Problem of the Day

8 October 2008

Problem. If
2 log(x 2y) = log x + log y,
find

x
.
y

Solution. By definition of the log function, we have x > 0, y > 0, and

x 2y > 0.
2 log(x 2y)
log(x 2y)2
(x 2y)2
2

x
2
y
 2
 
x
x
5
+4
y
y



x
x
4
1
y
y
x = 4y

or

= log x + log y
= log xy
= xy
=

x
y

= 0
= 0
x=y

The latter scenario is not possible because x > 0, y > 0, and x 2y > 0.
Thus, xy = 4.
2