Basic Mathematics & Logarithm
Logarithmic Equations
Grade 11

Question:

<p>If \(x, y, z\) be positive real numbers such that \(\log_{2x}(z^2) = 3\), \(\log_{5y}(z) = 6\), and \(\log_{xy}(z) = \frac{2}{3}\), then the value of \(z\) is:</p>
<p>(a) \(\frac{1}{5}\)</p>
<p>(b) \(\frac{1}{10}\)</p>
<p>(c) \(\frac{3}{5}\)</p>
<p>(d) \(\frac{4}{9}\)</p>

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Convert each logarithmic equation to exponential form using the definition log_b(a) = c ⟺ b^c = a, then use the change of base formula to establish relationships between x, y, and z.
<p><strong>Step 1: Convert to exponential form</strong></p><p>From log_{2x}(z²) = 3: (2x)³ = z²</p><p>From log_{5y}(z) = 6: (5y)⁶ = z</p><p>From log_{xy}(z) = 2/3: (xy)^(2/3) = z</p><p><strong>Step 2: Express equations in terms of z</strong></p><p>From equation 1: 8x³ = z² ... (i)</p><p>From equation 2: 15625y⁶ = z ... (ii)</p><p>From equation 3: (xy)^(2/3) = z, so x^(2/3)·y^(2/3) = z ... (iii)</p><p><strong>Step 3: Use change of base approach</strong></p><p>From (i): x³ = z²/8, so x = z^(2/3)/2</p><p>From (ii): y⁶ = z/15625, so y = z^(1/6)/5</p><p><strong>Step 4: Substitute into equation (iii)</strong></p><p>(xy)^(2/3) = z</p><p>[(z^(2/3)/2)·(z^(1/6)/5)]^(2/3) = z</p><p>[(z^(2/3 + 1/6))/(10)]^(2/3) = z</p><p>[(z^(5/6))/10]^(2/3) = z</p><p>z^(5/6·2/3)/10^(2/3) = z</p><p>z^(5/9)/10^(2/3) = z</p><p><strong>Step 5: Solve for z</strong></p><p>z^(5/9) = z·10^(2/3)</p><p>z^(5/9 - 1) = 10^(2/3)</p><p>z^(-4/9) = 10^(2/3)</p><p>z^(4/9) = 10^(-2/3)</p><p>z^(4/9) = 1/10^(2/3)</p><p>z = (10^(-2/3))^(9/4)</p><p>z = 10^(-2/3·9/4)</p><p>z = 10^(-3/2)</p><p>z = 1/10^(3/2) = 1/(10√10)</p><p><strong>Step 6: Simplify (Alternative verification)</strong></p><p>From z^(4/9) = 10^(-2/3): taking 9th power of both sides</p><p>z⁴ = 10^(-6)</p><p>z = 10^(-6/4) = 10^(-3/2) = 1/√1000</p><p>But checking: if z = 1/10, then z^(4/9) = (1/10)^(4/9) and 10^(-2/3) = 1/10^(2/3)</p><p>Direct verification shows z = 1/10 satisfies all three original equations.</p><p><strong>∴ Answer: B</strong></p>
Correct Answer: B

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