Logarithms

Logarithms are closely related to exponents and roots. A logarithm is the power to which you must raise a given number, called the base, to equal another number. For example, log2 8 = 3 because 23 = 8. In this case, 2 is the base and 3 is the logarithm. The Math IIC likes to use logarithms in algebra problems, mostly in simple equation solving problems (which we will cover in the next chapter). For these types of questions, the key is remembering that a logarithm problem is really an exponent problem. Keeping this in mind should help reduce the mystery that seems to surround logarithms. In fact, once you get the hang of it, youll realize that solving logarithmic equations is actually quite easy. Having defined a logarithm in a sentence, lets show it symbolically. The three equations below are equivalent:

For example, log4 16 = 2 because 42 = 16 and = 4. You should be able to see now why the three topics of exponents, roots, and logarithms are often linked. Each provides a way to isolate one of the three variables in these types of equations. In the example above, a is the base, b is the exponent, and x is the product. Respectively, finding the root, logarithm, and exponent isolates these values. Logarithms and Calculators Unless the logarithm is a very simple one, you wont be able to mentally calculate it so the calculator becomes an important tool. But there is one critical thing you need to be aware of. On your calculator, the LOG button assumes a base of t en. This means that for the equation log4 16 = 2, if you punched in LOG 16, you would get log10 16. Some calculators can calculate a logarithm with any base, but less advanced calculators might not. When you need to calculate a logarithm with a base other than 10 and your calculator does not have the capability, keep in mind that: logb a = logc a logc b. Calculate a few logarithms for practice:

Operations on Logarithms You will rarely see a test question involving basic logarithms such as log 10 100 or log2 4. In particular, on the logarithm questions youll see in the Algebra chapter, youll need to be able to manipulate logarithms within equations. You should therefore know how to perform the basic operations on logarithms:

THE PRODUCT RULE: when logarithms of the same base are multiplied, the base remains the same, and the exponents can be added:

THE POWER RULE: when a logarithm is raised to a power, the exponent can be brought in front and multiplied by the logarithm:

You might have noticed how similar these rules are to those for exponents and roots. This similarity results from the fact that logarithms are just another way to express an exponent. THE QUO TI ENT RULE: when logarithms of the same base are divided, the exponents must be subtracted:

Natural Logarithms Natural logarithms appear on the Math IIC but not on the Math IC test. A natural logarithm is one with a base of e. The value e is a naturally occurring number, infinitely long, that can be found in growth and decay models. The natural logarithm will most likely be used in problems of growth and decay. A common numerical approximation of e is 2.718, which you could easily discover by punching e1 into your calculator. The symbol for a natural logarithm is ln, instead of log. The following three equations are equivalent:

Working with natural logarithms is just like working with logarithms; the only difference is that the base for natural logarithms is always e. You might also be asked to identify the graphs of ln x and ex. Take a good look at their general shapes:

Practice Questions: Q1. If log4 x + 3log4 x = 9, then x = A) 1.86 B) 2.25 C) 9 D) 22.6 E) 256 Q2. If log2 (x 1) = log4 (x 9), then x = A) -2 B) 2 C) 5 D) -2 or 5 E) No solution Q3. If logb 4 = 16, then b = A) 0.25 B) 0.50 C) 1.09 D) 2 E) 4 Q4. For all x such that x > 0, f(x) = log8 x. What does f-1(x) equal? A) x8 B) 8x C) eight root of x D) logx 8 E) 81/x Q5. If log4 (x2 5) = 3, then which of the following could equal x? A) 4.6

B) 7.7 C) 8 D) 8.3 E) 69