NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3

ALGEBRA II

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

Student Outcomes
 Students solve simple logarithmic equations using the definition of logarithm and logarithmic properties.

Lesson Notes
In this lesson, students will solve simple logarithmic equations by first putting them into the form log 𝑏 (𝑌) = 𝐿, where 𝑌
is an expression, and 𝐿 is a number for 𝑏 = 2, 10, and 𝑒, and then using the definition of logarithm to rewrite the
equation in the form 𝑏 𝐿 = 𝑌. Students will be able to evaluate logarithms without technology by selecting an
appropriate base; solutions are provided with this in mind. In Lesson 15, students will learn the technique of solving
exponential equations using logarithms of any base without relying on the definition. Students will need to use the
properties of logarithms developed in prior lessons to rewrite the equations in an appropriate form before solving
(A-SSE.A.2, F-LE.A.4). The lesson starts with a few fluency exercises to reinforce the logarithmic properties before
moving on to solving equations.

Classwork
Opening Exercise (3 minutes) Scaffolding:
 Remind students of the main properties
The following exercises provide practice with the definition of the logarithm
that they will be using by writing the
and prepare students for the method of solving logarithmic equations that
following on the board:
follows. Encourage students to work alone on these exercises, but allow
log 𝑏 (𝑥) = 𝐿 means 𝑏 𝐿 = 𝑥;
students to work in pairs if necessary. log 𝑏 (𝑥𝑦) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) + log 𝑏 (𝑦);
𝑥
log 𝑏 ( ) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) − log 𝑏 (𝑦) ;
Opening Exercise 𝑦
log 𝑏 (𝑥 𝑟 ) = 𝑟 ⋅ log 𝑏 (𝑥);
Convert the following logarithmic equations to exponential form: 1
log 𝑏 ( ) = −log(𝑥).
a. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟏𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎) = 𝟒 𝟏𝟎𝟒 = 𝟏𝟎, 𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑥
 Consistently using a visual display of
𝟏 𝟏
these properties throughout the module
b. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(√𝟏𝟎) = 𝟏𝟎𝟐 = √𝟏𝟎
𝟐
will be helpful.
c. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟐𝟓𝟔) = 𝟖 𝟐𝟖 = 𝟐𝟓𝟔

d. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒 (𝟐𝟓𝟔) = 𝟒 𝟒𝟒 = 𝟐𝟓𝟔

e. 𝐥𝐧(𝟏) = 𝟎 𝐞𝟎 = 𝟏

f. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟐) = 𝟑 𝐱 + 𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟑

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

Examples 1–3 (6 minutes)

Students should be ready to take the next step from converting logarithmic equations to exponential form to solving the
resulting equation. Use your own judgment on whether or not students will need to see a teacher-led example or can
attempt to solve these equations in pairs. Anticipate that students will neglect to check for extraneous solutions in these
examples, and after the examples, lead the discussion to the existence of an extraneous solution in Example 3.

Examples 1–3

Write each of the following equations as an equivalent exponential equation, and solve for 𝒙.

1. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟎
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟎
𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕
𝟏 = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕
𝒙 = −𝟐

2. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟒
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟒
𝟐𝟒 = 𝒙 + 𝟓
𝟏𝟔 = 𝒙 + 𝟓
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟏

3. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝐱 + 𝟐) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝐱 + 𝟓) = 𝟏
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟐) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟏
𝐥𝐨𝐠((𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟓)) = 𝟏
(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟏𝟎𝟏
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟎 = 𝟏𝟎
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 = 𝟎
𝒙(𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟎
𝒙 = 𝟎 or 𝒙 = −𝟕

However, if 𝒙 = −𝟕, then (𝒙 + 𝟐) = −𝟓, and (𝒙 + 𝟓) = −𝟐, so both logarithms in the equation are undefined.
Thus, −𝟕 is an extraneous solution, and only 𝟎 is a valid solution to the equation.

