A logarithmic function of the form \( y=a+b \log (x+2) \) passes through the points \( (-1,-18) \) and \( (439,3) \). Find \( a \) and \( b \), rounding all values to three decimal places, if necessary. Answer Attempt 1 out of 2 \( a=\square b=\square \)
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To find the values of \( a \) and \( b \) in the logarithmic function \( y = a + b \log(x + 2) \), we can substitute the given points into the equation. First, for the point \( (-1, -18) \): \[ -18 = a + b \log(-1 + 2) \\ -18 = a + b \log(1) \\ -18 = a + b \cdot 0 \\ -18 = a \] So, we have \( a = -18 \). Next, we use the second point \( (439, 3) \): \[ 3 = -18 + b \log(439 + 2) \\ 3 = -18 + b \log(441) \\ 3 + 18 = b \log(441) \\ 21 = b \log(441) \] Thus, we can solve for \( b \): \[ b = \frac{21}{\log(441)} \] Calculating \( \log(441) \) using a calculator gives approximately \( 2.645 \) (base 10): \[ b \approx \frac{21}{2.645} \approx 7.943 \] In conclusion, rounding to three decimal places: \( a = -18.000 \), \( b = 7.943 \).