Questions: Write the following sum as a single logarithm. Assume all variables are positive.
log3(a)+log3(a+4)=
The answer format in lowercase characters is: logbase (number) Spaces in the answer are optional.
Transcript text: Write the following sum as a single logarithm. Assume all variables are positive.
\[
\log _{3}(a)+\log _{3}(a+4)=
\]
The answer format in lowercase characters is: log_base (number)
Spaces in the answer are optional.
Solution
Solution Steps
To combine the sum of two logarithms into a single logarithm, we can use the logarithmic property that states \(\log_b(x) + \log_b(y) = \log_b(x \cdot y)\). In this case, we have \(\log_3(a) + \log_3(a+4)\), which can be combined into a single logarithm by multiplying the arguments of the logarithms.
Step 1: Combine the Logarithms
We start with the expression:
\[
\log_{3}(a) + \log_{3}(a + 4)
\]
Using the logarithmic property \(\log_b(x) + \log_b(y) = \log_b(x \cdot y)\), we can combine the two logarithms:
\[
\log_{3}(a) + \log_{3}(a + 4) = \log_{3}(a \cdot (a + 4))
\]
Step 2: Simplify the Argument
Next, we simplify the argument of the logarithm:
\[
a \cdot (a + 4) = a^2 + 4a
\]
Thus, we can rewrite the expression as:
\[
\log_{3}(a^2 + 4a)
\]
Step 3: Final Expression
The final expression for the sum of the logarithms as a single logarithm is:
\[
\log_{3}(a^2 + 4a)
\]