Verbal formulation of logarithmic formulas. Definition of the logarithm and its properties: theory and problem solving


As you know, when multiplying expressions with powers, their exponents always add up (a b *a c = a b+c). This mathematical law was derived by Archimedes, and later, in the 8th century, the mathematician Virasen created a table of integer exponents. It was they who served for the further discovery of logarithms. Examples of using this function can be found almost everywhere where you need to simplify cumbersome multiplication by simple addition. If you spend 10 minutes reading this article, we will explain to you what logarithms are and how to work with them. In simple and accessible language.

Definition in mathematics

A logarithm is an expression of the following form: log a b=c, that is, the logarithm of any non-negative number (that is, any positive) “b” to its base “a” is considered to be the power “c” to which the base “a” must be raised in order to ultimately get the value "b". Let's analyze the logarithm using examples, let's say there is an expression log 2 8. How to find the answer? It’s very simple, you need to find a power such that from 2 to the required power you get 8. After doing some calculations in your head, we get the number 3! And that’s true, because 2 to the power of 3 gives the answer as 8.

Types of logarithms

For many pupils and students, this topic seems complicated and incomprehensible, but in fact logarithms are not so scary, the main thing is to understand their general meaning and remember their properties and some rules. There are three individual species logarithmic expressions:

  1. Natural logarithm ln a, where the base is the Euler number (e = 2.7).
  2. Decimal a, where the base is 10.
  3. Logarithm of any number b to base a>1.

Each of them is solved in a standard way, including simplification, reduction and subsequent reduction to a single logarithm using logarithmic theorems. For getting correct values logarithms, you should remember their properties and the sequence of actions when solving them.

Rules and some restrictions

In mathematics, there are several rules-constraints that are accepted as an axiom, that is, they are not subject to discussion and are the truth. For example, it is impossible to divide numbers by zero, and it is also impossible to extract the even root of negative numbers. Logarithms also have their own rules, following which you can easily learn to work even with long and capacious logarithmic expressions:

  • The base “a” must always be greater than zero, and not equal to 1, otherwise the expression will lose its meaning, because “1” and “0” to any degree are always equal to their values;
  • if a > 0, then a b >0, it turns out that “c” must also be greater than zero.

How to solve logarithms?

For example, the task is given to find the answer to the equation 10 x = 100. This is very easy, you need to choose a power by raising the number ten to which we get 100. This, of course, is 10 2 = 100.

Now let's represent this expression in logarithmic form. We get log 10 100 = 2. When solving logarithms, all actions practically converge to find the power to which it is necessary to enter the base of the logarithm in order to obtain a given number.

To accurately determine the value of an unknown degree, you need to learn how to work with a table of degrees. It looks like this:

As you can see, some exponents can be guessed intuitively if you have a technical mind and knowledge of the multiplication table. However for large values you will need a table of degrees. It can be used even by those who know nothing at all about complex mathematical topics. The left column contains numbers (base a), the top row of numbers is the value of the power c to which the number a is raised. At the intersection, the cells contain the number values ​​that are the answer (a c =b). Let's take, for example, the very first cell with the number 10 and square it, we get the value 100, which is indicated at the intersection of our two cells. Everything is so simple and easy that even the most true humanist will understand!

Equations and inequalities

It turns out that under certain conditions the exponent is the logarithm. Therefore, any mathematical numerical expressions can be written as a logarithmic equality. For example, 3 4 =81 can be written as the base 3 logarithm of 81 equal to four (log 3 81 = 4). For negative powers the rules are the same: 2 -5 = 1/32 we write it as a logarithm, we get log 2 (1/32) = -5. One of the most fascinating sections of mathematics is the topic of “logarithms”. We will look at examples and solutions of equations below, immediately after studying their properties. Now let's look at what inequalities look like and how to distinguish them from equations.

The following expression is given: log 2 (x-1) > 3 - it is a logarithmic inequality, since the unknown value “x” is under the logarithmic sign. And also in the expression two quantities are compared: the logarithm of the desired number to base two is greater than the number three.

The most important difference between logarithmic equations and inequalities is that equations with logarithms (for example, the logarithm 2 x = √9) imply one or more specific numerical values ​​in the answer, while when solving an inequality, both the range of acceptable values ​​​​and the points are determined breaking this function. As a consequence, the answer is not a simple set of individual numbers, as in the answer to an equation, but a continuous series or set of numbers.

Basic theorems about logarithms

When solving primitive tasks of finding the values ​​of the logarithm, its properties may not be known. However, when it comes to logarithmic equations or inequalities, first of all, it is necessary to clearly understand and apply in practice all the basic properties of logarithms. We will look at examples of equations later; let's first look at each property in more detail.

