LESSON

16.1 Name Class Date

Properties of 16.1 Properties of Logarithms

Logarithms Essential Question: What are the properties of logarithms?

Resource
Common Core Math Standards Locker

Explore 1 Investigating the Properties of Logarithms

The student is expected to:
COMMON You can use a scientific calculator to evaluate a logarithmic expression.
CORE F.BF.B.5(+)
Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms A Evaluate the expressions in each set using a scientific calculator.
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and
Set A Set B
exponents.
10 1 ≈
Mathematical Practices log _e ≈ 0.566 _ 2.303
log e
COMMON ln 10 ≈ 2.303 1 + log e ≈ 1.434
CORE MP.6 Precision
log e ≈
10
4.343 1 - log e ≈ 0.566
Language Objective
log 10e ≈ 1.434 10 log e ≈ 4.343
Work with a small group to discuss and record the properties of
logarithms and exponents.
B Match the expressions in Set A to the equivalent expressions in Set B.
10 =
log _ 1 - log e
e
____
1

ENGAGE
ln 10 = log e

log e 10 = 10 log e

Essential Question: What are the log 10e = 1 + log e

properties of logarithms?
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Reflect
Logarithms have properties that are related to the 1. How can you check the results of evaluating the logarithmic expressions in Set A? Use this method to
properties of exponents. There is a Product Property check each.
Use the exponential form of the equations to check the results.
of Logarithms, a Quotient Property of Logarithms,
log __
10
e ≈ 0.566 ln 10 ≈ 2.303
and a Power Property of Logarithms. There is also a
__
10
≈ 10 0.566 10 ≈ e 2.303
Change of Base Property of Logarithms. e
3.679 ≈ 3.681 10 ≈ 10.004

PREVIEW: LESSON log e 10 ≈ 4.343 log 10e ≈ 1.434

PERFORMANCE TASK e 10
≈ 10 4.343
10e ≈ 10 1.434
View the Engage section online. Discuss the photo, 22,026.47 ≈ 22,029.265 27.183 ≈ 27.164
asking which would be more useful: a model for the
population as a function of time or a model for time Module 16
EDIT--Chan
ges must
DO NOT Key=NL-A;CA-A
be made throu
gh "File info" 827 Lesson 1
Correction

as a function of the population. Then preview the

Date
Class

hms
of Logarit
Name

perties

Lesson Performance Task.

16.1 Pro
Essential
Quest ion: What
are the prope

Understand
the inverse
rties of logari

relationship
thms?

between
ng logarit
exponents
hms and expon
ents.
and logarit
hms and use

arithms
this Resource
Locker
HARDCOVER PAGES 625632
F.BF.B.5(+) ms involvi
ties of Log
the Proper
to solve proble
COMMON
CORE
relationship g
1 Investigatin hmic expres
sion.
Explore te a logarit
tor to evalua
fic calcula

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 827 4/9/14 2:05 AM

a scienti calculator.
You can use a scientific
set using
sions in each

Turn to these pages to

Set B
the expres
Evaluate
 Set A 1 ≈ 2.303
_
log e
10 0.566 ≈ 1.434
log e ≈
_ 1 + log e

find this lesson in the

2.303 ≈ 0.566
ln 10 ≈ 1 - log e
4.343
log e ≈
10 4.343 10 log e ≈
1.434
log 10e ≈
B.
sions in Set

hardcover student
lent expres
in Set A to the equiva
expressions
Match the
 10 1 - log e
log e =
_
____
1
ln 10 = log e

edition.
10 log e
log e =
10

1 + log e
log 10e = metho d to
A? Use this
sions in Set
thmic expres
the logari
y
g Compan

Reflect of evaluating
the results results.
How can
you check check the
tions to
ln 10 ≈ 2.303
1.
of the equa
Publishin

check each. nential form

Use the expo ≈
2.303
10 e
__
Harcour t

log e ≈
10 0.566 4
10 ≈ 10.00
__
10 ≈ 100.566
n Mifflin

3.679 ≈
3.681
log 10e ≈
1.434
© Houghto

1.434
10e ≈ 10
10 ≈ 4.343
log e 27.164
4.343 27.183 ≈
e10 ≈ 10 Lesson 1
9.265
≈ 22,02
22,026.47
827

