Thread: Power rule

If a and b are nonzero real numbers and (3.92)a = (7.86)b, what is the value of (b/a)^2? The answer is .44. The answer says use logs, so I took the log of both sides. Then they say to use the power rule. I thought the a and b would have to be an exponent to use the power rule? Do they, or is the answer explanation I'm reading correct?

Originally Posted by benny92000

If a and b are nonzero real numbers and (3.92)a = (7.86)b, what is the value of (b/a)^2? The answer is .44. The answer says use logs, so I took the log of both sides. Then they say to use the power rule. I thought the a and b would have to be an exponent to use the power rule? Do they, or is the answer explanation I'm reading correct?

(3.92)a = (7.86)b

=> b/a = 3.92/7.86

=> (b/a)^2 = 0.2487.

I hate to break it to you sport, but the given answer for the question as posted is wrong (and it does not require logs).

Perhaps you need to go back and post the correct question ....?

I think that answers the question. It is a typo (from the part of the book that I'm using). I assume a and b should be exponents.

Is there a reason why you chose NOT to tell us that the a and b were exponents to start with? That changes the entire problem.

If , then, yes, use logarithms. log(3.92^a)= alog(3.92)= log(7.86^b)= blog(7.86) so that

It was a typo in the question. Thanks though for the help.