NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE/ H.E.R

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HER/AUTOMOTIVR ENGINEERING - YEAR I
ENGINERRING MATHEMATICS I
STUDY MATERIAL

INDICES AND LOGARITHMS.

(a).Indices.
An expression of the form 𝑎𝑏 , where 𝑎, 𝑏 are real numbers, is said to be in index form. In 𝑎𝑏 , 𝑎 is
the base and 𝑏 is the power or exponent or indeed a power. Indicial expressions are other ways of
expressing a number; more especially large numbers. For example, 10000 = 104 , 2187 =
37 , 244 140 625 = 512 𝑒𝑡𝑐. In the examples given above, 10, 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 5 are bases and 4, 7 and 12
are the powers in the first, second and third examples respectively. We can thus conclude that
numbers in index form are just real numbers expressed in another form. Hence we can as well
perform the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division for numbers in such forms.
The manipulation of powers and roots is a crucial underlying skill in algebra. Hence the study of
the laws of indices and the application of these fundamental relationships to solve both theoretical
and practical problems. These manipulations however, follow certain rules and laws as defined
below.
Laws of Indices.
Law Rule Example

 Multiplication 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏+𝑐 𝟑𝟓 𝒙 𝟑−𝟗 = 𝟑𝟓+(−𝟗) = 𝟑−𝟒

This can be generalized to,

𝑎𝑏 𝑥𝑎𝑐 𝑥𝑎𝑑 𝑥𝑎𝑒 𝑥𝑎 𝑓 = 𝑎𝑏+𝑐+𝑑+𝑒+𝑓

𝑎𝑏 (−𝟐)𝟏𝟐
 Division = 𝑎𝑏−𝑐 = (−𝟐)𝟏𝟐−𝟕 = (−𝟐)𝟓
𝑎𝑐 (−𝟐)𝟕
 Power of a Power (𝑎𝑏 )𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐 (𝟓 ) = 𝟓(−𝟐)(𝟓) = 𝟓−𝟏𝟎
−𝟐 𝟓
𝟐
 Zero Index 𝑎0 = 1,. 𝑎≠0 𝟗𝟎 = 𝟏, (−𝟖)𝟎 = 𝟏 , (𝟓)𝟎 = 𝟏
1 1 1
 Negative Power (i) 𝑎−1 = 𝑎
7−1 = 7
𝑎𝑛𝑑 23
= 23−1
1 1 1
(ii) 𝑎−𝑛 = 4−5 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 9−3
𝑎𝑛 45 93
 1 1

𝑛 3
Fractional Power (i) 𝑎𝑛 = √𝑎, 𝑛 ∈ ℕ, 𝑎 ≥ 0 83 = √8 = 2
𝑚 1 3
(ii). 𝑎 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚.𝑛 , 𝑛 ∈ ℕ, 𝑎 ≥ 0 164 = √163 = 8
4

We also note the following,

𝑚 1 1
𝑚 1 1
= 𝑚. 𝑛 = 𝑛 . 𝑚, we have that for 𝑏 ≥ 0, (𝑖). 𝑎 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚.𝑛 = (𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = √𝑎𝑚 .
𝑛
As 𝑛

𝑚 1 1
(𝑖𝑖). 𝑎 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛.𝑚 = (𝑎𝑛 )𝑚 =( 𝑛√𝑎)𝑚 .
Now let us use the laws stated above to simplify or evaluate indicial expressions.
Examples.
1. Simplify
4𝑥 2
(i). (5𝑦 4 )2 . (2𝑥 3 𝑦)3

Solution.
Note that to simplify means to write the expression in its simplest form.
In a form simpler than what is given.
Thus,

4𝑥 2 42 (𝑥 2 )2
(5𝑦 4 )2 . (2𝑥 3 𝑦)3 = 52 (𝑦 4 )2 . 23 (𝑥 3 )3 𝑦 3
42 .𝑥 4 (16)(8)𝑥 4+9 𝑦 3 128𝑥 13 𝑦 3 128𝑥 13 128
= 52 𝑦 8 . 23 𝑥 9 𝑦 3 = = = = 𝑥13 𝑦 −5 .
(25)𝑦 8 25𝑦 8 25𝑦 5 25
𝑥 −1 +𝑦 −1
(ii). 𝑥 −1 𝑦 −1
Solution.
Applying the negative law, we get,
1 1
𝑥 −1 +𝑦−1 +
𝑥 𝑦
= 11 , simplifying the numerator,
𝑥 −1 𝑦 −1 .
𝑥𝑦
𝑥+𝑦
.
𝑥𝑦
= 1
.
𝑥𝑦

= 𝒙 + 𝒚.

