Consider the equation log(3x - 1) = log28. Explain why 3x - 1 is not equal to 8. Describe the steps you would take to solve the equation, and state what 3x - 1 is equal to.

Answer:

The bases are not the same, so you cannot set 3x - 1 equal to 8. Evaluate the logarithm on the right: log₂8 = 3. Then use the definition of a logarithm: log(3x - 1) = 3 means 3x - 1 = 10³ = 1000.