Discussion (4 minutes)
Ask students to volunteer their solutions to the equations in the Opening Exercise. This line of questioning is designed to
allow students to decide that there is an extraneous solution to Example 3. If the class has already discovered this fact,
you may opt to accelerate or skip this discussion.
 What is the solution to the equation in Example 1?
 −2
 What is the result if you evaluate log(3𝑥 + 7) at 𝑥 = −2? Did you find a solution?
 log(3(−2) + 7) = log(1) = 0, so −2 is a solution to log(3𝑥 + 7) = 0.

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

 What is the solution to the equation in Example 2?

 11
 What is the result if you evaluate log 2 (𝑥 + 5) at 𝑥 = 11? Did you find a solution?
 log 2 (11 + 5) = log 2 (16) = 4, so 11 is a solution to log 2 (𝑥 + 5) = 4.
 What is the solution to the equation in Example 3?
 There were two solutions: 0 and −7.
 What is the result if you evaluate log(𝑥 + 2) + log(𝑥 + 5) at 𝑥 = 0? Did you find a solution?
 log(2) + log(5) = log(2 ∙ 5) = log(10) = 1, so 0 is a solution to log(𝑥 + 2) + log(𝑥 + 5) = 1.
 What is the result if you evaluate log(𝑥 + 2) + log(𝑥 + 5) at 𝑥 = −7? Did you find a solution?
 log(−7 + 2) and log(−7 + 5) are not defined because −7 + 2 and −7 + 5 are negative. Thus, −7 is
not a solution to the original equation.
 What is the term we use for an apparent solution to an equation that fails to solve the original equation?
 It is called an extraneous solution.
 Remember to look for extraneous solutions, and exclude them when you find them.

Exercise 1 (4 minutes)
Allow students to work in pairs or small groups to think about the exponential equation below. This equation can be
solved rather simply by an application of the logarithmic property log 𝑏 (𝑥 𝑟 ) = 𝑟 log 𝑏 (𝑥). However, if students do not
see to apply this logarithmic property, it can become algebraically difficult.

Exercise 1

1. Drew said that the equation 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 [(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟒 ] = 𝟖 cannot be solved because he expanded (𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟒 = 𝒙𝟒 + 𝟒𝒙𝟑 +
𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏 and realized that he cannot solve the equation 𝒙𝟒 + 𝟒𝒙𝟑 + 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟏 = 𝟐𝟖. Is he correct?
Explain how you know.

If we apply the logarithmic properties, this equation is solvable.

𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 [(𝒙 + 𝟏)𝟒 ] = 𝟖

MP.3
𝟒 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝟖
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝟐
𝒙 + 𝟏 = 𝟐𝟐
𝒙=𝟑

Check: If 𝒙 = 𝟑, then 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 [(𝟑 + 𝟏)𝟒 ] = 𝟒 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟒) = 𝟒 ∙ 𝟐 = 𝟖, so 𝟑 is a solution to the original equation.

Exercises 2–4 (6 minutes)

Students should work on these three exercises independently or in pairs to help develop fluency with these types of
problems. Circulate around the room and remind students to check for extraneous solutions as necessary.

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

Solve the equations in Exercises 2–4 for 𝒙.

2. 𝐥𝐧((𝟒𝒙)𝟓 ) = 𝟏𝟓
𝟓 ⋅ 𝐥𝐧(𝟒𝒙) = 𝟏𝟓
𝐥𝐧(𝟒𝒙) = 𝟑
𝒆𝟑 = 𝟒𝒙
𝒆𝟑
𝒙=
𝟒
𝟓
𝒆𝟑 𝒆𝟑 𝒆𝟑
Check: Since 𝟒 ( ) > 𝟎, we know that 𝐥𝐧 ((𝟒 ∙ ) ) is defined. Thus, is the solution to the equation.
𝟒 𝟓 𝟒