3𝑛+1 +32
(iii). 3

Solution.
Applying the multiplication law, we have,
 3𝑛+1 +32 3𝑛 31 +32
=
3 3
3(3𝑛 )+32
= , expressing as partial fractions, leads to,
3
3(3𝑛 ) 32
= + , simplifying using the division law gets us,
3 3
𝒏
= 𝟑 + 𝟑.
2. Evaluate
1
(41.5 )(83 )
(i). −2
(22)( 32) 5
Solution.
To evaluate means to find the value (usually a number), as the simplest form of the
expression. Thus, applying the fractional powers and power and division laws, we have
that,
1 3 1
(41.5 )(83 ) (4 2 )(83 )
2 = −2 , expressing all terms in base two gets,
(22)( 32)5 (22)( 32) 5

3 1
(22 )2 (23 )3
= 2
(22)( 25 )5

3 1
(22. 2 )(23. 3 )
= −2
(22)( 25. 5 )

(23 )(21 )
= (22 )(2−2 ) = 24 = 𝟏𝟔

(𝟑𝟐 ).(𝟓𝟓 )+(𝟑𝟑 ).(𝟓𝟑 )

(ii). (𝟑𝟒 ).(𝟓𝟒 )

Solution.

Epressing as patial fractions, yields:

(𝟑𝟐 ).(𝟓𝟓 )+(𝟑𝟑 ).(𝟓𝟑 )

(𝟑𝟒 ).(𝟓𝟒 )

(𝟑𝟐 ).(𝟓𝟓 ) (𝟑𝟑 ).(𝟓𝟑 )

= (𝟑𝟒 ).(𝟓𝟒 ) + (𝟑𝟒 ).(𝟓𝟒 )

= (𝟑−𝟐 ). (𝟓𝟏 ) + (𝟑−𝟏 ). (𝟓−𝟏 )

𝟐𝟖
= 𝟒𝟓
Equality of Numbers in Index Form
The statement 𝑎𝑏 = 𝑥 𝑦 is true if and only (iff), 𝑎 = 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 = 𝑦 for any real numbers, 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑥, 𝑦.
But both the base and exponent should not be zero (0).
For example, 34 = 34 but 34 ≠ 33 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒: 34 = 81 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑅. 𝐻. 𝑆: 33 = 27
and also 54 ≠ 44 , despite 4 = 4.
Using equality of numbers in index form, we can solve equations involving indices.
Indicial Equations.
Indicial equations are equations involving indices. For example solving the equation: 3𝑎 = 81
requires obtaining the value of the index a. Similarly, solving the equation, 𝑝4 = (−2)4, entails
finding the value of the base p. Both equation, has one or both terms in index form.
Examples.
Solve each of the following equations,
(i). 3𝑥+1 = 81.
Solution
To solve this problem, we need to express both left hand side and right hand side with the same
base. Thus,
3𝑥+1 = 81
⇒ 3𝑥+1 = 34
⇒ 3 = 3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 + 1 = 4 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑥 = 4 − 1 = 3
i.e 𝑥 = 3
(ii). 8𝑥 = 0.253𝑥−1 .
Similarly here we need to express both sides in terms of the same base.
8𝑥 = 0.253𝑥−1
1
⇒ (23 )𝑥 = (4)3𝑥−1 .

⇒ (2)3𝑥 = (2−2 )3𝑥−1.

