Common Algebra Mistakes
Example: Solving an Exponential Equation

The Goal

Solve the following equation for t:

goal


The Mistake

Find the algebra mistake:

mistake


Need a hint? Look carefully at the red part of the algebra:

mistake

The Correction

correction

An Explanation

The rules of logarithms were incorrectly used. The log of a product is the sum of the logs of the factors.

For this equation a more efficient solution would be to start by dividing both sides by 10:

formula
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