Analyzing the Setup
Welcome, fellow explorers of the mathematical landscape! Today, we are standing before a seemingly formidable logarithmic equation:
log(x+1)(2x2+7x+5)+log(2x+5)(x+1)2−4=0
It looks like a tangled mess of variables, bases, and exponents, but in the world of JEE Advanced, complexity is often just a mask for hidden elegance. Our mission is to peel back that mask.
First, we must acknowledge the silent guardian of this problem: the domain constraints. For the logarithms to be defined, the bases must be positive and not equal to 1, and the arguments must be positive. Specifically, x+1>0, $x+1
eq 1$, 2x+5>0, and $2x+5
eq 1$.
The Hidden Symmetry
Let us focus our gaze on the argument of the first logarithm: 2x2+7x+5. If we apply the middle-term splitting method, we find that 2x2+5x+2x+5 factors beautifully into (2x+5)(x+1).
Suddenly, the fog begins to lift. Look at the bases of our logarithms: (x+1) and (2x+5). They are the exact factors we just uncovered!
By substituting this back, our equation transforms into:
log(x+1)((2x+5)(x+1))+log(2x+5)(x+1)2−4=0
The Logarithmic Dance
Now, we invoke the powerful tools in our arsenal. Using the product rule, logb(mn)=logbm+logbn, we expand the first term into log(x+1)(2x+5)+log(x+1)(x+1).
Since logaa=1, the second part simplifies to 1. Simultaneously, we use the power rule, logb(ak)=klogba, on the second term to bring the exponent 2 down, giving us 2log(2x+5)(x+1).
Our equation now breathes much easier:
log(x+1)(2x+5)+1+2log(2x+5)(x+1)−4=0
This simplifies to:
log(x+1)(2x+5)+2log(2x+5)(x+1)−3=0
The Masterstroke
Substitution
Observe the two logarithmic terms. One has base (x+1) and argument (2x+5), while the other is the exact reciprocal. This is the moment of clarity.
Let t=log(x+1)(2x+5). Then the second term is simply t2. The equation becomes:
Multiplying by t, we arrive at the quadratic:
Factoring this gives (t−1)(t−2)=0, yielding t=1 or t=2.
The Final Verdict
Now, we solve for x. If t=1, then log(x+1)(2x+5)=1, implying x+1=2x+5, which leads to x=−4.
If t=2, then log(x+1)(2x+5)=2, implying (x+1)2=2x+5. This simplifies to x2+2x+1=2x+5, or x2=4, giving x=2 or x=−2.
Finally, we return to our domain constraints. We must reject x=−4 and x=−2 because they violate the base requirements (x+1>0 and $x+1
eq 1$).
Only x=2 remains standing. There is exactly 1 valid solution. You have conquered the jungle!