FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS

1. INEQUALITIES
2. LOGARITHM
 Chapter

1 INEQUALITIES

Preface – Inequalities
Inequalities extend the idea of equations by comparing quantities and determining their relative
size. They are widely used in algebra, geometry and optimisation, making them essential for NDA
preparation. This chapter introduces the rules of inequalities and their applications in problem-
solving, strengthening both reasoning and analytical skills.

Inclusions of this Chapter

• Basics and properties of inequalities
• Linear, quadratic and rational inequalities
• Wavy Curve Method
• Modulus
• Greatest Integer Function

Inequalities
(1) if x  y ⇒ either x > y or x = y
(2) if x > y ⇒ –x < –y (Inequality sign will change Suggestion: if both sides are Suggestion: multiplied by
negative number)

1 1
(3) x > y ⇒ < (only when both x and y are of same sign)
x y
2 2
(4) x  a  x  [  a , a]
(5) x 2  a 2  x  (  ,  a]  [ a ,  )
(6) a 2  x 2  b 2  x  [ b ,  a]  [ a , b]
(7) |x | a  x  [ a , a]
(8) |x | a  x  (  ,  a]  [ a ,  )
(9) a |x | b  x  [ b ,  a]  [ a , b]

1 1 1
(10) a  x  b ⇒   (only when a & b are of same sign)
a x b

1  1 1 
(11)  a  x  b    ,     ,  
x  a b 
1  1  1 
eg  2  x  3    ,     ,  
x  2  3 

2
 NDA MATHEMATICS

Linear Inequalities
Solve the following linear inequations in R. 5x 3x 39 2 x  1 x  1 3x  1
8. If   and   , then x
x 4 8 8 12 3 4
1. Solve: 2( 3  x )  4
5 belongs to the interval
 11   10  (a) (3, ∞) (b) (0, ∞) (c) (– ∞, 3) (d) (– ∞, 0)
(a)   ,  (b)   , 
 10   11  2x
9. 3   1,
 11   10  5
(c)   ,  (d)  ,  
 10   11  (a) [–3, 17] (b) [–17, 3]
(c) [–2, 11] (d) None
3x  2 4 x  3
2. Solve:  10. Which of the following statements is not true
5 2
(a) every rational number is a real number.
 11  9  (b) every real number is a rational number.
(a)  ,   (b)  ,  
 14   14  (c) every whole number is an integer.
 11   9 (d) every irrational number is a real number.
(c)   ,   (d)   , 
 14   14  11. Which one of the following is correct?
x 3x  2 5x  3 The sum of two irrational numbers
3. Solve:  
5 4 5 (a) is always a natural or irrational
(b) may be rational or irrational
 2  2
(a)   ,  (b)   ,   (c) is always a rational number
 9  9
(d) is always an irrational number
2 
(c)  ,   (d) None 12. Consider the following statements:
9 
I. Every integer is a rational number.
4  2x x II. Every rational number is a real number.
4. Solve:  3
3 2 Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) (  , 26] (b) ( 8 ,  ) (a) Only I (b) Only II
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
(c) [ 26 ,  ) (d) ( 6 ,  )
13. How many rational numbers are there between 1
5. Solve: –11 ≤ 4x –3 ≤ 13 and 1000?
(a) [–2, 6] (b) (–2, 6) (c) [–2, 4] (d) None (a) 998 (b) 999 (c) 1000 (d) Infinite
2  3x 14. Which one of the following is not correct?
6. Solve: 5  9
4 (a) 1 is neither prime nor composite.
 34 22   34 22  (b) 0 is neither positive nor negative.
(a)   ,  (b)   ,  (c) If p × q is even, then p and q are always even
 3 3   3 3
 22  (d) 2 is an irrational number
(c)  ,   (d) None
3  15. The product of a rational number and an irrational
number is
1  3x  1 (a) may be a rational number
7. Solve:  4   ( x  6 ) is
2  5  3 (b) an irrational number
(a) [120, ∞) (b) (– ∞, 120] (c) a composite number
(c) [0, 120] (d) [–120, 0] (d) a rational number
 4 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

Wavy Curve Method

16. Solve : x2 + 3x + 2 ≤ 0 26. Solve : (x - 1)(3 - x)(x - 2)2 > 0
(a) x ∈ [-2, -1] (b) x ∈ [-3, -1] (a) (1, 3) (b) (1, 2) ∪ (2, 3)
(c) x ∈ [1, 2] (d) None (c) (3, ∞) (d) (- ∞, 1) ∪ (3, ∞)
17. Solve: x3 - 4x ≥ 0
x 2  2x  3
(a) [-2, ∞) (b) (- ∞, –2] ∪ [2, ∞) 27. Solve : 0
(c) [-2, 0] ∪ [2, ∞) (d) [0, ∞) x2  1
(a) (-1, 3) (b) (-3, 1) (c) (1, 3) (d) None
18. Solve: x2 + x - 3 ≤ 0
 1  13 1  13  ( x  1)( x  2 )2
28. Solve : 0
(a)  ,  1  x
 2 2 
(a) (- ∞, -2) ∪ (-2, -1) ∪ (1, ∞)
 1  13   1  13  (b) ( ∞, 2)
(b)   ,  ,  
 2   2  (c) (- ∞, -1) ∪ (2, ∞)
 1  13 1  13  (d) (- ∞, -2) ∪ (1, ∞)
(c)  , 
 2 2  x2  4x  4
29. Solve: 0
(d) None 2x 2  x  1
 1
19. Solve : (2x - 3)(x - 4) ≤ 0 (a) (  , 2 )   2 ,    (1,  )
 2
3 
(a)  , 4  (b) [3, 4] (b) (  , 2 )  (1,  )
2 
(c) ( 2 , 1)  (1,  )
 3
(c)   ,   [ 4 ,  ) (d)  (d) (  ,  )
 2
x 1
20. Solve : x  1  0 30. Solve: 1
x 3 ( x  1)2
(a) (- ∞, 1] ∪ [3, ∞) (b) (- ∞, 1] ∪ (3, ∞) (a) (- ∞, 3) (b) (- ∞, 0) ∪ (3, ∞)
(c) (- ∞,1) ∪ [3, ∞) (d) (- ∞, 1) ∪ (3, ∞) (c) (- ∞, ∞) (d) Φ
1 x 2  7 x  12
21. Solve : 2 31. Solve: 0
x 1
2x 2  4 x  5
 3  3 (a) (- ∞, 3) ∪ (7, ∞) (b) (-3, 7)
(a)   ,    (1,  ) (b)   ,    (1,  )
 2  2 (c) (3, 14) (d) (- ∞, 3) ∪ (4, ∞)
 3 
(c)  , 1  (d) None x 2  6x  7
2  32. Solve: 2
x2  1
22. Solve : x4 - 2x2 - 63 ≤ 0 (a) f (b) (- ∞, 1) (c) (- ∞, ∞) (d) None
(a) [-3, 3] (b) (-3, 3)
(c) No real values of x (d) {± 3} x4  x2  1
33. Solve: 0
23. Solve : x3 + x2 + x + 1 < 0 x2  4x  5
(a) (- ∞, -1) (b) (- ∞, -1) ∪ (1, ∞) (a) (-1, 5) (b) (-∞, -10) (c) (5, ∞) (d) (- ∞, -1)
(c) (-1, ∞) (d) None 1  3x 2
34. Solve: 0
24. Solve : x  1  2 2
2 x  21x  40
x3
5   5
(a) (- ∞, -7) ∪ (-3, ∞) (b) (-7, -3) (a)  , 8  (b)   , 
(c) f (d) None 2   2
 5 5 2 
5x  1 (c)   ,  (d)  ,  
25. Solve : 1  2 2 5 
x2  3
(a) (- ∞, 1) ∪ (4, ∞) (b) (1, ∞) 35. Solve : x2 + x + 3 > 0
(c) (- ∞, 4) (d) None (a) R (b) f (c) R+ (d) R+
 Inequalities 5

