AQA
Paper 3
2018
June
Q7
5 marks
Moderate -0.8
- Given that \(\log_a y = 2\log_a 7 + \log_a 4 + \frac{1}{2}\), find \(y\) in terms of \(a\).
[4 marks]
- When asked to solve the equation
$$2\log_a x = \log_a 9 - \log_a 4$$
a student gives the following solution:
\(2\log_a x = \log_a 9 - \log_a 4\)
\(\Rightarrow 2\log_a x = \log_a \frac{9}{4}\)
\(\Rightarrow \log_a x^2 = \log_a \frac{9}{4}\)
\(\Rightarrow x^2 = \frac{9}{4}\)
\(\therefore x = \frac{3}{2}\) or \(-\frac{3}{2}\)
Explain what is wrong with the student's solution.
[1 mark]