  1. The main identity looks like this: a logaB =B. It applies only when a is greater than 0, not equal to one, and B is greater than zero.
  2. The logarithm of the product can be represented in the following formula: log d (s 1 * s 2) = log d s 1 + log d s 2. In this case, the mandatory condition is: d, s 1 and s 2 > 0; a≠1. You can give a proof for this logarithmic formula, with examples and solution. Let log a s 1 = f 1 and log a s 2 = f 2, then a f1 = s 1, a f2 = s 2. We obtain that s 1 * s 2 = a f1 *a f2 = a f1+f2 (properties of degrees ), and then by definition: log a (s 1 * s 2) = f 1 + f 2 = log a s1 + log a s 2, which is what needed to be proven.
  3. The logarithm of the quotient looks like this: log a (s 1/ s 2) = log a s 1 - log a s 2.
  4. The theorem in the form of a formula takes the following form: log a q b n = n/q log a b.

This formula is called the “property of the degree of logarithm.” It resembles the properties of ordinary degrees, and it is not surprising, because all mathematics is based on natural postulates. Let's look at the proof.

Let log a b = t, it turns out a t =b. If we raise both parts to the power m: a tn = b n ;

but since a tn = (a q) nt/q = b n, therefore log a q b n = (n*t)/t, then log a q b n = n/q log a b. The theorem has been proven.

Examples of problems and inequalities

The most common types of problems on logarithms are examples of equations and inequalities. They are found in almost all problem books, and are also a required part of mathematics exams. To enter a university or pass entrance examinations in mathematics, you need to know how to correctly solve such tasks.

Unfortunately, there is no single plan or scheme for solving and determining the unknown value of the logarithm, however, it can be applied to every mathematical inequality or logarithmic equation certain rules. First of all, you should find out whether the expression can be simplified or lead to general appearance. You can simplify long logarithmic expressions if you use their properties correctly. Let's get to know them quickly.

When deciding logarithmic equations, we should determine what type of logarithm we have: an example expression may contain a natural logarithm or a decimal one.

Here are examples ln100, ln1026. Their solution boils down to the fact that they need to determine the power to which the base 10 will be equal to 100 and 1026, respectively. To solve natural logarithms, you need to apply logarithmic identities or their properties. Let's look at examples of solving logarithmic problems of various types.

How to Use Logarithm Formulas: With Examples and Solutions

So, let's look at examples of using the basic theorems about logarithms.

  1. The property of the logarithm of a product can be used in tasks where it is necessary to decompose a large value of the number b into simpler factors. For example, log 2 4 + log 2 128 = log 2 (4*128) = log 2 512. The answer is 9.
  2. log 4 8 = log 2 2 2 3 = 3/2 log 2 2 = 1.5 - as you can see, using the fourth property of the logarithm power, we managed to solve a seemingly complex and unsolvable expression. You just need to factor the base and then take the exponent values ​​out of the sign of the logarithm.

Assignments from the Unified State Exam

Logarithms are often found in entrance exams, especially many logarithmic problems in the Unified State Exam (state exam for all school graduates). Typically, these tasks are present not only in part A (the easiest test part of the exam), but also in part C (the most complex and voluminous tasks). The exam requires accurate and perfect knowledge of the topic “Natural logarithms”.

Examples and solutions to problems are taken from the official versions of the Unified State Exam. Let's see how such tasks are solved.

Given log 2 (2x-1) = 4. Solution:
let's rewrite the expression, simplifying it a little log 2 (2x-1) = 2 2, by the definition of the logarithm we get that 2x-1 = 2 4, therefore 2x = 17; x = 8.5.

  • It is best to reduce all logarithms to the same base so that the solution is not cumbersome and confusing.
  • All expressions under the logarithm sign are indicated as positive, therefore, when the exponent of an expression that is under the logarithm sign and as its base is taken out as a multiplier, the expression remaining under the logarithm must be positive.

main properties.

  1. logax + logay = loga(x y);
  2. logax − logay = loga (x: y).

identical grounds

Log6 4 + log6 9.

Now let's complicate the task a little.

Examples of solving logarithms

What if the base or argument of a logarithm is a power? Then the exponent of this degree can be taken out of the sign of the logarithm according to the following rules:

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x >

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Transition to a new foundation

Let the logarithm logax be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

See also:


Basic properties of the logarithm

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.



