Solve the equation \(\ln(1 + x) = 1 + \ln x\), giving your answer correct to 2 significant figures.
Solution
Start with the equation \(\ln(1 + x) = 1 + \ln x\).
Use the property of logarithms: \(\ln a - \ln b = \ln \left( \frac{a}{b} \right)\).
Rearrange the equation: \(\ln(1 + x) - \ln x = 1\).
This becomes \(\ln \left( \frac{1 + x}{x} \right) = 1\).
Exponentiate both sides to remove the logarithm: \(\frac{1 + x}{x} = e\).
Rearrange to solve for \(x\): \(1 + x = ex\).
\(1 = ex - x\).
\(1 = x(e - 1)\).
\(x = \frac{1}{e - 1}\).
Calculate \(x\) using \(e \approx 2.718\):
\(x \approx \frac{1}{2.718 - 1} \approx 0.582\).
Round to 2 significant figures: \(x = 0.58\).
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