Logarithms
In Mathematics, logarithms are the other way of
writing the exponents. A logarithm of a number with a
base is equal to another number. A logarithm is just the
opposite function of exponentiation. For example, if
102 = 100 then log10 100 = 2.
Hence, we can conclude that,
Logb x = n or bn = x
Where b is the base of the logarithmic function.
This can be read as “Logarithm of x to the base b is
equal to n”.
What are Logarithms?
A logarithm is defined as the power to which a number
must be raised to get some other values. It is the most
convenient way to express large numbers. A logarithm
has various important properties that prove
multiplication and division of logarithms can also be
written in the form of logarithm of addition and
subtraction.
“The logarithm of a positive real number a with respect
to base b, a positive real number not equal to 1 [nb 1], is
the exponent by which b must be raised to yield a”.
i.e. by= a ⇔logba=y
Where,
“a” and “b” are two positive real numbers
y is a real number
“a” is called argument, which is inside the log
“b” is called the base, which is at the bottom of the
log.
In other words, the logarithm gives the answer to the
question “How many times a number is multiplied to
get the other number?”.
For example, how many 3’s are multiplied to get the
answer 27?
If we multiply 3 for 3 times, we get the answer 27.
Therefore, the logarithm is 3.
The logarithm form is written as follows:
Log3 (27) = 3 ….(1)
Therefore, the base 3 logarithm of 27 is 3.
The above logarithm form can also be written as:
3x3x3 = 27
33 = 27 …..(2)
Thus, the equations (1) and (2) both represent the
same meaning.
Below are some of the examples of conversion from
exponential forms to logarithms.
Exponents Logarithms
62 = 36 Log6 36 = 2
102 = 100 Log10 100 = 2
33 = 27 Log3 27 = 3
Logarithm Types
In most cases, we always deal with two different types
of logarithms, namely
Common Logarithm
Natural Logarithm
Common Logarithm
The common logarithm is also called the base 10
logarithms. It is represented as log10 or simply log. For
example, the common logarithm of 1000 is written as a
log (1000). The common logarithm defines how many
times we have to multiply the number 10, to get the
required output.
For example, log (100) = 2
If we multiply the number 10 twice, we get the result
100.
Natural Logarithm
The natural logarithm is called the base e logarithm.
The natural logarithm is represented as ln or loge.
Here, “e” represents the Euler’s constant which is
approximately equal to 2.71828. For example, the
natural logarithm of 78 is written as ln 78. The natural
logarithm defines how many we have to multiply “e” to
get the required output.
For example, ln (78) = 4.357.
Thus, the base e logarithm of 78 is equal to 4.357.
Logarithm Rules and Properties
There are certain rules based on which logarithmic
operations can be performed. The names of these rules
are:
Product rule
Division rule
Power rule/Exponential Rule
Change of base rule
Base switch rule
Derivative of log
Integral of log
Let us have a look at each of these properties one by
one
Product Rule
In this rule, the multiplication of two logarithmic values
is equal to the addition of their individual logarithms.
Logb (mn)= logb m + logb n
For example: log3 ( 2y ) = log3 (2) + log3 (y)
Division Rule
The division of two logarithmic values is equal to the
difference of each logarithm.
Logb (m/n)= logb m – logb n
For example, log3 ( 2/ y ) = log3 (2) -log3 (y)
Exponential Rule
In the exponential rule, the logarithm of m with a
rational exponent is equal to the exponent times its
logarithm.
Logb (mn) = n logb m
Example: logb(23) = 3 logb 2
Change of Base Rule
Logb m = loga m/ loga b
Example: logb 2 = loga 2/loga b
Base Switch Rule
logb (a) = 1 / loga (b)
Example: logb 8 = 1/log8 b
Derivative of log
If f (x) = logb (x), then the derivative of f(x) is given by;
f'(x) = 1/(x ln(b))
Example: Given, f (x) = log10 (x)
Then, f'(x) = 1/(x ln(10))
Integral of Log
∫logb(x)dx = x( logb(x) – 1/ln(b) ) + C
Example: ∫ log10(x) dx = x ∙ ( log10(x) – 1 / ln(10) ) + C
Other Properties
Some other properties of logarithmic functions are:
Logb b = 1
Logb 1 = 0
Logb 0 = undefined
Logarithmic Formulas
logb(mn) = logb(m) + logb(n)
logb(m/n) = logb (m) – logb (n)
Logb (xy) = y logb(x)
Logbm√n = logb n/m
m logb(x) + n logb(y) = logb(xmyn)
logb(m+n) = logb m + logb(1+nm)
logb(m – n) = logb m + logb (1-n/m)
Also check:
Logarithm Table
Logarithmic Differentiation
Difference Between Log and Ln
Antilog Table
Logarithms Examples
Example 1:
Solve log 2 (64) =?
Solution:
since 26= 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64, 6 is the
exponent value and log 2 (64)= 6.
Example 2:
What is the value of log10(100)?
Solution:
In this case, 102 yields you 100. So, 2 is the exponent
value, and the value of log10(100)= 2
Example 3:
Use of the property of logarithms, solve for the value of
x for log3 x= log3 4+ log3 7
Solution:
By the addition rule, log3 4+ log3 7= log 3 (4 * 7 )
Log 3 ( 28 ). Thus, x= 28.
Example 4:
Solve for x in log2 x = 5
Solution:
This logarithmic function can be written In the
exponential form as 25 = x
Therefore, 25= 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 32, x= 32.
Example 5:
Find the value of log5 (1/25).
Solution:
Given: log5 (1/25)
By using the property,
Logb (m/n)= logb m – logb n
log5 (1/25) = log5 1 – log5 25
log5 (1/25) = 0 – log5 52
log5 (1/25) = -2log55
log5 (1/25) = -2 (1) [By using the property loga a = 1)
log5 (1/25) = -2.
Hence, the value of log5 (1/25) = -2
