Identify Base and Argument: Let's first identify the base of the logarithm and the argument of the logarithm in the function f(x). The base of the logarithm is (x+21), and the argument is the fraction4x2−4x−3x2+2x−3.
Apply Change of Base Formula: We can apply the change of base formula to the logarithm to convert it to a common logarithm (base 10) or natural logarithm (base e). The change of base formula is logb(a)=logc(b)logc(a), where c is the new base. However, since the base of the logarithm and the coefficient in front of the logarithm are the same, the logarithm simplifies to 1 when evaluated at the base, which means f(x) simplifies to the argument of the logarithm.
Simplify f(x) to Argument: Therefore, we can simplify f(x) to just the argument of the logarithm, which is 4x2−4x−3x2+2x−3, since the logarithm of a number at its own base is 1. f(x)=(x+21)⋅1⋅(4x2−4x−3x2+2x−3)
Multiply by Fraction: Now, we can simplify the expression by multiplying (x+21) by the fraction.f(x)=(x+21)×(4x2−4x−3x2+2x−3)
Correct Conceptual Error: However, upon reviewing the previous steps, we realize that there has been a conceptual error. The simplification of the logarithm to 1 only applies when the argument of the logarithm is exactly equal to the base, which is not the case here. The argument is a fraction, not just (x+21). Therefore, we cannot simplify the logarithm to 1, and the previous step is incorrect.
More problems from Quotient property of logarithms