⇒ (2)3𝑥 = (2)2−3𝑥 .
1
⇒ 2 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑢𝑠 3𝑥 = 2 − 3𝑥 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑥 =
3
𝟏
i.e 𝒙 = 𝟑.
2 −5𝑥+2
(iii). 3𝑥 = 9𝑥+1 .
Solution.
2 −5𝑥+2
3𝑥 = 9𝑥+1 .
2 −5𝑥+2
⇒ 3𝑥 = (32 )𝑥+1 .
2 −5𝑥+2
⇒ 3𝑥 = 32𝑥+2 .
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2 = 2𝑥 + 2
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 2 = 2𝑥 + 2
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 2 − 2 = 0.
⇒ 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 = 0……
⇒ 𝑥(𝑥 − 7) = 0
Hence 𝒙 = 𝟎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟕.
(iv). (2𝑥 )2 − 6(2𝑥 ) + 8 = 0.
Solution
A critical look at this problem, we see resemblance of a quadratic equation because the term 2𝑥
appears twice in a linear and squared form.
Hence letting 𝑦 = 2𝑥 leads to,
(2𝑥 )2 − 6(2𝑥 ) + 8 = 0.
⇒ (𝑦)2 − 6(𝑦) + 8 = 0. Using factorization method where sum is −6𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑖𝑠 8𝑦 2.
The two terms are −2𝑦 and −4𝑦.
Thus, (𝑦 2 − 2𝑦)(−4𝑦 + 8) = 0
⇒ 𝑦(𝑦 − 2) − 4(𝑦 − 2) = 0
⇒ (𝑦 − 2)(𝑦 − 4) = 0
Thus 𝑦 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 4 so that 2𝑥 = 𝑦 ⇒ 2𝑥 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2𝑥 = 4. 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 2𝑥 = 21 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2𝑥 = 22
Therefore 𝒙 = 𝟏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟐
(v). 32𝑥 + 6 = 5(3𝑥 ).
Solution
Equating all terms to zero (0), rewrites the equation into the form,
32𝑥 − 5(3𝑥 ) + 6 =.0, rewriting the equation we have,
(3𝑥 )2 − 5(3𝑥 ) + 6 = 0. Looks quadratic equation in nature. Thus,
𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦 = 3𝑥 , yields a new equation in y, i.e
(𝑦)2 − 5(𝑦) + 6 = 0
⇒ 𝑦 2 − 5𝑦 + 6 = 0.
⇒ (𝑦 2 − 2𝑦)(−3𝑦 + 6) = 0.
⇒ 𝑦(𝑦 − 2) − 3(𝑦 − 2) = 0
⇒ 𝑦 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 3 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑦 = 3𝑥 𝑦𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 i.e
3 = 3𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 2 = 3𝑥
𝑥 = 1.
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 2 = 3𝑥 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑜𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒. 𝐼𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒
log both sides.
Thus, 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 = log(3𝑥 ) so that log 2 = 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑚𝑠
𝑙𝑜𝑔2
Hence, 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 = 0.631

i.e 𝒙 = 𝟏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟑𝟏

Special Base (e)
An expression 𝒆𝑥 is known as the exponential function. The exponential function is also known as
the natural exponential function, in recognition of the important role the constant value e has. The
importance of (e) is that it occurs in many applications that arise as a result of natural phenomena.
Solution of problems involving the natural exponential function shall be deferred till we deal with
logarithms.
Application of Indicial Equations.
Indicial equations has wider usage in various fields including but not limited to Engineering,
Medicine, Education, Agriculture, Biology, Economics, Mathematics and so on. The concepts and
skills acquired shall help us solve practical problem we are likely to encounter during the course
of our professional duty.
Examples.
1. The scrap value, $𝑉, on international market , of some machinery after ‘t’ years is given
by 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.58)𝑡 , 𝑡 ≥ 0.
(a). What was the initial cost of the machine?
(b).What is the scrap value of the machine after 4 years?
(c). How long would it be before the scrap value reaches $20 000?
(d).The machine needs to be sold after some time when the scrap value lies between
$10 000 and $15 000. What time-frame does the owner have?
 2. The amount of radioactive material, Q grams, decays according to the model given by the
equation, 𝑄 = 200(10)−𝑘𝑡 , 𝑡 ≥ 0, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡 is measured in years. It is known that after 40
years, the amount of radioactive material present is 50 grams.
(a). Find the value of k (correct to 4 decimal places).
(b). Find the amount of radioactive material present after 80 years.
(c). What is the half-life for this radioactive substance?
Question 1
The scrap value, $𝑉, on international market , of some machinery after ‘t’ years is given
by 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.58)𝑡 , 𝑡 ≥ 0.
(a). The initial cost implies when time is at zero.
𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.58)0
⇒ 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000. i.e the machine initially costed $50 000.
(b). 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.58)4
⇒ 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.111316496).
⇒ 𝑉(𝑡) = 5658.248 𝑖. 𝑒 the machine will cost $5658.248
(c). 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.58)𝑡
⇒ 20 000 = 50 000 (0.58)𝑡
20 000
⇒ = (0.58)𝑡
50 000
⇒ 0.4 = (0.58)𝑡 , since both sides cannot be expressed with the same base, take log.
log(0.4) = 𝑡𝑙𝑜𝑔(0,58).
−𝟎.𝟑𝟗𝟑𝟕𝟒𝟎𝟎𝟖
𝒕= = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟖 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝟏 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝟖 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒔.
−𝟎.𝟐𝟑𝟔𝟓𝟕𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟔
(d) 𝑉(𝑡) = 50 000 (0.58)𝑡
⇒ 10000 ≤ 50 000 (0.58)𝑡 ≤ 15000
⇒ 0.2 ≤ (0.58)𝑡 ≤ 0.3, taking log on each of the inequality gives,
log(0.2) ≤ log(0.58)𝑡 ≤ log(0.3)
⇒ log(0.2) ≤ 𝑡log(0.58) ≤ log(0.3), dividing through by log(0.58, we get,
⇒ 2.956 ≥ 𝑡 ≥ 2.210 ≈ 3 ≥ 𝑡 ≥ 2
Hence the scrap owner has 2 to 3 years for the machine to be sold.
Question 2
(a). 𝑄 = 200(10)−𝑘𝑡
⇒ 50 = 200(10)−40𝑘
⇒ 0.25=(10)−40𝑘 , take log both sides to obtain,
⇒ −0.6022059991 = −40𝑘
𝒌 = 𝟎.015. Thus 𝑄 = 200(10)−0.015𝑡
(b). 𝑄 = 200(10)−0.015𝑡
 ⇒ 𝑄 = 200(10)−0.015(80)
⇒ 𝑄 = 200(10)−1.204119983
⇒ 𝑸 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟓 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒔
(c). Half-life is the time taken by a substance to decay to half of its original mass.
In the equation, 𝑄 = 200(10)−0.015𝑡 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡 = 0, 𝑤𝑒 𝑔𝑒𝑡
𝑄 = 200 𝑎𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠.
𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠 100 = 200(10)−0.015𝑡
⇒ 0.5 = (10)−0.015𝑡
⇒ −0.301029995 = −0.015𝑡
𝑡 = 20.06866638years
𝟐𝟎 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔. 𝑯𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝟐𝟎 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔.