1:01 AM
4/9/14
Module 16

827
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92_U6M1
ESE3898
IN3_MNL

827 Lesson 16.1

 2. Discussion How do you know that log e and ln 10 are reciprocals? Given that the expressions are

EXPLORE 1
reciprocals, show another way to represent each expression.
(log e)(ln 10) = 1, so the expressions are reciprocals.
log e = ____
1
and ln 10 = ____
1
.
ln 10 log e
Investigating the Properties of
Explore 2 Proving the Properties of Logarithms Logarithms
A logarithm is the exponent to which a base must be raised in order to obtain a given number. So log b b m = m.
It follows that log b b 0 = 0, so log b 1 = 0. Also, log b b 1 = 1, so log b b = 1. Additional properties of logarithms are the
Product Property of Logarithms, the Quotient Property of Logarithms, the Power Property of Logarithms, and the
Change of Base Property of Logarithms.
INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
Students have the option of completing the Explore
Properties of Logarithms
activity either in the book or online.
For any positive numbers a, m, n, b (b ≠ 1), and c (c ≠ 1), the following properties hold.

Definition-Based Properties log b b m = m log b 1 = 0 log b b = 1

Product Property of Logarithms log b mn = log b m + log b n QUESTIONING STRATEGIES

Quotient Property of Logarithms m = log m - log n
log b _ What is the base for logarithms written as log
n b b

x? for logarithms written as ln x? The base for

Power Property of Logarithms log bm n = nlog bm
log x is 10. The base for ln x is e.
log b a
Change of Base Property of Logarithms log c a = _
log b c How do you enter e on a graphing
Given positive numbers m, n, and b (b ≠ 1), prove the Product Property of Logarithms. calculator? Press 2nd e x and enter 1 as the
value of x.
A Let x = log b m and y = log b n. Rewrite the expressions in exponential form.

m= bx
n= by
EXPLORE 2
B Substitute for m and n.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
log b mn = log b ( bx ∙ by ) Proving the Properties of Logarithms

C Use the Product of Powers Property of Exponents to simplify.

log b (b x ∙ b y) = log b b
x∙y QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
Which property of exponents is similar to the
D Use the definition of a logarithm log b b m = m to simplify further.
Product Property of Logarithms? Why? The
log b b x + y = x+y Product of Powers Property; both use addition to
rewrite an expression involving multiplication.
E Substitute for x and y.

x + y = log b m + log b n Which property of exponents is similar to the

Quotient Property of Logarithms? Why? The
Quotient of Powers Property; both use subtraction
Module 16 828 Lesson 1 to rewrite an expression involving division.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 828 09/09/14 4:56 PM
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
Integrate Mathematical Practices PRACTICES
This lesson provides an opportunity to address Mathematical Practice MP.6, Focus on Technology
which calls for students to “attend to precision.” Students learn that, because of the MP.5 A calculator has keys for common logs (that
inverse relationship between logarithms and exponents, the properties of is, logs with base 10) and natural logs (logs with base
logarithms are similar to the properties of exponents, and that exponents can be e). Discuss with students how the Change of Base
manipulated in logarithmic form using properties analogous to those in Property makes a generic logarithm key, one in which
exponential form. They make explicit use of the properties of logarithms to a base must be specified, unnecessary.
evaluate expressions and to solve problems using logarithmic models.

Properties of Logarithms 828

 Reflect
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
Prove the Power Property of Logarithms. Justify each step of your proof.
PRACTICES 3.
Let x = log b m. Then m = b x.
Focus on Math Connections log b m n = log b(b x)
n
Substitution
MP.1 Explain to students that since logarithms are = log b b xn Power of a Power Property of Exponents
exponents, the properties of logarithms directly = xn Definition of a logarithm
mirror the properties of exponents. Use numerical = (log b m)(n) Substitution
examples to show this relationship. For example, = n log b m Commutative Property
show how the Product Property of Logarithms, which
can be illustrated by the equation Explain 1 Using the Properties of Logarithms
log 2 (4 ∙ 8) = log 2 4 + log 2 8 Logarithmic expressions can be rewritten using one or more of the properties of logarithms.

Express each expression as a single logarithm. Simplify if possible. Then

=2+3 Example 1
check your results by converting to exponential form and evaluating.

=5 log 3 27 - log 3 81

is related to the Product Property of Exponents, log 3 27 - log 3 81 = log 3 _( )
27
81
Quotient Property of Logarithms

()
which can be illustrated by the related equation
= log 3 1
_ Simplify.
3
2 ∙ 2 =2
2 3 2+3
=2.5
= log 3 3 -1 Write using base 3.

= -1log 3 3 Power Property of Logarithms

= -1 Simplify.