3. 𝐥𝐨𝐠((𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓)𝟐 ) = 𝟒
𝟐 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟒
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟐
𝟏𝟎𝟐 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓
𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟓
𝟗𝟓 = 𝟐𝒙
𝟗𝟓
𝒙=
𝟐
𝟐
𝟗𝟓 𝟗𝟓
Check: Since 𝟐 ( ) + 𝟓 ≠ 𝟎, we know that 𝐥𝐨𝐠 ((𝟐 ∙ + 𝟓) ) is defined.
𝟐 𝟐
𝟗𝟓
Thus, is the solution to the equation.
𝟐

4. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐((𝟓𝒙 + 𝟕)𝟏𝟗 ) = 𝟓𝟕

𝟏𝟗 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟓𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟓𝟕
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟓𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟑
𝟐𝟑 = 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟕
𝟖 = 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟕
𝟏 = 𝟓𝒙
𝟏
𝒙=
𝟓
𝟏 𝟏
Check: Since 𝟓 ( ) + 𝟕 > 𝟎, we know that 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟓 ∙ + 𝟕) is defined.
𝟓 𝟓
𝟏
Thus, is the solution to this equation.
𝟓

Example 4 (4 minutes)
In Examples 2 and 3, students encounter more difficult logarithmic equations, and in Example 3, they encounter
extraneous solutions. After each example, debrief the students to informally assess their understanding and provide
guidance to align their understanding with the concepts. Some sample questions are included with likely student
responses. Remember to have students check for extraneous solutions in all cases.

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

log(𝑥 + 10) − log(𝑥 − 1) = 2

𝑥 + 10
log ( )=2
𝑥−1
𝑥 + 10
= 102
𝑥−1
𝑥 + 10 = 100(𝑥 − 1)
99𝑥 = 110
10
𝑥=
9
10
 Is a valid solution? Explain how you know.
9
10 10 10
 Yes; log ( + 10) and log ( − 1) are both defined, so is a valid solution.
9 9 9
 Why could we not rewrite the original equation in exponential form using the definition of the logarithm
immediately?
 The equation needs to be in the form log 𝑏 (𝑌) = 𝐿 before using the definition of a logarithm to rewrite
it in exponential form, so we had to use the logarithmic properties to combine terms first.

Example 5 (3 minutes)
Make sure students verify the solutions in Example 5 because there is an extraneous solution.
log 2 (𝑥 + 1) + log 2 (𝑥 − 1) = 3
log 2 ((𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)) = 3
log 2 (𝑥 2 − 1) = 3
23 = 𝑥 2 − 1
0 = 𝑥2 − 9
0 = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 3)

Thus, 𝑥 = 3 or 𝑥 = −3. We need to check these solutions to see if they are valid.
 Is 3 a valid solution?
 log 2 (3 + 1) + log 2 (3 − 1) = log 2 (4) + log 2 (2) = 2 + 1 = 3, so 3 is a valid solution.
 Is −3 a valid solution?
 Because −3 + 1 = −2, log 2 (−3 + 1) = log 2 (−2) is undefined, so −3 not a valid solution. The value
−3 is an extraneous solution, and this equation has only one solution: 3.
 What should we look for when examining a solution to see if it is extraneous in logarithmic equations?
 We cannot take the logarithm of a negative number or 0, so any solution that would result in the input
to a logarithm being negative or 0 cannot be included in the solution set for the equation.

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

Exercises 5–9 (8 minutes)

Have students work on these exercises individually to develop fluency with solving logarithmic equations. Circulate
throughout the classroom to informally assess understanding and provide assistance when needed.

Exercises 5–9

Solve the logarithmic equations in Exercises 5–9, and identify any extraneous solutions.

5. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝟎

𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐
𝐥𝐨𝐠 ( ) =𝟎
𝒙+𝟒
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐
= 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝒙+𝟒
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐
=𝟏
𝒙+𝟒
𝟐
𝒙 + 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐 = 𝒙 + 𝟒
𝟎 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟖
𝟎 = (𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝒙 + 𝟐)
𝒙 = −𝟒 or 𝒙 = −𝟐

Check: If 𝒙 = −𝟒, then 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟎), which is undefined. Thus, −𝟒 is an extraneous solution.
Therefore, the only solution is −𝟐.

6. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟒) = 𝟒

𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟑𝒙) + 𝟐 = 𝟒
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙) = 𝟐
𝟐𝟐 = 𝟑𝒙
𝟒 = 𝟑𝒙
𝟒
𝒙=
𝟑
𝟒 𝟒
Check: Since > 𝟎, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟑 ∙ ) is defined.
𝟑 𝟑
𝟒
Therefore, is a valid solution.
𝟑

7. 𝟐 𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟐) − 𝐥𝐧(−𝒙) = 𝟎

𝐥𝐧((𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 ) − 𝐥𝐧(−𝒙) = 𝟎

(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐
𝐥𝐧 ( )=𝟎
−𝒙
(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐
𝟏=
−𝒙
−𝒙 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒
𝟎 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟒
𝟎 = (𝒙 + 𝟒)(𝒙 + 𝟏)
𝒙 = −𝟒 or 𝒙 = −𝟏

Check: Thus, we get 𝒙 = −𝟒 or 𝒙 = −𝟏 as solutions to the quadratic equation. However, if 𝒙 = −𝟒, then
𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟐) = 𝐥𝐧(−𝟐), so −𝟒 is an extraneous solution. Therefore, the only solution is −𝟏.

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ALGEBRA II

8. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) = 𝟐 − 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙)
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) = 𝟐
𝟐 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) = 𝟐
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) = 𝟏
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎

Check: Since 𝟏𝟎 > 𝟎, 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟏𝟎) is defined.

Therefore, 𝟏𝟎 is a valid solution to this equation.

9. 𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟐) = 𝐥𝐧(𝟏𝟐) − 𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟑)

𝒍𝒏(𝒙 + 𝟐) + 𝒍𝒏(𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝒍𝒏(𝟏𝟐)
𝒍𝒏((𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟑)) = 𝒍𝒏(𝟏𝟐)
(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟏𝟐
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟔 = 𝟏𝟐
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟔 = 𝟎
(𝒙 − 𝟏)(𝒙 + 𝟔) = 𝟎
𝒙 = 𝟏 or 𝒙 = −𝟔

Check: If = −𝟔 , then the expressions 𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟐) and 𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟑) are undefined.

Therefore, the only valid solution to the original equation is 𝟏.

Closing (3 minutes)
Have students summarize the process they use to solve logarithmic equations in writing. Circulate around the classroom
to informally assess student understanding.
 If an equation can be rewritten in the form log 𝑏 (𝑌) = 𝐿 for an expression 𝑌 and a number 𝐿, then
apply the definition of the logarithm to rewrite as 𝑏 𝐿 = 𝑌. Solve the resulting exponential equation and
check for extraneous solutions.
 If an equation can be rewritten in the form log 𝑏 (𝑌) = log 𝑏 (𝑍) for expressions 𝑌 and 𝑍, then the fact
that the logarithmic functions are one-to-one gives 𝑌 = 𝑍. Solve this resulting equation, and check for
extraneous solutions.

Exit Ticket (4 minutes)

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

Name Date

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

Exit Ticket

Find all solutions to the following equations. Remember to check for extraneous solutions.
1. 5 log 2 (3𝑥 + 7) = 0

2. log(𝑥 − 1) + log(𝑥 − 4) = 1

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

Exit Ticket Sample Solutions

Find all solutions to the following equations. Remember to check for extraneous solutions.

1. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟒
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕) = 𝟒
𝟑𝒙 + 𝟕 = 𝟐𝟒
𝟑𝒙 = 𝟏𝟔 − 𝟕
𝒙=𝟑

Since 𝟑(𝟑) + 𝟕 > 𝟎, we know 𝟑 is a valid solution to the equation.

2. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 − 𝟏) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 − 𝟒) = 𝟏

𝐥𝐨𝐠((𝒙 − 𝟏)(𝒙 − 𝟒)) = 𝟏

𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝟏
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟒 = 𝟏𝟎
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟔 = 𝟎
(𝒙 − 𝟔)(𝒙 + 𝟏) = 𝟎
𝒙 = 𝟔 or 𝒙 = −𝟏

Check: Since the left side is not defined for 𝒙 = −𝟏, this is an extraneous solution.

Therefore, the only valid solution is 𝟔.

Problem Set Sample Solutions

1. Solve the following logarithmic equations.

𝟓
a. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) =
𝟐
𝟓
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) =
𝟐
𝟓
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎𝟐
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎√𝟏𝟎

Check: Since 𝟏𝟎𝟎√𝟏𝟎 > 𝟎, we know 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟏𝟎𝟎√𝟏𝟎) is defined.

Therefore, the solution to this equation is 𝟏𝟎𝟎√𝟏𝟎.

b. 𝟓 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝟏𝟎
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟒) = 𝟐
𝒙 + 𝟒 = 𝟏𝟎𝟐
𝒙 + 𝟒 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝒙 = 𝟗𝟔

Check: Since 𝟗𝟔 + 𝟒 > 𝟎, we know 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟗𝟔 + 𝟒) is defined.

Therefore, the solution to this equation is 𝟗𝟔.

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

c. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟏 − 𝒙) = 𝟒

𝟏 − 𝒙 = 𝟐𝟒
𝒙 = −𝟏𝟓

Check: Since 𝟏 − (−𝟏𝟓) > 𝟎, we know 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟏 − (−𝟏𝟓)) is defined.

Therefore, the solution to this equation is −𝟏𝟓.

d. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟒𝟗𝒙𝟐 ) = 𝟒

𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 [(𝟕𝒙)𝟐 ] = 𝟒
𝟐 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟕𝒙) = 𝟒
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟕𝒙) = 𝟐
𝟕𝒙 = 𝟐𝟐
𝟒
𝒙=
𝟕
𝟐 𝟐
𝟒 𝟒
Check: Since 𝟒𝟗 ( ) > 𝟎, we know 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟒𝟗 ( ) ) is defined.
𝟕 𝟕
𝟒
Therefore, the solution to this equation is .
𝟕

e. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝟎𝒙 + 𝟐𝟓) = 𝟖

𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐[(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓)𝟐 ] = 𝟖

𝟐 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟖
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟒
𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟐𝟒
𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟏𝟔
𝟑𝒙 = 𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏
𝒙=
𝟑

𝟏𝟏 𝟐 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏 𝟐 𝟏𝟏
Check: Since 𝟗 ( ) + 𝟑𝟎 ( ) + 𝟐𝟓 = 𝟐𝟓𝟔, and 𝟐𝟓𝟔 > 𝟎, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 (𝟗 ( ) + 𝟑𝟎 ( ) + 𝟐𝟓) is defined.
𝟑 𝟑 𝟑 𝟑
𝟏𝟏
Therefore, the solution to this equation is
𝟑
.

2. Solve the following logarithmic equations.

a. 𝐥𝐧(𝒙𝟔 ) = 𝟑𝟔
𝟔 ⋅ 𝐥𝐧(𝒙) = 𝟑𝟔
𝐥𝐧(𝒙) = 𝟔
𝒙 = 𝒆𝟔

Check: Since 𝒆𝟔 > 𝟎, we know 𝐥𝐧((𝒆𝟔 )𝟔 ) is defined.

Therefore, the only solution to this equation is 𝒆𝟔 .