36. Solve : x2 + 3x + 14 < 0 2x

(a) f (b) R (c) R+ (d) None 43. If S is the set of all real x such that 2
2 x + 5x + 2
37. If 2x2 + λx + 2 > 0 for all values of x ∈ R, find
1
range of λ  , then S is equal to
(a) |λ|> 4 (b) |λ| ≥ 4 (c) |λ|< 4 (d) None x 1

38. Solve : x2 ≥ 16 and x2 ≤ 25

 2 
(a) (-5, -4] ∪ [4, 5] (b) (- ∞, -5] ∪ [5, ∞) (a) ( 2 , 1) (b)  , 0 
 3 
(c) [-4, 4] (d) None
 2 1   2 1 
39. If x2 + 2ax + 10 - 3a > 0 for all x ∈ R, then (c)  ,  (b) ( 2 , 1)   , 
 3 2   3 2 
(a) -5 < a < 2 (b) a < -5
(c) a > 5 (d) 2 < a < 5 44. 
The set of real values of x for which
x4
40. The solution set of the inequation  2, is
x 3 10 x 2  17 x  34
 8 , is
(a) (- ∞, 3] ∪ (10, ∞) (b) (3, 10] x 2  2x  3
(c) (- ∞, 3) ∪ [10, ∞) (d) none of these
5 5
2x  4 (a)  , 2  (b)  3,   (1, 2 )
41. The solution set of the inequation  5, is  2   2 
x 1 (c) ( 3, 1) (d) none of thesse
(a) (1, 3) (b) (1, 3]
(c) (- ∞, 1) ∪ [3, ∞) (d) none of these 45. If 2 - 3x - 2x2 ≥ 0, then
x 2  3x  4
42. The solution set of the inequation  1, 1
x 1 (a) x  2 (b) 2  x 
x ∈ R , is 2
(a) (3, ∞) (b) (-1, 1) ∪ (3, ∞) 1
(c) x  2 (d) x 
(c) [-1, 1] ∪ [3, ∞) (d) none of these 2

Modulus & Greatest Integer Function

46. Solve : |x - 3| ≤ 2
53. x  2  3 then x belongs to
(a) [-2, 2] (b) [1, 5] (c) [-2, 5] (d) None x
47. Solve : |x - 10| > 5 (a) (-2, -1) ∪ (1, 2)
(a) x < 5, x > 15 (b) x < -5, x > 15 (b) (- ∞, -2) ∪ (-1, 1) ∪ (2, ∞)
(c) x < 10 (d) x < -5, x > 15 (c) (-2, 2)
48. Solve : |x2 - 10| ≤ 6 (d) (-3, 3)
(a) [-4, -2] ∪ [2, 4] (b) [-4, 4] 54. x2 - 3|x|+ 2 < 0, then x belongs to
(c) [-2, 2] (d) No such values x (a) (1, 2) (b) (-2, -1)
49. Solve : |x| ≤ 3 and |x| ≥ 1 (c) (-2, -1) ∪ (1, 2) (d) (-3, 5)
(a) [-3, 3] (b) [-1, 1] 55. The set of values of x satisfying the inequalities
(c) [-3, -1] ∪ [1, 3] (d) None (x - 1)(x - 2) < 0 and (3x - 7)(2x - 3) > 0 is
50. Solve : [x] ≤ 4  7  7  3
(a) (1, 2 ) (b)  2 ,  (c)  1,  (d)  1, 
(a) [-4, 4] (b) [-4, 5]  3  3  2
(c) [-5, 5] (d) none of these 56. Solve: [x]2 ≤ 9
51. Solve : -4 < [x] < 10 (a) [-3, 3] (b) (-3, 4) (c) [-3, 4] (d) [-3, 4)
(a) [-3, 10] (b) [-3, 10) (c) (-4, 10) (d) None 2 2
57. If x is real and x - 3x + 2 > 0, x - 3x - 4 ≤ 0, then
52. If 3 <|x|< 6, then x belongs to which one of the following is correct?
(a) (-6, -3) ∪ (3, 6) (b) (-6, 6) (a) -1 ≤ x ≤ 4 (b) 2 ≤ x ≤ 4
(c) (-3, -3) ∪ (3, 6) (d) none of these (c) -1 < x ≤ 1 (d) -1 ≤ x < 1 or 2 < x ≤ 4
 6 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