EXPLAIN 1 Check:

log 3 _
3()
1 = -1

Using the Properties of Logarithms 1 = 3 -1

_
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

3
1 =_
_ 1
3 3
AVOID COMMON ERRORS
Students sometimes employ the Product Property of
Logarithms when there is no product. Show them
that a logarithm is not “distributable” over the
addends in a sum.
log 2(8 + 32) ≠ log 2 8 + log 2 32
log 2 40 ≠ 3 + 5
log 2 40 ≠ 8

Module 16 829 Lesson 1

QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Can you extend the Product Property of IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 829 2/29/16 11:50 PM

Logarithms to more than two factors? If so, Peer-to-Peer Activity

give a numerical example to justify your answer. Yes; Have students work in pairs. Ask them to write three numerical examples for each
sample answer: of the definition-based properties of logarithms. Then have them write a
log 2 64 = log 2 (2)(4)(8) description of what each property states, and the reason why each is true.
= log 2 2 + log 2 4 + log 2 8
=1+2+3
=6
and 2 6 = 64

829 Lesson 16.1

 B ( )
log 5 _1 + log 625

( 251 )
5
25
INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
log (_
25 )
1 + log 625 = log _ ∙ 625 Product Property of Logarithms
5 5 5
Students can use a graphing calculator and the
= log 5 25 Simplify. Change of Base Property to check their work.
Show students how to enter the expressions on the
= log 5 5 2 Write using base 5. calculator, being careful to use parentheses correctly
to set off the argument in each expression.
= 2 log 5 5 Power Property of Logarithms

= 2 Simplify

EXPLAIN 2
Check:

log 5 25 = 2 Rewriting a Logarithmic Model

2
25 = 5

25 = 25 QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
How does knowing the Properties of
Your Turn
Logarithms help you to solve a real-world
Express each expression as a single logarithm. Simplify if possible. problem that can be modeled by a logarithmic
4. log 4 64 3 5. log 8 18 - log 8 2
function? You can use the properties to simplify the
log 4 64 3 = 3log 4 64 ( )
log 8 18 - log 8 2 = log 8 __
18
2
logarithmic expressions in the function rule.
= log 8 9
= 3(log 4 4 ) For the value of t log b (1 + r) to equal t, what
3

log(9)
= 3(3) = _____ must be true? b must equal 1 + r.
log(8)
=9 _____
0.9542
≈ 0.9031
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
≈ 1.057

Explain 2 Rewriting a Logarithmic Model

There are standard formulas that involve logarithms, such as the formula for measuring the loudness of sounds.
The loudness of a sound L(I), in decibels, is given by the function L(I) = 10 log __ ()
I
I0
, where I is the sound’s intensity
in watts per square meter and I 0 is the intensity of a barely audible sound. It’s also possible to develop logarithmic
models from exponential growth or decay models of the form f (t) = a(1 + r) or f (t) = a(1 - r) by finding the
t t

inverse.

Module 16 830 Lesson 1

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 830 3/7/16 2:01 PM

Multiple Representations
Students may benefit from adding a column to the table of Properties of
Logarithms, and writing numerical examples to illustrate each property. This
reinforces students’ understanding of the properties, and also provides them with
models that they can use when applying the properties to other examples.

Properties of Logarithms 830

 Example 2 Solve the problems using logarithmic models.

 During a concert, an orchestra plays a piece of music in which its volume

increases from one measure to the next, tripling the sound’s intensity. Find
how many decibels the loudness of the sound increases between the two
measures.

Let I be the intensity in the first measure. So 3I is the intensity in the

second measure.

Increase in loudness = L(3I) - L(I) Write the expression.

( )
= 10 log _
I0 ()
3I - 10 log _
I
I0
Substitute.

( 3II ) - log (_II ))

= 10 log(_
0 0
Distributive Property

(
= 10 log3 + log(_
I )
I - log _
0
( II )) 0
Product Property of Logarithms

= 10 log3 Simplify.

≈ 4.77 Evaluate the logarithm.

So the loudness of sound increases by about 4.77 decibels.

 The population of the United States in 2012 was 313.9 million. If the population increases
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits: ©Ocean/

exponentially at an average rate of 1% each year, how long will it take for the population to
double?

The exponential growth model is P = P 0(1+ r) , where P is the population in millions after t years, P 0 is
t

the population in 2012, and r is the average growth rate.

P 0 = 313.9

P = 2P 0 = 627.8
r = 0.01

Find the inverse model of P = P 0(1 + r) .

t

P = P 0(1 + r)
t
Exponential model

P = (1 + r) t
_ Divide both sides by P 0.
Corbis

P0

( )
P = log (1 + r) t
log 1 + r _
P0 1+r
Take the log of both sides.

