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Solutionproblemoftheday 8oct2008

If 2 log(x - 2y) = log x + log y, then x = 4y. By the properties of logarithms, this equation can be written as (x - 2y)2 = xy. Solving this results in either x = y, which is not possible given the constraints, or xy = 4. Therefore, the ratio of x to y is 4.

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35 views1 page

Solutionproblemoftheday 8oct2008

If 2 log(x - 2y) = log x + log y, then x = 4y. By the properties of logarithms, this equation can be written as (x - 2y)2 = xy. Solving this results in either x = y, which is not possible given the constraints, or xy = 4. Therefore, the ratio of x to y is 4.

Uploaded by

zebra_finch
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem of the Day

8 October 2008

Problem. If
2 log(x 2y) = log x + log y,
find

x
.
y

Solution. By definition of the log function, we have x > 0, y > 0, and


x 2y > 0.
2 log(x 2y)
log(x 2y)2
(x 2y)2
2

x
2
y
 2
 
x
x
5
+4
y
y



x
x
4
1
y
y
x = 4y

or

= log x + log y
= log xy
= xy
=

x
y

= 0
= 0
x=y

The latter scenario is not possible because x > 0, y > 0, and x 2y > 0.
Thus, xy = 4.
2

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