Difference between revisions of "Logarithm"
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
− | '''Logarithms''' and [[exponents]] are very closely related. In fact, they are [[inverse]] | + | '''Logarithms''' and [[exponents]] are very closely related. In fact, they are [[Function/Introduction#The_Inverse_of_a_Function|inverse]] [[function]]s. Basically, this means that logarithms can be used to reverse the result of exponentiation and vice versa, just as addition can be used to reverse the result of subtraction. Thus, if we have <math> a^x = b </math>, then taking the logarithm with base <math> a</math> on both sides will give us <math>\displaystyle x=\log_a{b}</math>. |
We would read this as "the logarithm of b, base a, is x". For example, we know that <math>3^3=27</math>. To express this in Logarithmic notation, we would write it as <math>\log_3 27=3</math>. | We would read this as "the logarithm of b, base a, is x". For example, we know that <math>3^3=27</math>. To express this in Logarithmic notation, we would write it as <math>\log_3 27=3</math>. |
Revision as of 09:18, 14 July 2006
Introduction
Logarithms and exponents are very closely related. In fact, they are inverse functions. Basically, this means that logarithms can be used to reverse the result of exponentiation and vice versa, just as addition can be used to reverse the result of subtraction. Thus, if we have , then taking the logarithm with base on both sides will give us .
We would read this as "the logarithm of b, base a, is x". For example, we know that . To express this in Logarithmic notation, we would write it as .
When a logarithm has no base, it is assumed to be base 10. Thus, means .
Logarithmic Properties
We can use the properties of exponents to build a set of properties for logarithms.
We know that . We let and . This also makes . From , we have , and from , we have . So, . But we also have from that . Thus, we have found two expressions for establishing the identity:
Using the laws of exponents, we can derive and prove the following identities:
Try proving all of these as exercises.
Problems
- Evaluate .
- Evaluate .
- Simplify where .