58. If x2 + px + 4 > 0 for all real values of x, then 65. What are the linear constraints for which the
which one of the following is correct? shaded area in the above figure is the solution set?
(a) |p|< 4 (b) |p| ≤ 4 (c) |p|> 4 (d) |p| ≥ 4
59. Solve [x]2 - [x] - 2 ≤ 0
(a) [-2, 1] (b) (-2, 1] (c) [-2, 2) (d) None
60. Solve. 4 ≤ 3[x] - 2 ≤ 7
(a) [2, 4) (b) [2, 3] (c) [3, 4) (d) None
61. Solve: [x]2 ≤ 1
(a) [-1, 1] (b) [-1, 2) (c) [-1, ∞) (d) (- ∞, 2)
62. Solve: [x]2 < 4
(a) [-1, 1] (b) [-1, 1) (c) [-1, 2) (d) None
63. Which one of the following values of x, y satisfies
the in equation 2x + 3y ≤ 6; x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0? (a) x - y ≥ 1; x + 2y ≤ 8; x + y ≥ 1; x, y ≥ 0
(a) x = 0, y = 3 (b) x = 1, y = 2 (b) x - y ≤ 1; x + 2y ≥ 8; x + y ≤ 1; x, y ≥ 0
(c) x = 1, y = 1 (d) x = 4, y = 0 (c) x - y ≤ 1; x + 2y ≤ 8; x + y ≥ 1; x, y ≥ 0
64. If x and y are real numbers such that x > y and (d) x - y ≤ 1; x + 2y ≤ 8; x + y ≤ 1; x, y ≥ 0
|x|>|y|, then which one of the following is
correct?
(a) x > 0 (b) y > 0 (c) y < 0 (d) x < 0

ANSWER KEY : INEQUALITIES

1 B 11 B 21 D 31 D 41 B 51 B 61 B
2 A 12 C 22 A 32 C 42 B 52 A 62 C
3 A 13 D 23 A 33 A 43 D 53 A 63 C
4 C 14 C 24 B 34 A 44 B 54 C 64 A
5 C 15 B 25 A 35 A 45 B 55 D 65 C
6 B 16 A 26 B 36 A 46 B 56 D
7 B 17 C 27 B 37 C 47 A 57 D
8 A 18 A 28 A 38 D 48 A 58 A
9 A 19 A 29 A 39 A 49 C 59 D
10 B 20 B 30 B 40 C 50 D 60 A

Solution
LINEAR INEQUALITIES 3x  2 4 x  3
2. 
x 5 2
1. 2( 3  x )  4 2( 3x  2 )  5( 4 x  3) 6 x  4  20 x  15
5
x 11
6  2x   4 11  14 x  x 
5 14
x
 2  2x  3. Multiply through by 20
5
4 x  5( 3x  2 )  4( 5x  3)
 10  10 x  x
4 x  15x  10  20 x  12
10
 10  11x  x  2
11 4 x  5x  2  9 x  2  x 
9
 Inequalities 7

4. Multiply through by 6: So, not all real numbers are rational — irrational
2( 4  2 x )  3x  18  8  4 x  3x  18 numbers are also real.
x  26 11. The correct answer is:
(b) may be rational or irrational
5. 11  4 x  3  13
Explanation:
Add 3 both side
l 
Example where the sum is rational: example
8  4 x  16
can be better like ( 2  3 )  ( 2  3 )  4 , 2
Divide by 4 :
+(- 2 ) = 0 , 2+(−2)=0 (rational)
2  x  4
l 
Example where the sum is irrational: 2 +
2  3x
6. 5  9 3 (irrational)
4
So, the sum of two irrational numbers is not

Multiply by 4 :
always irrational — it can be rational in special
20  2  3x  36 cases.
22  3x  34 12. The correct answer is:
Divide by  3 : (c) Both I and II
22 34 Explanation:
x
3 3
Statement
l  I: Every integer (…, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2,
7. We solve quickly: p
…) can be written as with q = 1, so every
1  3x  1 q
 4   ( x  6)
2  5  3 integer is a rational number.
Multiply through by 30 : l Statement II: Rational numbers are a subset
 3x  of real numbers, so every rational number is a
15   4   10( x  6 )
 5  real number.
9 x  60  10 x  60  120  x 13. The correct answer is:
Thus x ≤ 120, so the solution is (-∞, 120]. (d) Infinite
5x 3x 39 10 x  3x 39 Explanation:
8.     
4 8 8 8 8 
Between any two distinct numbers (including
 13x  39  x  3 1 and 1000), there are infinitely many rational
numbers.
2 x  1 x  1 3x  1
  Example: Between 1 and 2 you have 1.5, 1.25, 1.75,

12 3 4
2 x  1  4( x  1) 9 x  3 1.333…, and so on — you can keep finding more
  by taking midpoints.
12 12
 2 x  3  9 x  3 
So, between 1 and 1000, the set of rational
numbers is infinite.
 x  0.
14. The statement that is not correct is:
Intersection x > 3. Then (3, ∞).
(c) If p × q is even, then p and q are always even 
9. 15  2  x  5
Explanation:
17   x  3
For p × q to be even, at least one of p or q must be
3  x  17 even — but both need not be even.
10. The statement that is not true is: Example: 2 × 3 = 6 (even) but q = 3 is odd.
Every real number is a rational number. Correct facts for others:
Reason: l (a) 1 is neither prime nor composite. 

Real numbers include both rational numbers l (b) 0 is neither positive nor negative. 
(fractions, integers) and irrational numbers (like l (d) 2 is an irrational number. 
√2, π, e).
 8 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

15. The correct answer is: 1

21. 2
option b is right answer x 1
Explanation: 1
2 0
If you multiply a non-zero rational number by an x 1
irrational number, the result is always irrational. 1  2x  2 3  2x
0 0
x 1 x 1
Example: 2 × 3 (irrational).
( 2 x  3)
l Exception: If the rational number is 0, the 0
( x  1)
product will be 0 (rational).
But in general mathematics questions, unless
0 is specifically mentioned, the rule is taken as
irrational × non-zero rational = irrational.
WAVY CURVE METHOD
3 
16. ( x  1)( x  2 )  0  x  (  , 1)   ,  
2 

22. ( x 2  9 )( x 2  7 )  0
x  [ 2 , 1] x 2  9  0 ( x 2  7 is ve Expression )
17. x( x  2 )( x  2 )  0 3  x  3. ( x 2  a 2   a  x  a )
x  [ 2 , 0]  [ 2 , ] x  [ 3, 3].

