Logarithmic Inequality Integer Solutions

CAT 2022 Slot 2 · Quantitative Ability · Hard · Algebra

The number of distinct integer values of nn satisfying 4−log⁡2n3−log⁡4n<0\frac{4 - \log_2 n}{3 - \log_4 n} < 0, is

Answer

47

Explanation

Rewrite log⁡4n=log⁡2n2\log_4 n = \frac{\log_2 n}{2}. Let x=log⁡2nx = \log_2 n. The inequality becomes: 4−x3−x2<0  ⟹  4−x6−x2<0  ⟹  x−4x−6<0\frac{4 - x}{3 - \frac{x}{2}} < 0 \implies \frac{4 - x}{\frac{6 - x}{2}} < 0 \implies \frac{x - 4}{x - 6} < 0. This inequality holds when 4<x<64 < x < 6. Substituting x=log⁡2nx = \log_2 n: 4<log⁡2n<6  ⟹  24<n<26  ⟹  16<n<644 < \log_2 n < 6 \implies 2^4 < n < 2^6 \implies 16 < n < 64. Integer values of nn are 17,18,…,6317, 18, \dots, 63. Number of integers = 63−17+1=4763 - 17 + 1 = 47.

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