Module 16 831 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 831 4/9/14 2:05 AM

831 Lesson 16.1

 ( ) P
log 1 + r _ = t
P0
Definition of a logarithm

P
log _
P0
__ = t
( )
( (1 + r ) )
Change of Base Property of Logarithms
log

( )
Substitute and solve for t.
627.8
log _
313.9
t = __

log (1 + )
Substitute.
0.01

2
log
= __ Simplify.
log 1.01

0.301
=_ Evaluate the logarithms.
0.004

= 75.25 Simplify.

The population of the United States will double in 75.25 years from 2012, or in the year 2087 .

Your Turn

6. A bank account earns 6% annual interest compounded annually. The balance B of the account after t years
is given by the equation B = B 0(1.06) , where B 0 is the starting balance. If the account starts with a balance
t

of $250, how long will it take to triple the balance of the account?
B 0 = 250
B = 3B 0 = 750 © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Find the inverse model of B = B 0(1.06) .

t

B = B 0(1.06)
t

log 1.06 B = log 1.06(B 0(1.06) )

t

log 1.06 B = log 1.06 B 0 + log 1.06(1.06)

t

log 1.06 B - log 1.06 B 0 = log 1.06(1.06)

t

( )
log 1.06 __
B
B
=t
0

log (__
B )
B
_ 0
=t
log1.06

Module 16 832 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 832 6/10/15 1:33 PM

Properties of Logarithms 832

 Substitute and solve for t.

ELABORATE ( )
log _
750
t = ______ =
250
log 1.06
______
log 3
≈ 18.85
log 1.06
The balance of the account will triple after 18.85 years.

INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL Elaborate

PRACTICES 7. On what other properties do the proofs of the properties of logarithms rely?
Focus on Critical Thinking The proofs of the properties of logarithms rely on related properties of exponents.

MP.3 Discuss with students the difference between 8. What properties of logarithms would you use to rewrite the expression log 7 x + log 7 4x as a single

the expressions log bm and (log bm) . Help them to

n
n logarithm?
Use the Product Property of Logarithms and the Power Property of Logarithms.
see that the Power Property of Logarithms applies
9. Explain how the properties of logarithms are useful in finding the inverse of an exponential growth or
only to the first of the two expressions. Have them decay model.
evaluate each expression for a set of values, such as b After taking the logarithm of both sides of an exponential growth or decay model, use

= 3, m = 81, and n = 2, to prove that only log bm n is the Power Property of Logarithms and the other properties as needed to isolate the other
equal to nlog bm. variable.

10. Essential Question Check-In State each of the Product, Quotient, and Power Properties of Logarithms
in a simple sentence.
SUMMARIZE THE LESSON The log of a product is equal to the sum of the logs of its factors.
The log of a quotient is equal to the log of the dividend minus the log of the divisor.
How can you use the Properties of Logarithms
The log of a power is equal to the product of the exponent and the log of the base.
to simplify a logarithmic expression? If the
expression involves the log of a product, you can
write it as the sum of the log of each factor. If it
involves the log of a quotient, you can write it as the
difference between the log of the dividend and the
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

log of the divisor. If it involves the log of a power,

you can write it as the product of the exponent and
the log of the base.

Module 16 833 Lesson 1

LANGUAGE SUPPORT
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 833 09/06/15 2:11 PM

Communicate Math
Have small groups of students work together to complete a Properties of
Logarithms and Exponents chart. Ask them to match related properties.

Properties of Logarithms Properties of Exponents

833 Lesson 16.1

 Evaluate: Homework and Practice EVALUATE
• Online Homework
Express each expression as a single logarithm. Simplify if possible. • Hints and Help
• Extra Practice
1. log 9 12 + log 9 546.75 2. log 2 76.8 - log 2 1.2
log 9 12 + log 9 546.75 = log 9(12 · 546.75)
log 2 76.8 - log 2 1.2 = log 2 ___
76.8
1.2 ( )
= log 9 6561
= log 2 64
= log 9 9 4 = log 2 2 6
= 4log 9 9 = 4 = 6log 2 2 = 6
ASSIGNMENT GUIDE
3. log _2 0.0256 3
5
4. log 11 11 23 Concepts and Skills Practice
log _2 0.0256 = 3log _2 0.0256
3
log 11 11 23 = 23 log 11 11 Explore 1

