Solve 5 log x = -15? I'm really stuck. :/

Question

anonymous · Answer

Not sure if this is right... try doing it on mathway.com

lgbasallote · Answer

hint: divide both sides by 5 first. what does that give you?

anonymous · Answer

Would it be -3? :/

lgbasallote · Answer

yes. $$\log x = -3$$
now change this into exponential form. do you know how?

anonymous · Answer

No, that's where I'm really getting stumped. :/ Thanks for helping me. This is great.

lgbasallote · Answer

here's an example..when you have $$\log 2 = x$$
this becomes
$$10^x = 2$$
because if the base of the log is not given, it's automatically 10. do you get what to do now?

anonymous · Answer

Umm.. so would I multiply -3 by 10 then? Or am I getting that wrong?

lgbasallote · Answer

no.. you raise 10 to -3

$$\LARGE 10^{-3} = x$$

lgbasallote · Answer

so what is the value of 10^-3?

anonymous · Answer

Would it be 1000? :)

lgbasallote · Answer

hmm close but no.. 1000 is 10^3
$$\Large 10^{-3} \implies \frac{1}{10^3}$$
would you like to try again?

anonymous · Answer

Oh okay. So then would it be .001?

lgbasallote · Answer

right

lgbasallote · Answer

or simply 1/1000

lgbasallote · Answer

whatever floats the boat

anonymous · Answer

Great!!! Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help.

lgbasallote · Answer

welcome