Solving Logs Different Bases?

Solving Logs Different Bases?
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I do not understand how $\log_2(x) + \log_4(x) = \log_2({x^{3/2}})$

Where does $^{3/2}$ come from? Naming the rules and steps would be helpful.

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3 Answers

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$$\log_2x+\log_4x=\log_2x+\frac{\log_2x}{\log_24}=\log_2x+\frac12\log_2x=\frac32\log_2x=\log_2x^{3/2}$$

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A good property of logarithmic functions is:

$log_{a^n}b = \frac{1}{n}log_ab$

Proof:

$log_{a^n}b = \frac{logb}{loga^n} = \frac{logb}{n\cdot loga} = \frac{1}{n} \cdot log_ab$

In your example, $log_4(x) = log_{2^2}(x) = \frac{1}{2}log_2(x)$ and now, continue with the common properties of logarithms to solve your problem.

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First rearrange your equation: $$\log_2(x) + \log_4(x) = \log_2({x^{3/2}})$$ Now since $\log_2(x^c)=c\log_2(x)$ we have: $$\log_2(x) + \log_4(x) = \frac{3}{2}\log_2(x)$$ Therefore $$\log_4(x)=\frac{3}{2}\log_2(x)-\log_2(x)=\frac{1}{2}\log_2(x)\tag{1}$$

Now let $a=\log_2(x)$. Then $x=2^a$, and so $\log_4(x)=\log_4(2^a)=a\log_4(2)$, hence $$a=\frac{\log_4(x)}{\log_4(2)}=\log_2(x)\tag{2}$$ or $$\log_4(x)=\log_4(2)\log_2(x)\tag{3}$$ But $\log_4(2)=b$ implies $2=4^b$, and so $b=\frac{1}{2}$. Therefore plugging this into (3) gives $\log_4(x)=\frac{1}{2}\log_2(x)$ as required by (1).

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David Miller
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David Miller

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.