( )
5 5 Exercise 17
=3 _______
log 0.0256 = 23 Investigating the Properties of
log _
2
5() Logarithms
= 3(4) = 12 Explore 2 Exercises 18–19
Proving the Properties of
Logarithms
log(log 7 98 - log 7 2)
x
5. log 5 5 x + 1 + log 4256 2 6.
log 5 5 x + 1 + log 4 256 2 = (x + 1) + 2log 4 256
( ( )) Example 1 Exercises 1–8
x

log(log 7 98 - log 7 2) = log log 7 __

98
10
2 Using the Properties of Logarithms
= x + 1 + 2log 4 4 4
= log(log 7 49)
x
Example 2 Exercises 9–16
= x + 1 + 2(4)
Rewriting a Logarithmic Model
= log(log 7 7 2)
x
=x+9

= log(2)
x

= x log 2 ≈ 0.301x
AVOID COMMON ERRORS
7. log x + 1(x 2 + 2x + 1)
3
8. log 4 5 + log 4 12 - log 4 3.75
Students may be tempted to write a difference of
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company logarithms as a quotient, which is an improper use of
log x + 1(x 2 + 2x + 1) = log x + 1 (x + 1)
3
( )
2 3 log 4 5 + log 4 12 - log 4 3.75 = log 4(5 · 12) - log 4 3.75
the Quotient Property of Logarithms. Demonstrate
= log x + 1 (x + 1)
6 = log 4 60 - log 4 3.75
the following:
= 6 log x + 1(x + 1) ( )
= log 4 ___
60
3.75 log 2 32
= log 4 16 log 2 32 - log 2 8 ≠ ______
= 6(1) = 6 log 2 8
= 2log 4 4 = 2 5-3≠ 5
__
3

Module 16 834 Lesson 1

COMMON
Exercise
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 834
Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices 3/1/16 10:20 PM

1–8 1 Recall of Information MP.5 Using Tools

9–16 2 Skills/Concepts MP.4 Modeling
17 2 Skills/Concepts MP.2 Reasoning
18–19 3 Strategic Thinking MP.2 Reasoning
20 3 Strategic Thinking MP.4 Modeling
21 2 Skills/Concepts MP.3 Logic
22 2 Skills/Concepts MP.3 Logic

Properties of Logarithms 834

 Solve the problems using logarithmic models.
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
9. Geology Seismologists use the Richter scale to express
When simplifying the expression logxy n, the energy, or magnitude, of an earthquake. The Richter
which property do you apply first, the Product magnitude of an earthquake M is related to the energy

Property of Logarithms or the Power Property of ( 10 )

E
released in ergs E shown by the formula M = __23 log ____
11.8 .

In 1964, an earthquake centered at Prince William Sound,

Logarithms? Explain. You apply the Product Alaska registered a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter scale.
Find the energy released by the earthquake.
Property of Logarithms first, because the exponent
_ (_____)
2
9.2 = log E11.8
applies only to y. Then apply the Power Property of 3 10

Logarithms to the expression containing y. 13.8 = log (_____

10 )
E
11.8

log xy n = log x + log y n 13.8 = log E - log 10 11.8

13.8 = log E - 11.8
= log x + nlog y
25.6 = log E
10 25.6 = E
10 25.6 = 10 0.6 · 10 25 = 3.98 × 10 25
3.98 × 10 25 = E
The energy released by an earthquake with a magnitude of
9.2 is 3.98 × 10 25 ergs.

10. Astronomy The difference between the apparent magnitude (brightness) m of a star
d
and its absolute magnitude M is given by the formula m - M = 5 log __ 10
, where d is
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits: ©Kevin

the distance of the star from the Earth, measured in parsecs. Find the distance d of
the star Rho Oph from Earth, where Rho Oph has an apparent magnitude of 5.0 and
an absolute magnitude -0.4.

5.0 - (-0.4) = 5 log___

d
10
___
5.4
= log___
d
5 10
log 4 5 + log 4 12 - log 4 3.75 = log 4(5 · 12) - log 4 3.75 (1.08) = log d - log 10
= log 4 60 - log 4 3.75 1.08 = log d - (1)
= log 4(___
60
)
3.75 2.08 = log d
Smith/Design Pics/Corbis

= log 4 16 10 2.08 = d
=2 120.2 ≈ d
Rho Oph is about 120.2 parsecs from Earth.

