Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 1 Month ago
To tackle the problem where the logarithms of \( x \) to different bases \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are in arithmetic progression (A.P.), we need to start by recalling the definition of A.P. For three numbers to be in A.P., the middle number must be the average of the other two. In this case, we have \( \log_a x \), \( \log_b x \), and \( \log_c x \) in A.P.
Setting Up the Equation
Given that \( \log_a x \), \( \log_b x \), and \( \log_c x \) are in A.P., we can express this relationship mathematically:
\[
\log_b x = \frac{\log_a x + \log_c x}{2}
\]
Using Change of Base Formula
We can apply the change of base formula for logarithms, which states that:
\[
\log_b x = \frac{\log_a x}{\log_a b}, \quad \log_c x = \frac{\log_a x}{\log_a c}
\]
Substituting these into our A.P. equation gives us:
\[
\frac{\log_a x}{\log_a b} = \frac{\log_a x + \frac{\log_a x}{\log_a c}}{2}
\]
Clearing the Denominators
To simplify this equation, we can multiply through by \( 2 \log_a b \log_a c \) to eliminate the fractions:
\[
2 \log_a c \cdot \log_a x = \log_a b \cdot \log_a x + \log_a x \cdot \log_a b
\]
Factoring Out Common Terms
Now, we can factor out \( \log_a x \) from the right side:
\[
2 \log_a c \cdot \log_a x = \log_a x \left( \log_a b + \log_a c \right)
\]
Assuming \( \log_a x \neq 0 \) (which is valid since \( x \neq 1 \)), we can divide both sides by \( \log_a x \):
\[
2 \log_a c = \log_a b + \log_a c
\]
Rearranging the Equation
Rearranging gives us:
\[
\log_a c = \log_a b
\]
Exponentiating to Eliminate Logarithms
Exponentiating both sides results in:
\[
c = b
\]
Final Steps to Prove the Given Equation
Now, we need to show that \( c^2 = (ac)^{\log_b a} \). Since we have established that \( c = b \), we can substitute \( b \) for \( c \) in the equation:
\[
b^2 = (ab)^{\log_b a}
\]
Using properties of exponents, we can rewrite the right side:
\[
b^2 = a^{\log_b a} \cdot b^{\log_b a}
\]
Since \( a^{\log_b a} = b \) (by the definition of logarithms), we can simplify further:
\[
b^2 = b^{\log_b a} \cdot b^{\log_b a} = b^2
\]
This confirms that both sides are equal, thus proving the statement. Therefore, we have shown that:
\[
c^2 = (ac)^{\log_b a}
\]
Summary
In summary, we started with the condition of logarithms being in A.P., applied the change of base formula, manipulated the resulting equations, and ultimately proved the required relationship. This process highlights the interconnectedness of logarithmic properties and arithmetic sequences.