To combine the expression \( \ln 7 + 3 \ln w - 2 \ln x \) using the rules of logarithms, we will apply the following:
- Power Rule: \( n \ln a = \ln(a^n) \)
- Product Rule: \( \ln a + \ln b = \ln(ab) \)
- Quotient Rule: \( \ln a - \ln b = \ln\left(\frac{a}{b}\right) \)
Let's work through the expression:
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Start with the given expression: \[ \ln 7 + 3 \ln w - 2 \ln x \]
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Apply the Power Rule to \( 3 \ln w \) and \( -2 \ln x \):
- \( 3 \ln w = \ln(w^3) \)
- \( -2 \ln x = \ln(x^{-2}) \)
The expression becomes: \[ \ln 7 + \ln(w^3) + \ln(x^{-2}) \]
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Now, combine the logarithms using the Product Rule: \[ \ln(7) + \ln(w^3) = \ln(7w^3) \] So now we have: \[ \ln(7w^3) + \ln(x^{-2}) \]
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Use the Quotient Rule: \[ \ln(7w^3) + \ln(x^{-2}) = \ln\left(\frac{7w^3}{x^2}\right) \]
Thus, the final expression is: \[ \ln\left(\frac{7w^3}{x^2}\right) \]
None of the options appear to directly present this final expression. However, let's look at the individual components contained in each of the options:
- Option #1: \( \ln(21w^2x) \)
- Option #2: \( \ln(7w^3x^2) \)
- Option #3: \( \ln(73wx) \)
Comparing \( \frac{7w^3}{x^2} \): None of the expressions match \( \ln\left(\frac{7w^3}{x^2}\right) \), which indicates none of the given options are correct.
The correct simplification is \( \ln\left(\frac{7w^3}{x^2}\right) \).