Module 16 835 Lesson 1

COMMON
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 835
Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) CORE Mathematical Practices 09/09/14 4:57 PM

23 3 Strategic Thinking MP.2 Reasoning

835 Lesson 16.1

 11. The intensity of the sound of a conversation ranges from 10 -10 watts per square meter
to 10 -6 watts per square meter. What is the range in the loudness of the conversation? CRITICAL THINKING
Use I 0 = 10 -12 watts per square meter.
Challenge students to find a way to use the Change of
Find the loudness of the conversation at 10 -10 watts per square meter.
Base Property to find the value of log 8 16 without the
L(10 -10) = 10 log ____(10 )
10 -10
-12
use of a calculator.
= 10 log10 2
log 8 16 = _______ = __
log 2 16 4
= 10(2) = 20 log 2 8 3
Find the loudness of the conversation at 10 -6 watts per square meter. Then have them create other examples of this type,
L(10 -6) = 10 log ____(10 )
10 -6
-12 demonstrating the usefulness of this property.
= 10 log10 6
= 10(6) = 60
The loudness of the conversation ranges from 20 decibels to 60 decibels.
12. The intensity of sound from the stands of a football
game is 25 times as great when the home team scores a
touchdown as it is when the away team scores. Find the
difference in the loudness of the sound when the two
teams score.
Let I be the intensity when the away team scores.
So 25I is the intensity when the home team scores.
Difference in loudness = L(25l) - L(l)
⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞
= 10 log⎜___
25l
⎟ - 10 log⎜__l ⎟

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company • Image Credits: ©Donald

l0 l
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ 0⎠
⎛ ⎛ ⎞ ⎛ ⎞⎞
⎜
= 10 log⎜25__l ⎟ - log⎜__l ⎟
⎝
l0
⎠
l
⎝ 0 ⎠⎠
⎟
⎝
⎛ ⎛ ⎞⎞
⎜
⎝
()
= 10 log 25 + log __l - log⎜__l ⎟
l0 l ⎟
⎝ 0 ⎠⎠

= 10 log 25 ≈ 13.98

So the difference in the loudness of sound is about 13.98 decibels.

Miralle/Getty Images

Module 16 836 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 836 09/09/14 4:57 PM

Properties of Logarithms 836

 13. Finance A stock priced at $40 increases at a rate of 8% per year. Write and evaluate
COGNITIVE STRATEGIES a logarithmic expression for the number of years that it will take for the value of the
stock to reach $50.
Students may have trouble remembering whether an
P = P 0(1 + r)
t

log5 log3
expression such as log 3 5 is equal to _ or _.
log3 log5 log 1 + r P = log 1 + r P 0 (1 + r)( )
t

log 1 + r P = log 1 + r P 0 + log 1 + r (1 + r)

t
These students may find it helpful to remember that
log 1 + r P - log 1 + r P 0 = log 1 + r (1 + r)
t
the base in the logarithmic expression goes in the
⎛ ⎞
denominator, the bottom or “base” of the fraction. log 1 + r ⎜__
P
P
⎟ = t(1)
⎝ 0
⎠
Alternatively, they might remember that the number
⎛ ⎞
written lower than the other number goes in the log ⎜__
P
⎟
P
_______
⎝ ⎠
=t
0

lower part of the fraction. log (1 + r)

P 0 = 40, P = 50, r = 0.08

⎛ ⎞
log⎜___
50
⎟
40
t= _________
⎝
⎠
= ______ ≈ 2.90
log 1.25
log(1 + 0.08) log 1.08

It will take about 2.90 years to reach $50.

14. Suppose that the population of one endangered species decreases at a rate of 4% per
year. In one habitat, the current population of the species is 143. After how long will
the population drop below 30?

Find the inverse model of P = P 0 (1 - r) .

t

P = P 0(1 - r)
t

log 1 - r P = log 1 - r P 0(1 - r) ( t

)
log 1 - r P = log 1 - r P 0 + log 1 - r (1 - r)
t

log 1 - r P - log 1 - r P 0 = log 1 - r (1 - r)

t
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

⎛ ⎞
log 1 - r ⎜__
P
P
⎟ = t(1)
⎝ 0⎠
⎛ ⎞
log⎜__
P
⎟ P0
_______
⎝ ⎠
=t
log(1 - r)

P 0 = 143, P = 30, r = 0.04

log(143)
___
30
_________ ≈ ______ ≈ 38.3
log 0.21
t=
log(1 - 0.04) log 0.96

The population will drop below 30 after about 38.3 years.