The exponent is 2.718281828…. To remember the exponent, you can study the rule: the exponent is equal to 2.7 and twice the year of birth of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy.

Basic properties of logarithms

Knowing this rule, you will know both the exact value of the exponent and the date of birth of Leo Tolstoy.


Examples for logarithms

Logarithm expressions

Example 1.
A). x=10ac^2 (a>0,c>0).

Using properties 3.5 we calculate

2.

3.

4. Where .



Example 2. Find x if


Example 3. Let the value of logarithms be given

Calculate log(x) if




Basic properties of logarithms

Logarithms, like any numbers, can be added, subtracted and transformed in every way. But since logarithms are not exactly ordinary numbers, there are rules here, which are called main properties.

You definitely need to know these rules - without them, not a single serious logarithmic problem can be solved. In addition, there are very few of them - you can learn everything in one day. So let's get started.

Adding and subtracting logarithms

Consider two logarithms with on the same grounds: logax and logay. Then they can be added and subtracted, and:

  1. logax + logay = loga(x y);
  2. logax − logay = loga (x: y).

So, the sum of logarithms is equal to the logarithm of the product, and the difference is equal to the logarithm of the quotient. Note: key moment Here - identical grounds. If the reasons are different, these rules do not work!

These formulas will help you calculate a logarithmic expression even when its individual parts are not considered (see the lesson “What is a logarithm”). Take a look at the examples and see:

Since logarithms have the same bases, we use the sum formula:
log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 9) = log6 36 = 2.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log2 48 − log2 3.

The bases are the same, we use the difference formula:
log2 48 − log2 3 = log2 (48: 3) = log2 16 = 4.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log3 135 − log3 5.

Again the bases are the same, so we have:
log3 135 − log3 5 = log3 (135: 5) = log3 27 = 3.

As you can see, the original expressions are made up of “bad” logarithms, which are not calculated separately. But after the transformations they turn out quite normal numbers. Many are built on this fact test papers. Yes, test-like expressions are offered in all seriousness (sometimes with virtually no changes) on the Unified State Examination.

Extracting the exponent from the logarithm

It's easy to notice that last rule follows the first two. But it’s better to remember it anyway - in some cases it will significantly reduce the amount of calculations.

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0. And one more thing: learn to apply all formulas not only from left to right, but also vice versa, i.e. You can enter the numbers before the logarithm sign into the logarithm itself. This is what is most often required.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log7 496.

Let's get rid of the degree in the argument using the first formula:
log7 496 = 6 log7 49 = 6 2 = 12

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that the denominator contains a logarithm, the base and argument of which are exact powers: 16 = 24; 49 = 72. We have:

I think the last example requires some clarification. Where have logarithms gone? Until the very last moment we work only with the denominator.

Logarithm formulas. Logarithms examples solutions.

We presented the base and argument of the logarithm standing there in the form of powers and took out the exponents - we got a “three-story” fraction.

Now let's look at the main fraction. The numerator and denominator contain the same number: log2 7. Since log2 7 ≠ 0, we can reduce the fraction - 2/4 will remain in the denominator. According to the rules of arithmetic, the four can be transferred to the numerator, which is what was done. The result was the answer: 2.

Transition to a new foundation

Speaking about the rules for adding and subtracting logarithms, I specifically emphasized that they only work with the same bases. What if the reasons are different? What if they are not exact powers of the same number?

Formulas for transition to a new foundation come to the rescue. Let us formulate them in the form of a theorem:

Let the logarithm logax be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

In particular, if we set c = x, we get:

From the second formula it follows that the base and argument of the logarithm can be swapped, but in this case the entire expression is “turned over”, i.e. the logarithm appears in the denominator.

These formulas are rarely found in conventional numerical expressions. It is possible to evaluate how convenient they are only when solving logarithmic equations and inequalities.

However, there are problems that cannot be solved at all except by moving to a new foundation. Let's look at a couple of these:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log5 16 log2 25.

Note that the arguments of both logarithms contain exact powers. Let's take out the indicators: log5 16 = log5 24 = 4log5 2; log2 25 = log2 52 = 2log2 5;

Now let’s “reverse” the second logarithm:

Since the product does not change when rearranging factors, we calmly multiplied four and two, and then dealt with logarithms.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log9 100 lg 3.

The base and argument of the first logarithm are exact powers. Let's write this down and get rid of the indicators:

Now let's get rid of the decimal logarithm by moving to a new base:

Basic logarithmic identity

Often in the solution process it is necessary to represent a number as a logarithm to a given base. In this case, the following formulas will help us:

In the first case, the number n becomes the exponent in the argument. The number n can be absolutely anything, because it is just a logarithm value.

