Solve log expressions
CONCEPTS
Log Notation
• log ₐ b ʳ (a = base, b = argument, r = exponent)
• 10 is assumed when no base is written log b ʳ = log ₁₀ b ʳ
Natural Log Notation
• ln ₑ x (e is the base)
Logarithm Properties
• log ₐ b ᶜ = c log ₐ b and log ₐ b ⁻¹ = - log ₐ b
• log ₐ a ʳ = r
• log ₐ (b * c) = log ₐ b + log ₐ c
• log ₐ (b / c) = log ₐ b - log ₐ c
Values of a log expression
• log 0 and log (-1) = undefined (logs of zeros and negative numbers are undefined)
• log 1 = 0
PRACTICE PROBLEMS
Question 1 Solve 3 log ₂ 2
-- Answer -- 3
3 log ₂ 2 = 3 ⋅ 1 = 3
Question 2 Solve log ₂ √8
-- Answer -- 3/2
log ₂ √8 = log ₂ 2³ᐟ² = 3/2
Question 3 Simplify log ₉ (1/9)?
-- Answer -- - 1
log ₉ (1/9) = log ₉ (1) - log ₉ (9) = 0 - 1 = -1
ACT PRACTICE PROBLEMS