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

b. 𝐥𝐨𝐠[(𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟐𝟓)𝟓 ] = 𝟏𝟎

𝟓 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟐𝟓) = 𝟏𝟎

𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟐𝟓) = 𝟐
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟐𝟓 = 𝟏𝟎𝟐
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐𝟓 = 𝟎
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝟎𝒙 − 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐𝟓 = 𝟎
𝟐𝒙(𝒙 + 𝟐𝟓) − 𝟓(𝒙 + 𝟐𝟓) = 𝟎
(𝟐𝒙 − 𝟓)(𝒙 + 𝟐𝟓) = 𝟎

𝟓
Check: Since 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝟓𝒙 − 𝟐𝟓 > 𝟎 for 𝒙 = −𝟐𝟓, and 𝒙 = , we know the left side is defined at these values.
𝟐
𝟓
Therefore, the two solutions to this equation are −𝟐𝟓 and .
𝟐

c. 𝐥𝐨𝐠[(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑)𝟒 ] = 𝟎

𝟒 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑) = 𝟎
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑) = 𝟎
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑 = 𝟏
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟒 = 𝟎

−𝟐 ± √𝟒 + 𝟏𝟔
𝒙=
𝟐
= −𝟏 ± √𝟓

Check: Since 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑 = 𝟏 when 𝒙 = −𝟏 + √𝟓 or 𝒙 = −𝟏 − √𝟓, we know the logarithm is defined for

these values of 𝒙.

Therefore, the two solutions to the equation are −𝟏 + √𝟓 and −𝟏 − √𝟓.

3. Solve the following logarithmic equations.

a. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 − 𝟏) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐)
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 − 𝟏) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐)
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙(𝒙 − 𝟏)) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐)
𝒙(𝒙 − 𝟏) = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟐
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟏𝟐 = 𝟎
(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙 − 𝟔) = 𝟎

Check: Since 𝐥𝐨𝐠(−𝟐) is undefined, −𝟐 is an extraneous solution.

Therefore, the only solution to this equation is 𝟔.

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

b. 𝐥𝐧(𝟑𝟐𝒙𝟐 ) − 𝟑 𝐥𝐧(𝟐) = 𝟑
𝐥𝐧(𝟑𝟐𝒙𝟐 ) − 𝐥𝐧(𝟐𝟑 ) = 𝟑
𝟑𝟐𝒙𝟐
𝐥𝐧 ( )=𝟑
𝟖
𝟒𝒙𝟐 = 𝒆𝟑
𝒆𝟑
𝒙𝟐 =
𝟒
√𝒆𝟑 √𝒆𝟑
𝒙= or 𝒙 = −
𝟐 𝟐
Check: Since the value of 𝒙 in the logarithmic expression is squared, 𝐥𝐧(𝟑𝟐𝒙𝟐 ) is defined for any non-zero
value of 𝒙.

√𝒆 𝟑 √𝒆𝟑
Therefore, both and − are valid solutions to this equation.
𝟐 𝟐

c. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(−𝒙) = 𝟎

𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙(−𝒙)) = 𝟎
𝐥𝐨𝐠(−𝒙𝟐 ) = 𝟎
−𝒙𝟐 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝒙𝟐 = −𝟏

Since there is no real number 𝒙 so that 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟏, there is no solution to this equation.

d. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟑) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟐

𝐥𝐨𝐠((𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟓)) = 𝟐

(𝒙 + 𝟑)(𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟏𝟎𝟐
𝟐
𝒙 + 𝟖𝒙 + 𝟏𝟓 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟎
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟖𝒙 − 𝟖𝟓 = 𝟎

−𝟖 ± √𝟔𝟒 + 𝟑𝟒𝟎
𝒙=
𝟐
= −𝟒 ± √𝟏𝟎𝟏

Check: The left side of the equation is not defined for 𝒙 = −𝟒 − √𝟏𝟎𝟏, but it is for 𝒙 = −𝟒 + √𝟏𝟎𝟏.

Therefore, the only solution to this equation is 𝒙 = −𝟒 + √𝟏𝟎𝟏.