The second formula is actually a paraphrased definition. That's what it's called: .

In fact, what happens if the number b is raised to such a power that the number b to this power gives the number a? That's right: the result is the same number a. Read this paragraph carefully again - many people get stuck on it.

Like the formulas for transition to a new base, the main logarithmic identity sometimes it is the only possible solution.

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that log25 64 = log5 8 - simply took the square from the base and argument of the logarithm. Taking into account the rules for multiplying powers with the same base, we get:

If anyone doesn’t know, this was a real task from the Unified State Exam :)

Logarithmic unit and logarithmic zero

In conclusion, I will give two identities that can hardly be called properties - rather, they are consequences of the definition of the logarithm. They constantly appear in problems and, surprisingly, create problems even for “advanced” students.

  1. logaa = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
  2. loga 1 = 0 is. The base a can be anything, but if the argument contains one, the logarithm is equal to zero! Because a0 = 1 is a direct consequence of the definition.

That's all the properties. Be sure to practice putting them into practice! Download the cheat sheet at the beginning of the lesson, print it out, and solve the problems.

See also:

The logarithm of b to base a denotes the expression. To calculate the logarithm means to find a power x () at which the equality is satisfied

Basic properties of the logarithm

It is necessary to know the above properties, since almost all problems and examples related to logarithms are solved on their basis. The rest of the exotic properties can be derived through mathematical manipulations with these formulas

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

When calculating the formula for the sum and difference of logarithms (3.4) you come across quite often. The rest are somewhat complex, but in a number of tasks they are indispensable for simplifying complex expressions and calculating their values.

Common cases of logarithms

Some of the common logarithms are those in which the base is even ten, exponential or two.
The logarithm to base ten is usually called the decimal logarithm and is simply denoted by lg(x).

It is clear from the recording that the basics are not written in the recording. For example

A natural logarithm is a logarithm whose base is an exponent (denoted by ln(x)).

The exponent is 2.718281828…. To remember the exponent, you can study the rule: the exponent is equal to 2.7 and twice the year of birth of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy. Knowing this rule, you will know both the exact value of the exponent and the date of birth of Leo Tolstoy.

And another important logarithm to base two is denoted by

The derivative of the logarithm of a function is equal to one divided by the variable

The integral or antiderivative logarithm is determined by the relationship

The given material is enough for you to solve a wide class of problems related to logarithms and logarithms. To help you understand the material, I will give only a few common examples from the school curriculum and universities.

Examples for logarithms

Logarithm expressions

Example 1.
A). x=10ac^2 (a>0,c>0).

Using properties 3.5 we calculate

2.
By the property of difference of logarithms we have

3.
Using properties 3.5 we find

4. Where .

A seemingly complex expression is simplified to form using a number of rules

Finding logarithm values

Example 2. Find x if

Solution. For calculation, we apply to the last term 5 and 13 properties

We put it on record and mourn

Since the bases are equal, we equate the expressions

Logarithms. First level.

Let the value of logarithms be given

Calculate log(x) if

Solution: Let's take a logarithm of the variable to write the logarithm through the sum of its terms


This is just the beginning of our acquaintance with logarithms and their properties. Practice calculations, enrich your practical skills - you will soon need the knowledge you gain to solve logarithmic equations. Having studied the basic methods for solving such equations, we will expand your knowledge to another equally important topic - logarithmic inequalities...

Basic properties of logarithms

Logarithms, like any numbers, can be added, subtracted and transformed in every way. But since logarithms are not exactly ordinary numbers, there are rules here, which are called main properties.

You definitely need to know these rules - without them, not a single serious logarithmic problem can be solved. In addition, there are very few of them - you can learn everything in one day. So let's get started.

Adding and subtracting logarithms

Consider two logarithms with the same bases: logax and logay. Then they can be added and subtracted, and:

  1. logax + logay = loga(x y);
  2. logax − logay = loga (x: y).

So, the sum of logarithms is equal to the logarithm of the product, and the difference is equal to the logarithm of the quotient. Please note: the key point here is identical grounds. If the reasons are different, these rules do not work!

These formulas will help you calculate a logarithmic expression even when its individual parts are not considered (see the lesson “What is a logarithm”). Take a look at the examples and see:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log6 4 + log6 9.

Since logarithms have the same bases, we use the sum formula:
log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 9) = log6 36 = 2.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log2 48 − log2 3.

The bases are the same, we use the difference formula:
log2 48 − log2 3 = log2 (48: 3) = log2 16 = 4.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log3 135 − log3 5.