Module 16 837 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 837 17/10/14 1:23 AM

837 Lesson 16.1

 15. The population P of bacteria in a culture after t minutes is given by the equation
P = P 0 (1.12) , where P 0 is the initial population. If the number of bacteria starts
t INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
at 200, how long will it take for the population to increase to 1000? PRACTICES
P = P 0(1.12)
t
Focus on Reasoning
(
log 1.12 P = log 1.12 P 0(1.12) )
t

MP.2 Discuss with students how the Properties of

log 1.12 P = log 1.12 P 0 + log 1.12(1.12)
t

Logarithms can be used to find values which

log 1.12 P - log 1.12 P 0 = log 1.12(1.12)
t

⎛ ⎞
otherwise cannot be easily found, using mental math.
log 1.12⎜__
P
P
⎟ = t(1) For example, show how the Quotient Property of
⎝ 0
⎠
⎛ ⎞
Logarithms can be used to find the value of
log⎜__
P
⎟ log 5 50 - log 5 2, an expression containing two logs,
P
_______
⎝ ⎠
=t
0

log(1.12) neither of which is an integer.

( )
P 0 = 200, P = 1000
50
log 5 50 - log 5 2 = log 5 ___
( ) log5 0.699
log ____
1000
2
t = _______ = _____ ≈ ____
200
≈ 14.3
log1.12 log1.12 0.049
= log 5 25
It will take about 14.3 minutes for the population to increase to 1000.
=2
16. Chemistry Most swimming pool experts recommend a pH of between 7.0 and 7.6
for water in a swimming pool. Use pH = -log ⎡⎣H +⎤⎦ and write an expression for the Ask students to create other examples in which
difference in hydrogen ion concentration over this pH range. applying the properties makes it possible to find the
Find the hydrogen ion concentration for a pH of 7.0. value using mental math.
7.0 = -log ⎡⎣H +⎤⎦
-7.0 = log ⎡⎣H +⎤⎦
10 -7.0 = H +
Find the hydrogen ion concentration for a pH of 7.6.
7.6 = -log ⎡⎣H +⎤⎦
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
-7.6 = log ⎡⎣H +⎤⎦
10 -7.6 = H +
The difference in hydrogen ion concentration over the pH range is
10 -7.0 -10 -7.6.

Module 16 838 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1.indd 838 4/9/14 2:04 AM

Properties of Logarithms 838

 17. Match the logarithmic expressions to equivalent expressions.
VISUAL CUES a. log 2 4x
C 2x
Suggest that students circle the exponents on the x A
b. log 2 _ 2 + log 2 x
arguments in a logarithmic expression to help them 4
x E log x
_
c. log 2 4
remember to apply the Power Property of Logarithms log 2
D
when they arrive at the appropriate point of the d. log 2 x 4 4log 2 x
simplification process. e. log 2 x
B log 2 x - 2
log 2 4x = log 2 4 + log 2 x
= 2 + log 2 x
log 2 _x = log 2 x - log 2 4
4
= log 2 x - 2
log 2 4 x = xlog 2 4
= 2x
log 2 x = 4log 2 x
4

log 2 x =
log x _
log 2
18. Prove the Quotient Property of Logarithms. Justify each step of your proof.
Let x = log b m and y = log b n. Then m = b x and n = b y by the definition of a logarithm.
m _
log b n = log b y
bx _ Substitution
b
= log b b x-y
Quotient of Powers Property of Exponents
=x-y Definition of a logarithm
= log b m - log b n Substitution

19. Prove the Change of Base Property of Logarithms. Justify each step of your proof.
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Let x = log c a. Then a = c x by the definition of a logarithm.

log b a = log b c x Take the logarithm of both sides.
log b a = x log b c Power Property of Logarithms
_
log a
=x
b
Divide both sides by log b c.
log b c
_log b a
= log c a Substitution
log b c

Module 16 839 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 839 09/09/14 4:58 PM

839 Lesson 16.1

 H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

20. Multi-Step The radioactive isotope Carbon-14 decays exponentially at a rate of 0.0121% each year.
a. How long will it take 250 g of Carbon-14 to decay to 100 g?

The exponential decay model is A = A 0 (1 - r) , where A is the amount after

t

t years, A 0 is the initial amount, and r is the decay rate.

P = P 0(1 - r)
t

log 1 - r P = log 1 - r (P 0(1 - r) )

t

log 1 - r P = log 1 - r P 0 + log 1 - r(1 - r)

t

log 1 - r P - log 1 - r P 0 = log 1 - r(1 - r)

t

_
log 1 - r
P
= t(1)
P0

log (_)
P
_ P
=t
0

log (1 - r)
A 0 = 250, A = 100, r = 0.000121

log (_)
100
__ log (0.4)
= __ ≈ 7573
250
t=
log(1 - 0.000121) log 0.999879
It will take about 7573 years for 250 g of Carbon-14 to decay to 100g.

b. The half-life for a radioactive isotope is the amount of time it takes for the isotope to reach half its
initial value. What is the half-life of Carbon-14?

The initial value is 250 g, so half the initial value is 125 g.

