Solve the equation \(\ln(2x^2 - 3) = 2 \ln x - \ln 2\), giving your answer in an exact form.
Solution
Start with the equation:
\(\ln(2x^2 - 3) = 2 \ln x - \ln 2\)
Apply the logarithm laws:
\(2 \ln x - \ln 2 = \ln \left( \frac{x^2}{2} \right)\)
So the equation becomes:
\(\ln(2x^2 - 3) = \ln \left( \frac{x^2}{2} \right)\)
Remove the logarithms:
\(2x^2 - 3 = \frac{x^2}{2}\)
Multiply through by 2 to clear the fraction:
\(4x^2 - 6 = x^2\)
Rearrange the equation:
\(4x^2 - x^2 = 6\)
\(3x^2 = 6\)
Divide by 3:
\(x^2 = 2\)
Take the square root:
\(x = \sqrt{2}\) or \(x = -\sqrt{2}\)
Since \(x\) must be positive (as it is inside a logarithm), the solution is:
\(x = \sqrt{2}\)
Log in to record attempts.