Again the bases are the same, so we have:
log3 135 − log3 5 = log3 (135: 5) = log3 27 = 3.

As you can see, the original expressions are made up of “bad” logarithms, which are not calculated separately. But after the transformations, completely normal numbers are obtained. Many tests are based on this fact. Yes, test-like expressions are offered in all seriousness (sometimes with virtually no changes) on the Unified State Examination.

Extracting the exponent from the logarithm

Now let's complicate the task a little. What if the base or argument of a logarithm is a power? Then the exponent of this degree can be taken out of the sign of the logarithm according to the following rules:

It is easy to see that the last rule follows the first two. But it’s better to remember it anyway - in some cases it will significantly reduce the amount of calculations.

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0. And one more thing: learn to apply all formulas not only from left to right, but also vice versa, i.e. You can enter the numbers before the logarithm sign into the logarithm itself.

How to solve logarithms

This is what is most often required.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log7 496.

Let's get rid of the degree in the argument using the first formula:
log7 496 = 6 log7 49 = 6 2 = 12

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that the denominator contains a logarithm, the base and argument of which are exact powers: 16 = 24; 49 = 72. We have:

I think the last example requires some clarification. Where have logarithms gone? Until the very last moment we work only with the denominator. We presented the base and argument of the logarithm standing there in the form of powers and took out the exponents - we got a “three-story” fraction.

Now let's look at the main fraction. The numerator and denominator contain the same number: log2 7. Since log2 7 ≠ 0, we can reduce the fraction - 2/4 will remain in the denominator. According to the rules of arithmetic, the four can be transferred to the numerator, which is what was done. The result was the answer: 2.

Transition to a new foundation

Speaking about the rules for adding and subtracting logarithms, I specifically emphasized that they only work with the same bases. What if the reasons are different? What if they are not exact powers of the same number?

Formulas for transition to a new foundation come to the rescue. Let us formulate them in the form of a theorem:

Let the logarithm logax be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

In particular, if we set c = x, we get:

From the second formula it follows that the base and argument of the logarithm can be swapped, but in this case the entire expression is “turned over”, i.e. the logarithm appears in the denominator.

These formulas are rarely found in ordinary numerical expressions. It is possible to evaluate how convenient they are only when solving logarithmic equations and inequalities.

However, there are problems that cannot be solved at all except by moving to a new foundation. Let's look at a couple of these:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log5 16 log2 25.

Note that the arguments of both logarithms contain exact powers. Let's take out the indicators: log5 16 = log5 24 = 4log5 2; log2 25 = log2 52 = 2log2 5;

Now let’s “reverse” the second logarithm:

Since the product does not change when rearranging factors, we calmly multiplied four and two, and then dealt with logarithms.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log9 100 lg 3.

The base and argument of the first logarithm are exact powers. Let's write this down and get rid of the indicators:

Now let's get rid of the decimal logarithm by moving to a new base:

Basic logarithmic identity

Often in the solution process it is necessary to represent a number as a logarithm to a given base. In this case, the following formulas will help us:

In the first case, the number n becomes the exponent in the argument. The number n can be absolutely anything, because it is just a logarithm value.

The second formula is actually a paraphrased definition. That's what it's called: .

In fact, what happens if the number b is raised to such a power that the number b to this power gives the number a? That's right: the result is the same number a. Read this paragraph carefully again - many people get stuck on it.

Like formulas for moving to a new base, the basic logarithmic identity is sometimes the only possible solution.

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that log25 64 = log5 8 - simply took the square from the base and argument of the logarithm. Taking into account the rules for multiplying powers with the same base, we get:

If anyone doesn’t know, this was a real task from the Unified State Exam :)

Logarithmic unit and logarithmic zero

In conclusion, I will give two identities that can hardly be called properties - rather, they are consequences of the definition of the logarithm. They constantly appear in problems and, surprisingly, create problems even for “advanced” students.

  1. logaa = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
  2. loga 1 = 0 is. The base a can be anything, but if the argument contains one, the logarithm is equal to zero! Because a0 = 1 is a direct consequence of the definition.

That's all the properties. Be sure to practice putting them into practice! Download the cheat sheet at the beginning of the lesson, print it out, and solve the problems.

One of the elements of primitive level algebra is the logarithm. The name comes from the Greek language from the word “number” or “power” and means the power to which the number in the base must be raised to find the final number.

Types of logarithms

  • log a b – logarithm of the number b to base a (a > 0, a ≠ 1, b > 0);
  • log b – decimal logarithm (logarithm to base 10, a = 10);
  • ln b – natural logarithm (logarithm to base e, a = e).