18. x 2  x  3  0 23. x 3  x 2  x  1  0
1  13 x 3  x 2  x  1 0
x ( By Hindus formula)
2 ( x  1)( x 2  1)  0
x  1  0 ( x 2  1is  ve Expression)x  1

x 1 x 1
24. 2 2 0
x3 x3
 1  13 1  13  x  7
x   ,   0
 2 2  x3
x7
19. ( 2 x  3)( x  4 )  0 0
x3
3
x , x4
2

 x  ( 7 , 3)

25. 5x  1  1
3  x2  3
x   , 4
2  5x - 1 < x2 + 3 (Cross multiplicative possible
because x2 + 3 is + ve expression)
x 1
20. 0 x2 - 5x + 4 > 0
x 3
(x - 1) (x - 4) > 0

x  (  , 1]  ( 3,  ) x ∈ (- ∞, 1) ∪ (4, ∞).
 Inequalities 9

26. ∴ x ∈ (- ∞, -3) ∪ (4, ∞) + - +

(Wavy Curve Method)
2 0 3
(x - 1)(3 - x)(x - 2) > 0
(x - 1)(3 - x) > 0 ( (x - 2)2 is non negative x ∈ (- ∞, 0) ∪ (3, ∞)
(x - 1)(x - 3) < 0 (Leading coefficient is must be x 2  7 x  12
31. 0
+ve) 2x 2  4 x  5
x ∈ (1, 3) but we can not take x = 2 x 2  7 x  12  0 ( 2 x 2  4 x  5 is +ve)
∴ x ∈ (1, 2) ∪ (2, 3) ( x  3)( x  4 )  0
+ - +
1 3
(Wavy Curve Method) + - +
(Wavy Curve Method)
3 4
x 2  2x  3 x ∈ (- ∞, 3) ∪ (4, ∞)
27. 0
x2  1
x 2  6x  7
x 2  2 x  3  0 ( x 2  1is ve ) 32. 2
x2  1
( x  3)( x  1)  0
x 2  6 x  7  2 x 2  2 ( x 2  1is ve )
+ - + (Wavy Curve Method) x 2  6x  9  0
-3 1
( x  3 )2  0
x ∈ (-3, 1).
x  (  ,  )( ( x  3)2 is non negative)
( x  1)( x  2 )2
28. 0
1  x x4  x2  1
x 1 33. 0
( ( x  2 )2 is non negative)
 0  x2  4x  5
1  x 1
x 1  0 ( x 4  x 2  1 is ve )
 0(Leading Cafficient Must be +ve) ( x  5)( x  1)
x 1
+ - +
+ - + (Wavy Curve Method) (Wavy Curve Method)
-1 5
-1 1
x ∈ (- ∞, -1) ∪ (1, ∞) but x ≠ -2 x ∈ (-1, 5)

∴ x ∈ (- ∞, -2) ∪ (-2, -1) ∪ (1, ∞) 1  3x 2

34. 2
0
2 2 x  21x  40
x  4x  4
29. 0 1
2x 2  x  1  0 ( 1  3x 2 is  ve)
( 2 x  5)( x  8 )
( x  2 )2 1
2
0 0 + - +
2x  2x  x  1 ( 2 x  1)( x  1) (Wavy Curve Method)
5/2 8
+ - +
(Wavy Curve Method) 5 
-1/2 1 x  ,8
2 
 1
x    ,    (1,  ) 35. Because, a > 0 & D < 0
 2
but x  2 36. Because, a > 0 & D < 0
 1 37.  2  16  0 ; ( D  0 )
x  (  , 2 )   2 ,    (1,  )
 2 4    4    4

30. x  1  ( x  1)2 ( ( x  1)2 is non negative) 38. x 2  16 and x 2  25

2
x  1  x  1  2x a  x 2  b  x  [ b ,  a]  [ a , b]
2
x  3x  0  x  [ 5, 4]  [ 4 , 5]
x( x  3 )  0
10 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

49. |x| ≤ 3 and |x| ≥ 1 ⇒ x ∈ [-3, -1] ∪ [1, 3]

39. x 2  2 ax  10  3a  0 if D  0
( a  2 )( a  5)  0  5  a  2 |x| ≤ a and |x| ≥ b ⇒ x ∈ [-a, -b] ∪ [b, a]
50. [x] ≤ 4
x4 x4
40. 2 20 ∴ x = - - - - ., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 4
x 3 x 3
x  10 ∴ x ∈(- ∞, 5)
 0  x  (  , 3)  [10 ,  )
x 3
51. [x] = -3, -2, - - - -, 9
2x  4 ∴ -3 ≤ x < 10 ⇒ x∈[-3, 10).
41. 5
x 1
52. 3 <|x|< 6 ⇒ x ∈ (-6, -3) ∪ (3, 6)
2x  4 3x  9
50 0
x 1 x 1 a < |x| < b ⇒ x ∈(-b, -a) ∪ (a, b)
x3 2
 0  x (1, 3] 53. x   3,
x 1 x
2
x 2  3x  4 x 2  3x  4 3  x  3
42. 1 1  0 x
x 1 x 1
( x 2  2  3x ) ( x 2  2  3x )
x2  4x  3 ( x  3)( x  1)   0 and 0
0 0 x x
x 1 x 1
x  ( 1, 1)  ( 3,  ) by option: x ∈ (-2, -1) ∪ (1, 2).

2x 1 2x 1 54. x2 - 3|x|+ 2 < 0 ⇒ (|x| - 2) (|x| - 1) < 0

43. 2
  2  0
2 x  5x  2 x  1 2 x  5x  2 x  1
x ∈ (-2, -1) ∪ (1, 2).
3x  2 3x  2
0 0
( 2 x  1)( x  2 )( x  1) ( 2 x  1)( x  2 )( x  1) 55. (x - 1)(x - 2) < 0 and (3x - 7)(2x - 3) > 0
 2 1  3
x  ( 2 , 1)    ,   . x   1,  .
 3 2  2

10 x 2  17 x  34 10 x 2  17 x  34 56. Ans (d) : [x]2  9 ⇒ x ∈ [-3, 4)

