Precalculus: Concepts Through Functions, A Unit Circle Approach to Trigonometry (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32193-104-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32193-104-7

Chapter 4 - Exponential and Logarithmic Functions - Section 4.6 Logarithmic and Exponential Equations - 4.6 Assess Your Understanding - Page 337: 46

Answer

$\text{Exact: } -\dfrac{\ln 1.5}{\ln 2}$ $\text{Approximately: } -0.585$

Work Step by Step

$\because a^y = b \text{ is equivalent to } y = \log_a b$ $\therefore 2^{-x}=1.5 \text{ is equivalent to } -x = \log_2 1.5$ Use the Change of Base Formula, which is $\hspace{20pt} \log_ a M = \dfrac{\log_b M}{\log_b a}$, to obtain: $-x=\log_2 1.5 \\\\ -x= \dfrac{\ln 1.5}{\ln 2}\\\\ x= -\dfrac{\ln 1.5}{\ln 2}$ Therefore, $ x = \boxed{-\dfrac{\ln 1.5}{\ln 2} \approx -0.585}$
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