How to solve logarithms?

The logarithm of b to base a is an exponent that requires b to be raised to base a. The result obtained is pronounced like this: “logarithm of b to base a.” The solution to logarithmic problems is that you need to determine a given power in numbers by the indicated numbers. There are some basic rules to determine or solve the logarithm, as well as convert the notation itself. Using them, logarithmic equations are solved, derivatives are found, integrals are solved, and many other operations are carried out. Basically, the solution to the logarithm itself is its simplified notation. Below are the basic formulas and properties:

For any a ; a > 0; a ≠ 1 and for any x ; y > 0.

  • a log a b = b – basic logarithmic identity
  • log a 1 = 0
  • loga a = 1
  • log a (x y) = log a x + log a y
  • log a x/ y = log a x – log a y
  • log a 1/x = -log a x
  • log a x p = p log a x
  • log a k x = 1/k log a x , for k ≠ 0
  • log a x = log a c x c
  • log a x = log b x/ log b a – formula for moving to a new base
  • log a x = 1/log x a


How to solve logarithms - step-by-step instructions for solving

  • First, write down the required equation.

Please note: if the base logarithm is 10, then the entry is shortened, resulting in a decimal logarithm. If it's worth natural number e, then we write it down, abbreviating it to natural logarithm. This means that the result of all logarithms is the power to which the base number is raised to obtain the number b.


Directly, the solution lies in calculating this degree. Before solving an expression with a logarithm, it must be simplified according to the rule, that is, using formulas. You can find the main identities by going back a little in the article.

When adding and subtracting logarithms with two different numbers but with the same bases, replace with one logarithm with the product or division of the numbers b and c, respectively. In this case, you can apply the formula for moving to another base (see above).

If you use expressions to simplify a logarithm, there are some limitations to consider. And that is: the base of the logarithm a is only a positive number, but not equal to one. The number b, like a, must be greater than zero.

There are cases where, by simplifying an expression, you will not be able to calculate the logarithm numerically. It happens that such an expression does not make sense, because many powers are irrational numbers. Under this condition, leave the power of the number as a logarithm.



\(a^(b)=c\) \(\Leftrightarrow\) \(\log_(a)(c)=b\)

Let's explain it more simply. For example, \(\log_(2)(8)\) is equal to the power to which \(2\) must be raised to get \(8\). From this it is clear that \(\log_(2)(8)=3\).

Examples:

\(\log_(5)(25)=2\)

because \(5^(2)=25\)

\(\log_(3)(81)=4\)

because \(3^(4)=81\)

\(\log_(2)\)\(\frac(1)(32)\) \(=-5\)

because \(2^(-5)=\)\(\frac(1)(32)\)

Argument and base of logarithm

Any logarithm has the following “anatomy”:

The argument of a logarithm is usually written at its level, and the base is written in subscript closer to the logarithm sign. And this entry reads like this: “logarithm of twenty-five to base five.”

How to calculate logarithm?

To calculate the logarithm, you need to answer the question: to what power should the base be raised to get the argument?

For example, calculate the logarithm: a) \(\log_(4)(16)\) b) \(\log_(3)\)\(\frac(1)(3)\) c) \(\log_(\sqrt (5))(1)\) d) \(\log_(\sqrt(7))(\sqrt(7))\) e) \(\log_(3)(\sqrt(3))\)

a) To what power must \(4\) be raised to get \(16\)? Obviously the second one. That's why:

\(\log_(4)(16)=2\)

\(\log_(3)\)\(\frac(1)(3)\) \(=-1\)

c) To what power must \(\sqrt(5)\) be raised to get \(1\)? What power makes any number one? Zero, of course!

\(\log_(\sqrt(5))(1)=0\)

d) To what power must \(\sqrt(7)\) be raised to obtain \(\sqrt(7)\)? Firstly, any number to the first power is equal to itself.

\(\log_(\sqrt(7))(\sqrt(7))=1\)

e) To what power must \(3\) be raised to obtain \(\sqrt(3)\)? From we know that is a fractional power, which means Square root is the power of \(\frac(1)(2)\) .

