How do you solve log(x+1) + log(x-1) = 1log(x+1)+log(x1)=1?

1 Answer
Oct 28, 2015

I found: x=+sqrt(11)x=+11

Explanation:

You can use the rule of logs that relates the sum of logs of same base and the multiplication of the integrand as:
log_ax+log_ay=log_a(x*y)logax+logay=loga(xy)
and get:

log_a[(x+1)(x-1)]=1loga[(x+1)(x1)]=1 using the definition of log:

(x+1)(x-1)=a^1(x+1)(x1)=a1 (1)

Now it depends upon the base aa of your logs....and also if it the same for both the original ones!
If a=10a=10 then you have:
x^2-1=10x21=10
x^2=11x2=11
x=+-sqrt(11)x=±11
Where I accept the positive only, x=+sqrt(11)x=+11

If aa isn't 1010 simply insert the right value into (1) and solve.