ex] 6 $	6

$ (b.) \\[3ex] \dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{25^{-x}} = 125^p \\[7ex] \dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{\left(5^2\right)^{-x}} = \left(5^3\right)^p \\[7ex] \dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{5^{-2x}} = 5^{3p} ...Law\;5...Exp \\[7ex] 5^{(7x + 6 - (-2x))} = 5^{3p} ...Law\;2...Exp \\[5ex] 5^{7x + 6 + 2x} = 5^{3p} \\[5ex] 5^{9x + 6} = 5^{3p} \\[5ex] Same\;\;Base; \;\;Equate\;\;Exponents \\[3ex] 9x + 6 = 3p \\[3ex] 3p = 9x + 6 \\[3ex] p = \dfrac{9x + 6}{3} \\[5ex] p = \dfrac{3(3x + 2)}{3} \\[5ex] p = 3x + 2 \\[3ex] $ Check

$p = 3x + 2$
LHS	RHS
$ \dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{25^{-x}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{\left(5^2\right)^{-x}} \\[7ex] \dfrac{5^{7x + 6}}{5^{-2x}} ...Law\;5..Exp \\[7ex] 5^{(7x + 6 - (-2x))} ...Law\;2...Exp \\[5ex] 5^{7x + 6 + 2x} \\[5ex] 5^{9x + 6} $	$ 125^p \\[4ex] 125^{3x + 2} \\[4ex] \left(5^3\right)^{3x + 2} \\[4ex] 5^{9x + 6} ...Law\;5...Log $

$ (c.) \\[3ex] 6 + \log_{b}\left(\dfrac{1}{b^3}\right) + \log_{b}\left(\sqrt{b}\right) \\[7ex] 6 + \log_b{b^{-3}} + \log_b{b^{\dfrac{1}{2}}} ...Laws\;\;6\;\;and\;\;7...Exp \\[7ex] 6 + -3\log_b{b} + \dfrac{1}{2}\log_b{b} ...Law\;5...Log \\[6ex] 6 - 3(1) + \dfrac{1}{2}(1) ...Law\;4...Log \\[5ex] 6 - 3 + \dfrac{1}{2} \\[5ex] \dfrac{12}{2} - \dfrac{6}{2} + \dfrac{1}{2} \\[5ex] \dfrac{7}{2} \\[5ex] (d.) \\[3ex] 4^x - \dfrac{10}{4^x} = 3 \\[6ex] Let\;\;p = 4^x \\[4ex] p - \dfrac{10}{p} = 3 \\[5ex] LCD = p \\[3ex] p\left(p - \dfrac{10}{p}\right) = p(3) \\[5ex] p^2 - 10 = 3p \\[3ex] p^2 - 3p - 10 = 0 \\[3ex] (p + 2)(p - 5) = 0 \\[3ex] p + 2 = 0 \;\;\;OR\;\;\; p - 5 = 0 \\[3ex] p = -2 \;\;\;OR\;\;\; p = 5 \\[3ex] \implies \\[3ex] If\;\;p = -2 \\[3ex] 4^x = p \\[4ex] \log 4^x = \log(-2) \\[3ex] $ This is not possible because the logarithm of a negative number does not exist.

$ If\;\;p = 5 \\[3ex] 4^x = 5 \\[4ex] \log 4^x = \log 5 \\[4ex] x\log 4 = \log 5 \\[3ex] x = \dfrac{\log 5}{\log 4} \\[5ex] x = \log_4{5} ...Law\;6...Log \\[4ex] $ Check

$x = \log_4{5}$
LHS	RHS
$ 4^x - \dfrac{10}{4^x} \\[6ex] 4^{\log_4{5}} - \dfrac{10}{4^{\log_4{5}}} \\[7ex] 5 - \dfrac{10}{5} ...Law\;7...Log \\[5ex] 5 - 2 \\[3ex] 3 $	3

(b.) is not checked with the calculator because the answer is a variable.

For the (c.) part, we can assume any positive number for the base. We shall use the number, 7; however, you can check with any other positive number.

Number 15-1st