# Logarithms

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.

## History

John Napier introduced the concept of Logarithms in the 17th century. Later it was used by many scientists, navigators, engineers, etc for performing various calculations which made it simple. In simple words, Logarithms are the inverse process of the exponentiation. In this article, we are going to have a look at the definition, properties, and examples of logarithm in detail.

## Logarithm Definition

A logarithm is defined as the power to which 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 and it is read as “the logarithm of a to base b.”

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.

## 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 = log2/loga b

### Base Switch Rule

log(a) = 1 / log(b)

Example: logb 8 = 1/log8 b

### Derivative of log

If f (x) = log(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:

## Logarithms Examples

Question 1: Solve log 2 (64) =?

Solution:

since 26= 2 ××××× 2 = 64, 6 is the exponent value and log 2 (64)= 6.

Question 2: What is the value of log10(100)?

Solution:

In this case, 10 2 yields you 100. So, 2 is the exponent value, and the value of log10(100)= 2

Question 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.

Question 4: Solve for x in log 2 x = 5

Solution:

This logarithmic function can be written In the exponential form as 2 5 = x

Therefore, 2 5= 2 ×××× 2 = 32, X= 32.

## Logarithms Applications

Logarithms are nowadays widely used in the field of science and technology. We can even find logarithmic calculators which have made our calculations much easier. These find its applications in surveying and celestial navigation purposes. They are also used in calculations such as measuring the loudness (decibels), the intensity of the earthquake regarding Richter scale, in radioactive decay, to find the acidity (pH= -log10[H+]), etc.

## Frequently Asked Questions on Logarithm

### What is meant by logarithm?

A logarithm is defined as the power to which a number must be raised to get some other values. In other words, it gives the answer to the question “How many times a number is multiplied to get the other number?”. The logarithm of a number is expressed as
logb x = y

### What are the two different types of a logarithm?

The two most common types of logarithms are:
Common Logarithm (or) Base 10 Logarithm
Natural Logarithm (or) Base e Logarithm

### Mention any two properties of the logarithm?

The two important properties of logarithm are:
Logb (mn) = logb m+ logb n
Logb (m/n) = logb m – logb n

### What is the logarithm of 0?

The logarithm of 0 is undefined. Because, we never get the value 0, by raising any value to the power of anything else.

### What is the logarithm of 10?

The logarithm of 10 is 1. (i.e.,) log10 10 = 1. Hence, the base 10 logarithm of 10 is 1.

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1. Abdulwaheed

log3^2*log2^81=4

log5^3*log3^25=2

asa sir i want solution of this

1. 1) log32*log281=4
Solution:-
log32 = 0.63
log281 = 6.34
⇒ 0.63*6.34 = 3.99= 4

2) log53 * log325 = 2
solution:-
log53 = 0.68
log325 = 2.93
⇒ 0.68*2.93= 1.99=2

2. Aayushman

log3^2×log2^81=4
1/log2^3×log2^81=4 (1/log2^3=log3^2)
4log2^3/log2^3=4 (log2^81=4log2^3)
4 = 4
LHS = RHS PROVED

log5^3×log3^25=2
1/log3^5×log3^25=2 (1/log3^5=log5^3)
2log3^5/log3^5=2 (log3^25=2log3^5)
2 = 2
LHS = RHS PROVED

2. a power (log base b (log base b n)/log a base b)

3. Log1024 base4

1. Let, Log1024 base4 = X
4^X = 1024 (by log formula)
4^5 = 1024
Therefore, X=5
Log1024 base4 = 5

2. Suindu De

1024 is 2 to the power 10 and 4 is 2 to the power 2 hence ur answer is 5