If 5^{x-3}=8, then what is x equal to?

  1. A. \frac{3}{1-\log_{10} 2}
  2. B. \frac{3}{1+\log_{10} 2}
  3. C. \frac{2}{1-\log_{10} 2}
  4. D. \frac{5}{1-\log_{10} 2}

Correct Answer: A. \frac{3}{1-\log_{10} 2}

Explanation

Taking \log_{10} on both sides gives (x-3)\log_{10} 5 = \log_{10} 8 = 3\log_{10} 2. Substitute \log_{10} 5 = 1 - \log_{10} 2 to get x-3 = \frac{3\log_{10} 2}{1-\log_{10} 2}. Then x = 3 + \frac{3\log_{10} 2}{1-\log_{10} 2} = \frac{3 - 3\log_{10} 2 + 3\log_{10} 2}{1-\log_{10} 2} = \frac{3}{1-\log_{10} 2}.

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