44. 8 8  0
x 2  2x  3 x 2  2x  3 [x]2 ≤ a2 ⇒ x ∈ [-a, a+1)
( x  2 )( 2 x  5)
 0  x  ( 3, 5 / 2 )  (1, 2 ) 57. x2 - 3x + 2 > 0, x2 - 3x - 4 ≤ 0,
(xx  1)( x  3)
⇒ -1 ≤ x < 1 or 2 < x ≤ 4
45. 2  3x  2 x 2  0  2 x 2  3x  2  0 58. x2 + px + 4 > 0 : (D < 0)
1 ⇒ |p| < 4
( 2 x  1)( x  2 ) 0  2  x 
2
59. [x]2 - [x] - 2 ≤ 0 ⇒ ([x] - 2) ([x] + 1) ≤ 0
MODULUS & GREATEST INTEGER FUNCTION
⇒ x ∈ [-1, 3).
46. 2  x  3  2
60. 4 ≤ 3[x] - 2 ≤ 7 ⇒ 6 ≤ 3[x] ≤ 9
1 x 5
2 ≤ [x] ≤ 3 ⇒ x∈ [2, 4).
47. x  10  5, x  10  5
61. [x]2 ≤ 1 ⇒ x ∈ [-1, 2) .
x  5, x  15
[x]2 ≤ a2 ⇒ x ∈ [-a, a + 1)
48. 6  x 2  10  6 62. [x]2 < 4 ⇒ x ∈ [-1, 2)
4  x 2  16 [x]2 < a2 ⇒ x ∈ [-a + 1, a)
a 2  x 2  b 2  x  [ b ,  a]  [ a , b] 63. By Hit and Trail Method
(Use shortcut)) 64. By Hit and Trail Method
x  [ 4 , 2]  [ 2 , 4] 65. By Hit and Trail Method
 Chapter

2 LOGARITHMS

Preface – Logarithm
The concept of logarithm stands as one of the most remarkable discoveries in mathematics,
introduced to simplify complex numerical calculations. By transforming multiplication and division
into addition and subtraction, logarithms not only reduced the burden of lengthy computations in
earlier centuries but also opened doors to vast applications in science and technology.
For students, understanding logarithms is essential, as it forms a bridge between arithmetic and
higher mathematical ideas. It is closely connected with exponents and provides the foundation for
many advanced concepts in algebra, calculus, and real-world problem-solving. Beyond mathematics,
logarithms appear in physics, chemistry, biology, economics, and even in measuring natural
phenomena like earthquakes (Richter scale) or acidity (pH scale).

Inclusions of this Chapter

• Origin and definition of logarithm
• Relation between exponents and logarithms
• Common logarithm (base 10) and natural logarithm (base e)
• Change of base formula
• Simplification of expressions using logarithmic rules
• Solving logarithmic equations

Introduction
“The Logarithm of a given number to a given base is the index of the power to which the base must be raised
in order to equal the given number.”
If a > 0 and ≠ 1, then logarithm of a positive number N is defined as the index x of that power of ‘a’ which
equals N, i.e., log a N  x iff a x  N  a log a N  N , a  0 , a  1 and N > 0
It is also known as fundamental logarithmic identity.
Its domain is (0, ∞) and range is R. a is called the base of the logarithmic function.
When base is ‘e’ then the logarithmic function is called natural or Napierian logarithmic function and when
base is 10, then it is called common logarithmic function.

Characteristic and mantissa

(1) The integral part of a logarithm is called the characteristic and the fractional part is called mantissa.
log10 N  integer   fraction (  ve )
 
Characterstics Mantissa

11
12 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

(2) The mantissa part of log of a number is always kept positive.

(3) If the characteristics of log10N be n, then the number of digits in N is (n + 1).
(4) If the characteristics of log10N be (–n) then there exists (n – 1) number of zeros after decimal part of N.

propertIes of logarIthms
Let m and n be arbitrary positive numbers such that a > 0, a ≠ 1, b > 0, b ≠ 1 then
(1) log a a  1, log a 1  0
1
( 2 ) log a [Link] b a  1  log a b 
log b a
log b a
( 3) log c a  log b [Link] c b log c a 
log b c
( 4 ) log a ( mn)  log a m  log a n
m
( 5) log a    log a m  log a n
n
( 6 ) log a mn  n log a m
(7 ) a log a m  m
1
( 8 ) log a     log a n
n
1
( 9 ) log a n  log a n


(10 ) log a n  log a n, (  0 )

(11) a log c b  b log c a , ( a , b , c  0 and c  1)

logarIthmIc InequalItIes
(1) If a  1, p  1  log a p  0
( 2) If 0  a  1, p  1  log a p  0
( 3) If a  1, 0  p  1  log a p  0
(4) If 0  a  1, 0  p  1  log a p  0
a  mb ,if m  1
( 5) If log m a  b  
b
a  m , if 0  m  1
a  mb , if m  1
( 6 ) log m a  b  
b
a  m , if 0  m  1
(7 ) log p a  log p b  a  b if base p is positive and > 1 or a≤ b if base p is positive and < 1 i.e., 0 < p < 1.
In other words, if base is greater than 1 then inequality remains same and if base is positive but less than 1 then
the sign of inequality is reversed.
 NDA MATHEMATICS

1. For y =logax to be defined ‘a ‘ must be

The value of 81(1 / log 5 3 ) + 27 log 9 36 + 34 / log 7 9
11.  is
(a) Any positive real number
equal to
(b) Any number
(a) 49 (b) 625 (c) 216 (d) 890
(c) ≥ e
(d) Any positive real number ≠ 1  16   25   81 
12. 7 log    5log    3log   is equal to
 15   24   80 
2. Logarithm of 32 5 4 to the base 2 2 is
(a) 3.6 (b) 5 (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) log 2 (d) log 3
(c) 5.6 (d) None of these 13. If log4 5 = a and log5 6 = b, then log3 2 is equal to
3. The number log27 is 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) 2 ab  1 (d)
(a) An integer 2a  1 2b  1 2 ab  1
(b) A rational number
14. If log k x  log 5 k  log x 5, k  1, k  0 , then x is equal
(c) An irrational number
to
(d) A prime number
1
4. If log72 = m, then log49 28 is equal to (a) k (b)
5
1 + 2m 1
(a) 2(1 + 2m) (b) (c) 5 (d) 5, or both b and c
2 5
2 15. If log 5 a  log a x  2 , then x is equal to
(c) (d) 1 + m
1 + 2m (a) 125 (b) a2
(c) 25 (d) None of these
ab 1
5. If log e    ( log e a  log e b ), then relation 16. If a2 + 4b2 = 12ab, then log(a + 2b) is
 2  2
1
between a and b will be ( a)  log a  log b  log 2 
2
b b a b
=
(a) a b=
(b) a =
(c) 2 a b=
(d) a ( b) log  log  log 2
2 3 2 2
6. Which is the correct order for a given number α in 1
( c )  log a  log b  4 log 2 
increasing order 2
1
(a) log 2 α , log 3 α , log e α , log 10 α ( d)  log a  log b  4 log 2 
(b) log 10 α , log 3 α , log e α , log 2 α 2
(c) log10 α , log e α , log 2 α , log 3 α 17. If A  log 2 log 2 log 4 256  2 log 2
2, then A is
(d) log 3 α , log e α , log 2 α , log10 α equal to
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 5 (d) 7
7. log ab - log |b| = 18. If log10 x = y, then log1000x2 is equal to
(a) log a (b) log|a| 3y 2y
(c) -log a (d) None of these (a) y 2 (b) 2 y (c) (d)
2 3
8. The value of ( log 02.5 4 ) is
19. If x = log a ( bc ), y = log b ( ca ), z = log c ( ab ), then
(a) - 2 (b) ( -4 ) which of the following is equal to 1
(c) 2 (d) None of these (a) x + y +z
(b) (1 + x)-1 + (1 + y)-1 + (1 + z)-1
9. The value of log3 4log4 5log5 6log6 7log7 8log8 9 is
(c) xyz (d) None of these
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 20. If a = log24 12, b = log36 24 and c = log48 36, then 1
+ abc is equal to
10. log 7 log 7 7( 7 7 ) =
(a) 2ab (b) 2ac (c) 2bc (d) 0
(a) 3log2 7 (b) 1 - 3log3 7
21. If ax = b, by = c, cz = a, then value of xyz is
(c) 1 - 3log7 2 (d) None of these (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3
14 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

