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Ch. 1 - Functions
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 1.77a

Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.


If y= 3ˣ , then x = ³√y

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Consider the function \( y = 3^x \).
To solve for \( x \) in terms of \( y \), take the logarithm of both sides: \( \log(y) = \log(3^x) \).
Apply the logarithmic identity \( \log(a^b) = b \log(a) \) to get \( \log(y) = x \log(3) \).
Solve for \( x \) by dividing both sides by \( \log(3) \): \( x = \frac{\log(y)}{\log(3)} \).
Compare this expression with \( x = \sqrt[3]{y} \) to determine if they are equivalent.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exponential Functions

Exponential functions are mathematical expressions in the form y = a^x, where 'a' is a positive constant and 'x' is the variable exponent. In this case, y = 3^x represents an exponential function where the base is 3. Understanding the properties of exponential functions is crucial for manipulating and solving equations involving them.
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Inverse Functions

An inverse function essentially reverses the effect of the original function. For an exponential function like y = 3^x, the inverse is found by solving for x in terms of y, leading to x = log₃(y). This concept is vital for determining relationships between variables and understanding how to express one variable in terms of another.
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Cube Root

The cube root of a number y, denoted as ³√y, is a value that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives y. This concept is important when analyzing the statement x = ³√y, as it implies a specific relationship between x and y that must be verified against the original exponential equation.
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