( )
log ___
125
t = ____________ = _________
250 log 0.5
≈ 5730
log(1 - 0.000121)
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
log 0.999879

The half-life of Carbon-14 is about 5730 years.

Module 16 840 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 840 09/09/14 4:58 PM

Properties of Logarithms 840

 21. Explain the Error A student simplified the expression log 2 8 + log 3 27 as shown. Explain
JOURNAL and correct the student’s error.
Have students describe how to prove the properties of log 2 8 + log 3 27 = log(8 ∙ 27)

logarithms. = log(216)

≈ 2.33
Since the two terms have different bases, the Product Property of Logarithms
cannot be used to simplify the expression.

log 2 8 + log 3 27 =
log8
+ _ _
log27
log2 log3

≈ _
0.903 _
+
1.431
0.301 0.477
=3+3
=6
22. Communicate Mathematical Ideas Explain why it is not necessary for a scientific
calculator to have both a key for common logs and a key for natural logs.

The natural logarithm is the common logarithm to the base e. So In x = log e x.

Using the Change of Base Property of Logarithms, this expression can be rewritten
as ____ . This expression can then be evaluated for a given value of x using just the
log x
log e
common log key on a scientific calculator.

23. Analyze Relationships Explain how to find the relationship between

log b a and log __1 a.
b

Rewrite both expressions using the same base.

log b a = ____ and log __1 a = _____

log a log a
log b b
()
log _1
b
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

_____
log a
= _____ = _____ = - ____
log a log a log a

()
log _
1
b
log b -1 - log b log b

So log __1 a is the opposite of log b a.

b

Module 16 841 Lesson 1

IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 841 09/09/14 4:58 PM

841 Lesson 16.1

 Lesson Performance Task AVOID COMMON ERRORS
Students may forget that the growth rate is r, but the
Given the population data for the state of Texas from 1920–2010,
perform exponential regression to obtain an exponential growth
Year U.S. Census Count base of the exponent is 1 + r. Remind them that a
model for population as a function of time (represent 1920 as Year 0). 1920 4,663,228 resulting value greater than 1 for r indicates a growth
Obtain a logarithmic model for time as a function of population 1930 5,824,715 rate of over 100%. Remind them that the appropriate
exponential model is P(t) = P 0 (1 + r) , not
two ways: (1) by finding the inverse of the exponential model, 1940 6,414,824 t
and (2) by performing logarithmic regression on the same set of
P(t) = P 0r t.
data but using population as the independent variable and time 1950 7,711,194
as the dependent variable. Then confirm that the two expressions 1960 9,579,677
are equivalent by applying the properties of logarithms.
1970 11,196,730
1980 14,229,191
Exponential regression y ≈ 4,565,800(1.0189 x)
1990 16,986,335
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
2000 20,851,820
PRACTICES
2010 25,145,561 Focus on Math Connections
MP.1 Have students discuss whether it is more
(1) The exponential regression model is y ≈ 4,565,800(1.0189 x)
useful to have a model of population as a function of
Switch x and y to find the inverse logarithmic model.
time, P(t), or a model of time as a function of
x = 4,565,800(1.0189 y) population, t(P). Have students describe real-world
________
x
= 1.0189 y
4,565,800 situations in which each of these models would be
x
(
y = log 1.0189 ________
4,565,800 ) meaningful.
(2) logarithmic regression: y = -814.74 + 53.142 ln x
Rewrite the model form (1):

(
y = log 1.0189 ________
x
4,565,800)
ln(________
x
)
y= ___________
4,565,800

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

ln1.0189

y= _____________
ln x - 4,565,800
ln1.0189

y = - __________ + ________
ln 4,565,800 ln x
ln1.0189 ln1.0189
y ≈ -818.97 + 53.408 ln x

The model agrees with the logarithmic regression model except for error due
to rounding during calculations.

Module 16 842 Lesson 1

EXTENSION ACTIVITY
IN3_MNLESE389892_U6M16L1 842 09/09/14 4:58 PM

Have students research the world population for every decade starting in 1920.
Then have students find or estimate an exponential model for the population as a
function of time and consider how they would determine when the population
would reach milestones such as 10 or 15 billion. Have students also discuss
whether the population of Texas is growing at a larger or smaller rate than the
world population, and what the reasons for the difference might be.
Scoring Rubric
2 points: Student correctly solves the problem and explains his/her reasoning.
1 point: Student shows good understanding of the problem but does not fully
solve or explain his/her reasoning.
0 points: Student does not demonstrate understanding of the problem.

Properties of Logarithms 842