Question:medium

If \(a, b, c\) are non-zero and \(14^a = 36^b = 84^c\), then \(6b \bigg(\frac{1}{c}-\frac{1}{a}\bigg)\)is equal to

Updated On: Jan 15, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Given: \[ 14^a = 36^b = 84^c = k \] Taking logarithms, we get: \[ a = \log_{14} k \implies \frac{1}{a} = \log_k 14 \] Similarly, \( b = \log_{36} k \) and \( \frac{1}{c} = \log_k 84 \).

The expression to evaluate is: \[ 6b \left( \frac{1}{c} - \frac{1}{a} \right) \]

Substitute the logarithmic forms: \[ 6 \cdot \log_{36} k \cdot (\log_k 84 - \log_k 14) \]

Apply the logarithm subtraction rule: \[ = 6 \cdot \log_{36} k \cdot \log_k \left( \frac{84}{14} \right) = 6 \cdot \log_{36} k \cdot \log_k 6 \]

Using the change of base formula, \( \log_{36} k = \frac{1}{\log_k 36} \). Substituting this gives: \[ = 6 \cdot \frac{1}{\log_k 36} \cdot \log_k 6 = 6 \cdot \frac{\log_k 6}{\log_k 36} \]

Note that \( \log_k 36 = \log_k (6^2) = 2 \log_k 6 \). Thus, the fraction simplifies to: \[ \frac{\log_k 6}{2 \log_k 6} = \frac{1}{2} \]

The final expression evaluates to: \[ 6 \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \boxed{3} \]


Final Answer:

\(\boxed{3}\)

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