WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.657
Here is the problem: log(x, 3) equals 4.

2
00:00:04.107 --> 00:00:09.703
Solve for x numerically (the equation contains functions such as sin, log or roots).

3
00:00:10.503 --> 00:00:11.989
Start with the equation.

4
00:00:12.439 --> 00:00:14.540
Rewrite as f(x) equals 0.

5
00:00:14.990 --> 00:00:31.139
This equation is not polynomial, so solve it numerically. Scan x from negative 10 to the power 9 to 10 to the power 9 for sign changes of f and for points where the graph touches the axis, then narrow each one down. Every root is checked by substituting it back.

6
00:00:31.589 --> 00:00:36.732
Found 1 solution in [−10 to the power 9, 10 to the power 9].

7
00:00:37.532 --> 00:00:40.167
So the answer is x equals 81.

8
00:00:40.618 --> 00:00:49.488
Values marked approximately are numerical approximations accurate to about 10 significant digits. Every value was checked by substitution.

9
00:00:50.288 --> 00:00:56.824
x equals 81: left side equals 4, right side equals 4, which checks out.