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

e. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟓) − 𝟑 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 − 𝟓)
𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟓) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 − 𝟓) = 𝟑
𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟓
𝐥𝐨𝐠 ( )=𝟑
𝒙−𝟓
𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟓
= 𝟏𝟎𝟑
𝒙−𝟓
𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟓
= 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝒙−𝟓
𝟏𝟎𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒙 − 𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟓 = 𝟗𝟗𝟎𝒙
𝟗𝟏
𝒙=
𝟏𝟖
𝟗𝟏
Check: Both sides of the equation are defined for 𝒙 = .
𝟏𝟖
𝟗𝟏
Therefore, the solution to this equation is .
𝟏𝟖

f. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟐𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟑𝟔) = 𝟔

𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒙 ⋅ 𝟐𝒙 ⋅ 𝟑𝒙 ⋅ 𝟑𝟔) = 𝟔
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟔𝟑 𝒙𝟑 ) = 𝟔
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐[(𝟔𝒙)𝟑 ] = 𝟔
𝟑 ⋅ 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟔𝒙) = 𝟔
𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝟔𝒙) = 𝟐
𝟔𝒙 = 𝟐𝟐
𝟐
𝒙=
𝟑
𝟐 𝟐
Check: Since > 𝟎, all logarithmic expressions in this equation are defined for 𝒙 = .
𝟑 𝟑
𝟐
Therefore, the solution to this equation is .
𝟑

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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 NYS COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Lesson 14 M3
ALGEBRA II

4. Solve the following equations.

a. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒙) = 𝟒 b. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟔(𝒙) = 𝟏

𝟏𝟔 𝟔

c. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑(𝒙) = −𝟒 d. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 √𝟐(𝒙) = 𝟒

𝟏 𝟒
𝟖𝟏

e. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 √𝟓(𝒙) = 𝟑 f. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑(𝒙𝟐 ) = 𝟒

𝟓√𝟓 𝟗, −𝟗

g. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒚−𝟑 ) = 𝟏𝟐 h. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑(𝟖𝒙 + 𝟗) = 𝟒

𝟏 𝟗
𝟏𝟔

i. 𝟐 = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒(𝟑𝒙 − 𝟐) j. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟓(𝟑 − 𝟐𝒙) = 𝟎

𝟔 𝟏

k. 𝐥𝐧(𝟐𝒙) = 𝟑 l. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓) = 𝟐

𝒆𝟑 𝟒, −𝟏
𝟐

m. 𝐥𝐨𝐠((𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒)𝟓 ) = 𝟏𝟎 n. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟐𝟏) = 𝟐

𝟒√𝟔, −𝟒√𝟔 𝟒

o. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒(𝒙 − 𝟐) + 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒(𝟐𝒙) = 𝟐 p. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟑) = −𝟏

𝟒 𝟏
𝟑

q. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒(𝒙 + 𝟑) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟒(𝒙 − 𝟓) = 𝟐 r. 𝐥𝐨𝐠(𝒙) + 𝟏 = 𝐥𝐨 𝐠(𝒙 + 𝟗)

𝟖𝟑 𝟏
𝟏𝟓

s. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟗) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟑(𝒙 + 𝟑) = 𝟏 t. 𝟏 − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟖(𝒙 − 𝟑) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟖 (𝟐𝒙)

𝟔 𝟒

u. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟔) − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐(𝒙 − 𝟒) = 𝟏 𝟑

v. 𝐥𝐨𝐠 (√(𝒙 + 𝟑)𝟑 ) =
𝟐
No solution
𝟕

w. 𝐥𝐧(𝟒𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏) = 𝟎 x. 𝐥𝐧(𝒙 + 𝟏) − 𝐥𝐧(𝟐) = 𝟏

𝟏 𝟏 𝟐𝒆 − 𝟏
,−
√𝟐 √𝟐

Lesson 14: Solving Logarithmic Equations

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