22. If log10 2 = 0.30103, log10 3 = 0.47712, the number 3 5

( log 3 x )2  log 3 x
of digits in 3 × 2 is 12 8
31. If x 4 4  3 then x has

(a) 7 (b) 8 (c) 9 (d) 10 (a) One positive integral value

(b) One irrational value
n 1
23. n1 log  (c) Two positive rational values
2n ( a) (d) All of these
n( n + 1) n( n + 1) 32. If x = log5 (1000) and y = log7 (2058) then
( a) log a 2 ( b) log 2 a
2 2 (a) x > y (b) x < y
( n + 1)2 n 2 (c) x = y (d) None of these
(c) log 2 a ( d) None of these
4 1 1
33. If   x , then x be
log 3  log 4 
24. The solution of the equation
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 3.5 (d) π
log 7 log 5 ( x 2  5  x )  0 34. If log1 / sin x  0 , x  [0 , 4 ], then the number of
2
(a) x = 2 (b) x = 3 (c) x = 4 (d) x = -2 π
values of x which are integral multiples of , is
25. log4 18 is 4
(a) A rational number (a) 4 (b) 12
(c) 3 (d) None of these
(b) An irrational number
(c) A prime number 35. The set of real values of x satisfying
(d) None of these log1 / 2 ( x 2  6 x  12 )  2 is
log ( 0.1 0.01 0.001 .)
26. The value of ( 0.05) 20
is (a) (-∞, 2] (b) [2, 4]
1 1 (c) [4,+∞) (d) None of these
(a) 81 (b) (c) 20 (d)
81 20
36. The set of real values of x for which 2 log ( x 1 )
2
x5
27. If a, b, c are distinct positive numbers, each log ( x 1)
2 2  x  5 is
different from 1 , such that (a) (-∞, -1) ∪ (4, +∞) (b) (4,+∞)
[logb alogc a - loga a] + [loga blogc b - logb b] + [loga (c) (-1, 4) (d) None of these
clogb c - logc c] = 0, then abc = 37. If log0.04 (x - 1) ≥ log0.2 (x - 1) then x belongs to the
(a) 1 (b) 2 interval
(c) 3 (d) None of these (a) (1, 2] (b) (-∞, 2]
28. If log12 27 = a, then log6 16= (c) [2,+∞) (d) None of these

3a 3a x2

(a) 2  (b) 3  38. The set of real values of x for which log 0.2 1
3a 3a is x
3a  5 5 
(c) 4  (d) None of these ( a )   ,    ( 0 ,  ) ( b )  ,  
3a 2 2
   
log x log y log z ( c ) (  , 2 )  ( 0 ,  ) ( d ) Non ne of these
29. If   , then which of the
bc ca ab
39. If x = logb a, y = logc b, z = loga c, then xyz is
following is true
(a) 0 (b) 1
(a) xyz  1 (c) 3 (d) None of these
(b) x a y b z c  1 21
40. The value of log 2  log 3  log100 100 99 . is
98

(c) x b  c y c  a z a  b  1 (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 100 !

(d) xyz  x a y b z c ASSERTION & REASON
The following questions consist of two statements,
30. The number of real values of the parameter k for one labelled as ‘Assertion (A)’ and the other labelled
which (log16 x)2 - log16 x + log16 k = 0 with real as ‘Reason (R)’. You are to examine these two
coefficients will have exactly one solution is statements carefully and decide if the Assertion (A)
(a) 2 (b) 1 and the Reason (R) are individually true and if so,
(c) 4 (d) None of these whether the Reason (R) is the correct explanation for
 Logarithms 15

the given Assertion (A). Select your answer to these 42. Assertion (A): logp2+log2p is smaller than 2.
items using the codes given below and then select the Reason (R): AM > GM
correct option. (a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
Codes : 43. Assertion (A): The least value of log2x - logx
(A) Both A and R are individually true and R is the
(0.125) is 2 3 for x > 1
correct explanation of A
Reason (R): AM ≥ GM
(B) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D
correct explanation of A
(C) A is true but R is false 44. Assertion (A): If log e log 5 ( ( 2 x  2 )  3)  0 , then
(D) A is false but R is true the value of x is 3.
41. Assertion (A) : log10x<log3x<logex<log2x Reason (R): If logb a = c, then a = cb but a ≠ 0, b > 0,
Reason (R) : If 0 < x < 1, then logxa>logxb ⇒ a<b b≠1
(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D (a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D

ANSWER KEY : LOGARITHMS

1 D 11 D 21 B 31 D 41 B
2 A 12 C 22 C 32 A 42 D
3 C 13 D 23 A 33 A 43 A
4 B 14 D 24 C 34 A 44 A
5 A 15 C 25 B 35 B
6 B 16 C 26 A 36 B
7 B 17 C 27 A 37 C
8 C 18 D 28 C 38 A
9 B 19 B 29 A, B, C, D 39 B
10 C 20 C 30 B 40 B