\(\log_(3)(\sqrt(3))=\)\(\frac(1)(2)\)

Example : Calculate logarithm \(\log_(4\sqrt(2))(8)\)

Solution :

\(\log_(4\sqrt(2))(8)=x\)

We need to find the value of the logarithm, let's denote it as x. Now let's use the definition of a logarithm:
\(\log_(a)(c)=b\) \(\Leftrightarrow\) \(a^(b)=c\)

\((4\sqrt(2))^(x)=8\)

What connects \(4\sqrt(2)\) and \(8\)? Two, because both numbers can be represented by twos:
\(4=2^(2)\) \(\sqrt(2)=2^(\frac(1)(2))\) \(8=2^(3)\)

\(((2^(2)\cdot2^(\frac(1)(2))))^(x)=2^(3)\)

On the left we use the properties of the degree: \(a^(m)\cdot a^(n)=a^(m+n)\) and \((a^(m))^(n)=a^(m\cdot n)\)

\(2^(\frac(5)(2)x)=2^(3)\)

The bases are equal, we move on to equality of indicators

\(\frac(5x)(2)\) \(=3\)


Multiply both sides of the equation by \(\frac(2)(5)\)


The resulting root is the value of the logarithm

Answer : \(\log_(4\sqrt(2))(8)=1,2\)

Why was the logarithm invented?

To understand this, let's solve the equation: \(3^(x)=9\). Just match \(x\) to make the equality work. Of course, \(x=2\).

Now solve the equation: \(3^(x)=8\).What is x equal to? That's the point.

The smartest ones will say: “X is a little less than two.” How exactly to write this number? To answer this question, the logarithm was invented. Thanks to him, the answer here can be written as \(x=\log_(3)(8)\).

I want to emphasize that \(\log_(3)(8)\), like any logarithm is just a number. Yes, it looks unusual, but it’s short. Because if we wanted to write it in the form decimal, then it would look like this: \(1.892789260714.....\)

Example : Solve the equation \(4^(5x-4)=10\)

Solution :

\(4^(5x-4)=10\)

\(4^(5x-4)\) and \(10\) cannot be brought to the same base. This means you can’t do without a logarithm.

Let's use the definition of logarithm:
\(a^(b)=c\) \(\Leftrightarrow\) \(\log_(a)(c)=b\)

\(\log_(4)(10)=5x-4\)

Let's flip the equation so that X is on the left

\(5x-4=\log_(4)(10)\)

Before us. Let's move \(4\) to the right.

And don't be afraid of the logarithm, treat it like an ordinary number.

\(5x=\log_(4)(10)+4\)

Divide the equation by 5

\(x=\)\(\frac(\log_(4)(10)+4)(5)\)


This is our root. Yes, it looks unusual, but they don’t choose the answer.

Answer : \(\frac(\log_(4)(10)+4)(5)\)

Decimal and natural logarithms

As stated in the definition of a logarithm, its base can be any positive number except one \((a>0, a\neq1)\). And among all the possible bases, there are two that occur so often that a special short notation was invented for logarithms with them:

Natural logarithm: a logarithm whose base is Euler's number \(e\) (equal to approximately \(2.7182818…\)), and the logarithm is written as \(\ln(a)\).

That is, \(\ln(a)\) is the same as \(\log_(e)(a)\)

Decimal Logarithm: A logarithm whose base is 10 is written \(\lg(a)\).

That is, \(\lg(a)\) is the same as \(\log_(10)(a)\), where \(a\) is some number.

Basic logarithmic identity

Logarithms have many properties. One of them is called the “Basic Logarithmic Identity” and looks like this:

\(a^(\log_(a)(c))=c\)

This property follows directly from the definition. Let's see exactly how this formula came about.

Let us recall a short notation of the definition of logarithm:

if \(a^(b)=c\), then \(\log_(a)(c)=b\)

That is, \(b\) is the same as \(\log_(a)(c)\). Then we can write \(\log_(a)(c)\) instead of \(b\) in the formula \(a^(b)=c\). It turned out \(a^(\log_(a)(c))=c\) - the main logarithmic identity.

You can find other properties of logarithms. With their help, you can simplify and calculate the values ​​of expressions with logarithms, which are difficult to calculate directly.

Example : Find the value of the expression \(36^(\log_(6)(5))\)

Solution :

Answer : \(25\)

How to write a number as a logarithm?

As mentioned above, any logarithm is just a number. The converse is also true: any number can be written as a logarithm. For example, we know that \(\log_(2)(4)\) is equal to two. Then instead of two you can write \(\log_(2)(4)\).

But \(\log_(3)(9)\) is also equal to \(2\), which means we can also write \(2=\log_(3)(9)\) . Likewise with \(\log_(5)(25)\), and with \(\log_(9)(81)\), etc. That is, it turns out

\(2=\log_(2)(4)=\log_(3)(9)=\log_(4)(16)=\log_(5)(25)=\log_(6)(36)=\ log_(7)(49)...\)

Thus, if we need, we can write two as a logarithm with any base anywhere (be it in an equation, in an expression, or in an inequality) - we simply write the base squared as an argument.

