All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

For the following two (02) items : 

Let $p = \sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 2^j$ and $q = \sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 5^j$.

If \(p + q = 66\), then which one of the following is correct?

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2025 GAT Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is

\(9 < n < 12\) 

To solve this problem, we need to understand the expressions for \( p \) and \( q \) and how they relate to the given condition \( p + q = 66 \). The expressions for \( p \) and \( q \) are:

  • \( p = \sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 2^j \)
  • \( q = \sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 5^j \)

Let's break down these expressions:

Using logarithm properties, simplify each sum separately. We know:

  • \(\sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 2^j = \log_{10} \left( 2^{1+2+3+\ldots+n} \right)\)
  • \(1 + 2 + 3 + \ldots + n = \frac{n(n + 1)}{2}\)
  • Thus, \(\sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 2^j = \log_{10} \left( 2^{\frac{n(n+1)}{2}} \right) = \frac{n(n+1)}{2} \log_{10} 2\)
  • Similarly, \(\sum_{j=1}^n \log_{10} 5^j = \log_{10} \left( 5^{\frac{n(n+1)}{2}} \right) = \frac{n(n+1)}{2} \log_{10} 5\)

Accordingly, the sum \( p + q \) becomes:

  • \(p + q = \frac{n(n+1)}{2} (\log_{10} 2 + \log_{10} 5)\)
  • Since \(\log_{10} 10 = 1\), we have \(\log_{10} 2 + \log_{10} 5 = \log_{10} (2 \times 5) = \log_{10} 10 = 1\)
  • Thus, \(p + q = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}\)

We know from the problem statement that \(p + q = 66\). Therefore:

  • \(\frac{n(n+1)}{2} = 66\)
  • Solving for \(n(n+1)\), we get:
  • \(n(n+1) = 132\)
  • The solutions to this quadratic equation \(n^2 + n - 132 = 0\) can be found by factorization or using the quadratic formula:
  • Using trial and error or factoring directly, we find:
  • \((n-11)(n+12) = 0\)

Therefore, the positive solution is \(n = 11\). This result satisfies the given choices:

  • The correct range for \(n\) is \(9 < n < 12\).

Hence, the correct answer is \(9 < n < 12\).

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. If \(p + q = 15\), then what is \(q-p\) equal to?
  2. For \(x \ge y > 1\), let \(\log_x\left(\frac{x}{y}\right) + \log_y\left(\frac{y}{x}\right) = k\), then the value of \(k\) can never be equal to

  3. If \(\log_ba = p\), \(\log_dc = 2p\) and \(\log_fe = 3p\), then what is \((ace)^{\frac{1}{p}}\) equal to ?

  4. What is the number of solutions of \(\log_4(x-1) = \log_2(x - 3)\)?
  5. Let \(p = \ln(x)\), \(q = \ln(x^3)\) and \(r = \ln(x^5)\), where \(x > 1\). Which of the following statements is/are correct?
    I. \(p, q\) and \(r\) are in AP.
    II. \(p, q\) and \(r\) can never be in GP.
    Select the answer using the code given below.
  6. If \(1 - \log_{10}2 = \log_{10}(5^x + 4^x + 3^x + 2^x + 1)\), then what is a value of x ?
  7. What is the smallest positive \(x\) satisfying \(\log_{\sin x} \cos x + \log_{\cos x} \sin x = 2\) ?

Important Questions from Logarithms

  1. Given that $132^{0.14} = x$, $132^{0.26} = y$ and $x^z = y^2$, then the value of z is close to:

  2. If \(p + q = 15\), then what is \(q-p\) equal to?
  3. For \(x \ge y > 1\), let \(\log_x\left(\frac{x}{y}\right) + \log_y\left(\frac{y}{x}\right) = k\), then the value of \(k\) can never be equal to

  4. If \(\log_ba = p\), \(\log_dc = 2p\) and \(\log_fe = 3p\), then what is \((ace)^{\frac{1}{p}}\) equal to ?

  5. What is the number of solutions of \(\log_4(x-1) = \log_2(x - 3)\)?
Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
503 Tests 1 Tests Free
1023 Attempts
4.6(135)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App