Solution
1. It is obvious. log 28 log 7  log 4
4. log 49 28  log 28  log 7  log 4
2. Let x be the required logarithm, then by definition 4. log 49 28  log 49  2 log 7
log 49 2 log 7
( 2 2 )x  32 5 4  ( 2.21 / 2 )x  2 5  2 2 / 5 log 7 log 4 1 1
  log 7  log 4  1  1 log 7 4
  2 log 7  2 log 7  2  2 log 7 4
3x 2 2 log 7 2 log 7 2 2
5
2 2 2 5 1 1 1
  1  1  2 log 7 2  1  log 7 2
  2  2  2 log 7 2  2  log 7 2
2 2 2
Here, by equating the indices, 3 x = 27 1 1  2 m
 1  m  1  2 m
2 5  2 m 2
18 2 2
x   3.6. ab 1
5 5. log e  a  b   1 ( log e a  log e b )
p 5. log e  2   2 ( log e a  log e b )
3. 
Suppose, if possible, log2 7 is rational, say where  2  2
q 11
p and q are integers, prime to each other.  
 2 log ab )) 
log ee (( ab  log
log ee ab
ab
2
p  bb
aa 
Then,  log 2 7  7  2 p / q  2 p  7 q , which   ab  a  b  2 ab  a  b
q  22  ab  a  b  2 ab  a  b
is false since L.H.S is even and R.H.S is odd.
Obviouslylog2 7 is not an integer and hence not a 6. Since 10,3 , e, 2 are in decreasing order. Obviously,
prime number. log10 α, log3 a, loge α, log2α are in increasing order.
16 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

 ab  17. A  log 2 log 2 log 4 256  2 log 2

2
7. log ab  log|b |  log    log|a|
|b |  log 2 log 2 log 4 4 4  2 
1
log 2 2
(1 / 2 )
8. (log 02.5 4 )  {log 0.5 ( 0.5)2 }2  ( 2 )2  2  log 2 log 2 4  4  log 2 log 2 2 2  4
9. log 3 4 log 4 5 log 5 6 log 6 7 log 7 8 log 8 9  log 2 2  4  1  4  5
log 4 log 5 log 6 log 7 log 8 log 9 log 9 2 2
       =
18. log 2
= 2
2= =
log 3 log 4 log 5 log 6 log 7 log 8 log 3 1000 x log 10 3 x log10 3 x log10 x y
3 3
 log 3 9  log 3 3 2  2 19. x  log a bc  1  x  log a a log a bc  log a abc
AS Trick for Question 9  (1  x )1  log abc a
 (1  x )1  (1  y )1  (1  z )1
log a1 a2 log a2 a3 .log a3 a4 ..........log an 1 an  log a1 an  log abc a  log abc b  log abc c  log abc abc  1

log 12 2 log 2  log 3

20. a  log 24 12  log 12  2 log 2  log 3
20. a  log 24 12  log 24  3 log 2  log 3
log 24 3 log 2  log 3
10. log 7 log 7 7( 7 7 )  log 7 log 7 7 7 / 8  log 7 (7 / 8 ) 3 log 2  log 3
b  log 36 24  3 log 2  log 3
 log 7 7  log 7 8  1  log 7 2 3  1  3 log 7 2 b  log 36 24  2(log 2  log 3)
2(log 2  log 3)
2(log 2  log 3)
11. 81(1 / log 5 3 )  27 log 9 36  34 / log 7 9 c  log 48 36  2(log 2  log 3)
c  log 48 36  4 log 2  log 3
1
4 log 2  log 3
3 log 3 36 2 log 2  log 3
 34 log 3 5  3 2  34 log 9 7  abc  2 log 2  log 3
 abc  4 log 2  log 3
4 log 2  log 3
 3log 3 5  3log 3 36  3log 3 7
4 3/2 4/2

6 log 2  2 log 3 3 log 2  log 3

 1  abc  6 log 2  2 log 3  2  3 log 2  log 3  2bc
 54  36 3 / 2  7 2  890  1  abc  4 log 2  log 3  2  4 log 2  log 3  2bc
4 log 2  log 3 4 log 2  log 3
12. Given expression log b
21. a x  b  x log a  log b  x   log a b
 16 25 81 
7 5 3 log a
 log  7  5  3   log 2
 15 24 80  Similarly y  log b c , z  log c a
 
 xyz  log a b  log b c  log c a  1
1
13. ab  log 4 5  log 5 6  log 4 6  log 2 6
2 22. y  312  2 8  log10 y  12 log10 3  8 log10 2
1  12  0.47712  8  0.30103
ab  (1  log 2 3)  2 ab  1  log 2 3
2  5.72544  2.40824  8.13368
1  Number of digits in y  8  1  9.
 log 3 2 
2 ab  1
n n n n
14. log k x  log 5 k  log x 5  log 5 x  log x 5 1
23.  log   log a 2n   nlog a 2  log a 2   n
 log x 5 
1
 (log x 5)2  1 n 1 2n ( a) n 1 n 1 n 1
log x 5 n( n  1) n( n  1)
 log a 2   log a 2
1 2 2
 log x 5  1  x 1  5  x  5,
5
24. log 7 log 5 ( x 2  5  x )  0  log 7 1
15. log 5 a  log a x  2  log 5 x  2  x  52  25
 log 5 ( x 2  5  x )1 / 2  1  log 5 5
2 2 2 2
16. a  4 b  12 ab  a  4 b  4 ab  16 ab
 ( x 2  5  x )1 / 2  5  ( x 2  x  5)  25
2
 ( a  2b )  16 ab
 x 2  x  20  0
 2 log( a  2b )  log 16  log a  log b
 ( x  4 )( x  5)  0  x  4 , 5  x  4
1
 log( a  2b )  [log a  log b  4 log 2]
2
 Logarithms 17

1 1 4 5 1
25. log 4 18  log 2 ( 3 2  2 )  ( 2 log 2 3  log 2 2 ) (log 3 x )2  log 3 x 
2 2 31. x 3 4  3  32
1 There is a possibility of a solution x = 3
 log 2 3  ,whichissirrational.
2
For this value,
 0.1  3 5 2 1
2 log 20   12 1 
log ( 0.1 0.01..)  1   1 0.1 
26. ( 0.05) 20
  LHS  3 4 4  3 4  3 2  RHS.
 20 
∴ x = 3 is a solution, which is a +ve integer.
 20 2 log 20 (1 / 9 )  20 2 log 20 9  20 log 20 9  9 2  81
2