It’s the same with the triple – it can be written as \(\log_(2)(8)\), or as \(\log_(3)(27)\), or as \(\log_(4)(64) \)... Here we write the base in the cube as an argument:

\(3=\log_(2)(8)=\log_(3)(27)=\log_(4)(64)=\log_(5)(125)=\log_(6)(216)=\ log_(7)(343)...\)

And with four:

\(4=\log_(2)(16)=\log_(3)(81)=\log_(4)(256)=\log_(5)(625)=\log_(6)(1296)=\ log_(7)(2401)...\)

And with minus one:

\(-1=\) \(\log_(2)\)\(\frac(1)(2)\) \(=\) \(\log_(3)\)\(\frac(1)( 3)\) \(=\) \(\log_(4)\)\(\frac(1)(4)\) \(=\) \(\log_(5)\)\(\frac(1 )(5)\) \(=\) \(\log_(6)\)\(\frac(1)(6)\) \(=\) \(\log_(7)\)\(\frac (1)(7)\) \(...\)

And with one third:

\(\frac(1)(3)\) \(=\log_(2)(\sqrt(2))=\log_(3)(\sqrt(3))=\log_(4)(\sqrt( 4))=\log_(5)(\sqrt(5))=\log_(6)(\sqrt(6))=\log_(7)(\sqrt(7))...\)

Any number \(a\) can be represented as a logarithm with base \(b\): \(a=\log_(b)(b^(a))\)

Example : Find the meaning of the expression \(\frac(\log_(2)(14))(1+\log_(2)(7))\)

Solution :

Answer : \(1\)

Today we will talk about logarithmic formulas and we will give indicative solution examples.

They themselves imply solution patterns according to the basic properties of logarithms. Before applying logarithm formulas to solve, let us remind you of all the properties:

Now, based on these formulas (properties), we will show examples of solving logarithms.

Examples of solving logarithms based on formulas.

Logarithm a positive number b to base a (denoted by log a b) is an exponent to which a must be raised to get b, with b > 0, a > 0, and 1.

According to the definition, log a b = x, which is equivalent to a x = b, therefore log a a x = x.

Logarithms, examples:

log 2 8 = 3, because 2 3 = 8

log 7 49 = 2, because 7 2 = 49

log 5 1/5 = -1, because 5 -1 = 1/5

Decimal logarithm- this is an ordinary logarithm, the base of which is 10. It is denoted as lg.

log 10 100 = 2, because 10 2 = 100

Natural logarithm- also an ordinary logarithm, a logarithm, but with the base e (e = 2.71828... - an irrational number). Denoted as ln.

It is advisable to memorize the formulas or properties of logarithms, because we will need them later when solving logarithms, logarithmic equations and inequalities. Let's work through each formula again with examples.

  • Basic logarithmic identity
    a log a b = b

    8 2log 8 3 = (8 2log 8 3) 2 = 3 2 = 9

  • Logarithm of the product equal to the sum logarithms
    log a (bc) = log a b + log a c

    log 3 8.1 + log 3 10 = log 3 (8.1*10) = log 3 81 = 4

  • The logarithm of the quotient is equal to the difference of the logarithms
    log a (b/c) = log a b - log a c

    9 log 5 50 /9 log 5 2 = 9 log 5 50- log 5 2 = 9 log 5 25 = 9 2 = 81

  • Properties of the power of a logarithmic number and the base of the logarithm

    Exponent of logarithm log numbers a b m = mlog a b

    Base exponent logarithm log a n b =1/n*log a b

    log a n b m = m/n*log a b,

    if m = n, we get log a n b n = log a b

    log 4 9 = log 2 2 3 2 = log 2 3

  • Transition to a new foundation
    log a b = log c b/log c a,

    if c = b, we get log b b = 1

    then log a b = 1/log b a

    log 0.8 3*log 3 1.25 = log 0.8 3*log 0.8 1.25/log 0.8 3 = log 0.8 1.25 = log 4/5 5/4 = -1

As you can see, the formulas for logarithms are not as complicated as they seem. Now, having looked at examples of solving logarithms, we can move on to logarithmic equations. We will look at examples of solving logarithmic equations in more detail in the article: "". Do not miss!

If you still have questions about the solution, write them in the comments to the article.

Note: we decided to get a different class of education and study abroad as an option.