Using the laws of logarithms, solve the equation
$$\log_3 (12y + 5) - \log_3 (1 - 3y) = 2$$ - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1

Question 4

Using the laws of logarithms, solve the equation
$$\log_3 (12y + 5) - \log_3 (1 - 3y) = 2$$
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using the laws of logarithms, solve the equation
$$\log_3 (12y + 5) - \log_3 (1 - 3y) = 2$$ - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1: Apply the Laws of Logarithms

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Using the property of logarithms:
logab−logac=loga(cb)
we can rewrite the equation as:
log3(1−3y12y+5)=2
Step 2: Exponential Form

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Next, we convert the logarithmic equation to its exponential form:
1−3y12y+5=32
This simplifies to:
1−3y12y+5=9
Step 3: Cross Multiply

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Cross-multiplying gives:
12y+5=9(1−3y)
Expanding the right-hand side results in:
12y+5=9−27y
Step 4: Bring Like Terms Together

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Now, rearranging the equation we get:
12y+27y=9−5
This simplifies to:
39y=4
Step 5: Solve for y

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Finally, divide both sides by 39:
y=394
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