3 5 1
27. [log b a log c a  log a a]  [log a b log c b  log b b] Next,  (log 3 x )2  log 3 x   log 3 x 
4 4 2
[log a c log b c  log c c]  0
 [3(log 3 x )2  4 log 3 x  5] log 3 x  2  0
3 3 1 3
 [(ln a )  (ln b )  (ln c ) ] 3  0
ln a  ln b  ln c  3t 3  4t 2  5t  2  0 ,[t  log 3 x ]
1  3t 3  3t 2  7t 2  7t  2t  2  0

ln a  ln b  ln c
 ( 3t 2  7t  2 )(t  1)  0
[(ln a )3  (ln b )3  (ln c )3  3 ln a  ln b  ln c]  0
 ( 3t  1)(t  2 )(t  1)  0
 (ln a )3  (ln b )3  (ln c )3  3 ln a  ln b  ln c  0 1 1
 ln a  ln b  ln c  0  t  1, 2 ,   log 3 x  1, 2 , 
3 3
 ln( abc )  ln 1,[ a3  b 3  c 3 ]  3abc  0 1 2 1 / 3 1 1
 x  3 ,3 ,3 ; x  3, , 3
 [ a  b  c]  0 ,  abc  1 9 3

log 27 3 log 3 2 a log 2 

Thus, there is one +ve integral value, one
28. a  log 27  3 log 3  log 3  2 a log 2 irrational value, two positive rational values.
28. a  log 12  log 3  2 log 2  log 3  3  a
log 12 log 3  2 log 2 3a 32. x  log 5 1000  3 log 5 10  3  3 log 5 2  3  log 5 8
log 16 4 log 2
log 6 16  log 16  4 log 2
log 6 16  log 6  log 2  log 3  log 7 2058  log 7 (7 3  6 )  3  log 7 6
log 6 log 2  log 3
4 log 2 4( 3  a ) 3a As log 5 8  log 5 5 i.e.,log 5 8  1 
 x4
 4 log 2  4( 3  a )  4  3  a
 2 a log 2  3  a  2 a  4  3  a And log 7 6  log 7 7 i.e.,log 7 6  1
log 2  2 a log 2 3  a  2 a 3a
log 2  3  a  y  4; x  y
3a
log x log y log z 1 1
29.    k ( say ) 33.  x
bc ca ab log 3  log 4 
 log x  k ( b  c ), log y  k ( c  a ), log z  k ( a  b )  log  3  log  4  x  log  12  x
 x  e k ( b  c ) , y  e k ( c  a ) , z  e k ( a b ) 2  12  3  12  2 ;  log  12  log  2
 xyz  e k ( b  c ) k ( c  a ) k ( a  b )  e 0  1 i.e. log  12  2 ; x will be 2.
a b c k ( b  c ) a  k ( c  a )b  k ( a  b ) c 0
x y z e  e  1  xyz 34. log  12  2 ; x
bc c ab k ( b 2  c 2 ) k ( c 2  a 2 ) k ( a2 b 2 )
x y  az 2  e0  1

30. Let log16 x  y  y 2  y  log16 k  0


This quadratic equation will have exactly one
solution if its discriminant vanishes.
 ( 1)2  4  1  log16 k  0  1  log16 k 4
 k 4  16  k 2  4  k  2 log1 / 2
sin x  0 , x  [0 , 4 ]  0  sin x  1

But log16 k is not defined k < 0, k = 2 π π 3π 9 π 11π

∴ Integral multiple of will be , , ,
∴ Number of real values of k = 1. 4 4 4 4 4
Number of required values = 4.
18 NDA Practice Questions (Mathematics)

35. log1/2(x2 - 6x + 12) ≥ -2 39. We have xyz  log b a  log c b  log a c

For log to be defined, x2 - 6x + 12 > 0 log e a log e b log e c
⇒ (x - 3)2 + 3 > 0, which is true ∀x ∈ R.    1
log e b log e c log e a
2
1
From (i), x2 - 6x + 12 ≤   ..
21

2 99 98
40. log 2  log 3 ..log 99 log100 100
2 2 21
 x  6 x  12  4  x  6 x  8  0. ..

 ( x  2 )( x  4 )  0  2  x  4 ; x  [ 2 , 4]
 100 100  1
 log 2  log 3  log 99 99 98 log
21
..

log 2 ( x 1) 2 log 2 ( x 1)  log 2  log 3  log 98 98 97

36. 2  x  5  ( 2) x5 21
..
 log 2  log 3  log 97 97 96  log 2 log 3 3 2
1
2 2
 ( x  1)  x  5  x  3x  4  0
 ( x  4 )( x  4 )  0  x  4 or x  1 41. 10  3  e  2
But for log ( x - 1) to be defined, x - 1 > 0 i.e., x If x  1, log x 10  log x 3  log x e  log x 2
2
>1 1 1 1 1
   
∴ x > 4 ⇒ x ∈ (4, ∞). log10 x log 3 x log e x log 2 x
37. log0.04(x - 1) ≥ log0.2(x - 1)  log10 x  log 3 x  log e x  log 2 x
From(i),log( 0.2 )2 ( x  1)  log 0.2 ( x  1) 42.  AM  GM
1
From(i), logdefined 2 ( x  1)  log ( x  1) log 2  log 2 
For
 log logto0.2be( x ( 01.2)) logx0.–2 (1x>  100).2⇒
 x x>11  ( x  1)    ( log  2 )( log 2 )
21 2

 2 xlog 10(.21(x  x1)1log 2 ( x11) x
)  0.  1 x01  ( x  1) log  2  log 2 
1
 x  1(1 1 xx1 )20x
 [12,  )x  1  0 2
log  2  log 2   2
 x  1  1  x  2  x [2, )
43. Letp  log 2 x  log x  0.125 
x2
38. log 0.2 1 1
x  log 2 x  log x  
x2 8
For log to be defined,  0  x  0 or x < -2
x  log 2 x  log x ( 8 )
x2  log 2 x  3log x 2
Now from (i), log 0.2  log 0.2 0.2
x  2 ( log 2 x )( 3log x 2 )
x2 2 3
  0.2
x
 p  2 3
Case (i) x > 0 ( AM  GM )
From (ii), x + 2 ≥ 0.2x
 The leastt value of p is 2 3.

44. log e log 5 ( ( 2 x  2 )  3)  0

  log 5 ( ( 2 x  2 )  3)  e 0  1
  log 5 ( ( 2 x  2 )  3)  1
5
 0.8 x  2  x     ( 2 x  2 )  3  51
2
 (2x  2)  2
5
From (ii), x  2  0.2 x  0.8 x  2  x   or 2x  2  4
2
 x 3
 5  5
 x   0 ,      ,   ;
 x    ,    ( 0 ,  )
 2  2
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