Task/ Assignment 1 [Due on 27/02/2023 @ 08:00 am].

23 . 35 . (72 )2
1. Evaluate: 74 . 24 . 33

2. Simplify:

𝑎𝑚+𝑛 𝑛 𝑎𝑛−𝑚 𝑚−𝑛

(a). ( ) .( )
𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛

(b). √𝑎√𝑎√𝑎

2𝑛 −6𝑛
(c). 1−3𝑛

3. During the chemical processing of a particular type of mineral, the amount ‘M’kg of mineral
present at time t hours since the process started, is given by the function,
𝑀(𝑡) = 𝑀0 (2)𝑘𝑡 , 𝑡 ≥ 0, 𝑘 > 0. Find,
(a) the value of k
(b). the quantity of the mineral that remains after 10 hours of processing.
4. The resale value, V dollars, of a structure is, decreases according to the function,
𝑉 = 2 000 000 (10)−0.01𝑡 , 𝑡 ≥ 0, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡, is the number of years since the structure was
built.
(a). How much would the structure have sold for upon completion?
 (b). How much would the structure have sold for, 10 after completion?
(c). How long will take it take for the structure to lode half its value?

(b). Logarithms
A logarithm literally means a ‘power’. An expression logxy, simply asks us, “To what power
should we raise x to obtain y?”. That is the logarithm of y to base x is a power.
For example, 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 243 = 5 since 35 = 243. The literal meaning of logarithm leads to a
conclusion, logarithms are a set of numbers. Here are the laws that govern the operation of
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Law Rule Example

Multiplication 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 (𝐴 . 𝐵) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝐴 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝐵 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (7 𝑥 9) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 7 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 9

𝑋 8
Division 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑌 ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑋 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑌 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 (3) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 8 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 3
Power 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 (𝑎 𝑦 ) = 𝑦𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 (39 ) = 9𝑙𝑜𝑔4 3
Unit 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑝 1 = 0; p≠ 0 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 1 = 0

Base 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑥 = 1 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 2 = 1

𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑝 𝑙𝑜𝑔 8
Change of bases 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑝 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 8 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3
𝑎 5

Note that 𝒂 > 𝟎, 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒂 𝒙 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒙 < 𝟎.

That is we cannot find a logarithm of a negative number.
The knowledge of the laws of logarithms will help to simplify or evaluate expressions involving
logarithms. Laws of logarithms are also useful when solving both theoretical and practical
logarithmic equations.
Examples.
1. Simplify the following:
𝑦
(a). 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (8𝑥 3 ) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 2 ) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 ).
(b).𝑙𝑜𝑔2 5 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 1.6
1
(c). 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑎2 − 4𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑎) , 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1
1 1
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 16− 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 8
2 3
2. Evaluate: 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4

3. Given that 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑎 = 0.2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦 = 0.5, evaluate,

(i). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥 3 𝑦 2 )
 𝑥
(ii). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 √𝑦 4

Solutions
𝑦
1 (𝑎). 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (8𝑥 3 ) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 2 ) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 8 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 3 ) − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑦) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥)

= 3𝑙𝑜𝑔2 2 + 3𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑦) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥)

= 3+ 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟐 (𝒚).
8
(b). 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 5 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 1.6 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 5 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 5

= 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 5 + 3𝑙𝑜𝑔2 2 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 5.

= 3.
1
(c). 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑎2 − 4𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑎) = 2𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑎 - 4(𝑙𝑜𝑔3 1 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑎) = 2𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑎 − 4𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑎 = −𝟐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟑 𝒂.
1 1 3
2
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 16− 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 8
3 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 √16−𝑙𝑜𝑔10 √8 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4−𝑙𝑜𝑔10 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (22 )−𝑙𝑜𝑔10 2 2𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (2)−𝑙𝑜𝑔10 2 𝟏
2. = = = = = 𝟐.
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (22 ) 2𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (2)

3. Given that 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 = 0.2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦 = 0.5, evaluate,

(i). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥 3 𝑦 2 ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥 3 ) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑦 2 ) = 3𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥) + 2𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑦) = 0.2 + 0.5 = 0.7
1
𝑥 𝑥2
(ii). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 √𝑦 4 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑦 2 )

1
1 1
= 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 2 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑦 2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑥) − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 (𝑦) = (0.2) − 2(0.5)= - 0.9
2 2

Equality of Logarithms
Two logarithms are equal if and only if (iff) the bases are equal. That is 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑝 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝑞 holds if
𝑥 = 𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 = 𝑞. It is because of this concept; together with the definition of logarithms that has
made it easy to solve logarithmic equations.
Logarithmic Equations
These are equations that involve logarithmic expressions. To solve a logarithmic equation, it is
vital the statement is simplified into one of the forms,
(i). 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒙 𝑨 = 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒙 𝑩 so that 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴 = 𝐵. [create a situation where two logs with the same
base are equal so that corresponding components are equated.
(ii). 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒂 𝒎 = 𝒏 so that 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑚. This makes it easy to solve the indicial equation.
Examples
1. Solve the equations:
(a). 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 2) = 3.
(b).log(𝑥 + 2) − log(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥.
9
(c).𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑦.
2

(d). 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟐 𝒙𝟐 = (𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟐 𝒙)𝟐 . task

2. Solve the simultaneous equations below:
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑥 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑦 = 1
𝑥 + 𝑦 2 = 200
Solutions
1. (a). 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 2) = 3
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥(𝑥 + 2) = 3.
⇒ 23 = 𝑥(𝑥 + 2)
⇒ 8 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 8 = 0
⇒ (𝑥 2 + 4𝑥)(−2𝑥 − 8) = 0
⇒ 𝑥(𝑥 + 4) − 2(𝑥_ + 4) = 0
𝒙 = 𝟐 𝒐𝒓 𝒙 = −𝟒. Trying each root in the logarithmic equation, we see that for
𝒙 = −𝟒, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅. Hence the only solution is x = 2.
(𝒃). log(𝑥 + 2) − log(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥.
𝑥+2
log ( ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2𝑥.
𝑥
𝑥+2
⇒ = 2𝑥.
𝑥

⇒ 2𝑥 2 = 𝑥 + 2
⇒ 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 = 0
−𝑏±√𝑏 2 −4𝑎𝑐 1±√1+4(2)(4) 1±√33
⇒ 𝑥= = =
2𝑎 2 2

⇒ 𝑥 = 3.37 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −2.37. Checking the solutions in the logarithmic equation, we

see that the root 𝒙 = 𝟑. 𝟑𝟕 is the only valid root.
9
(c). 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑦., cross-multiplying gives,
2

(𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦)2 = 9, let 𝑢 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦. Then

 (𝑢)2 = 9,
1
𝑢 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑢 = −3 so that 3 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦 𝑜𝑟 − 3 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑦. Hence 𝑦 = 8 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 8.

Application of Logarithms.
Logarithms, like indices have wider application in the different professional and academic sectors.
Here are some examples of the usage of logarithms.
Examples.
1. A mathematician discovered that an exponential curve has an equation,
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 , 𝑥 ∈ ℝ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎, 𝑏 are constants. Make 𝑥 subject of the formula, giving your answer
in terms of logarithms base 10.
2. The loudness of a sound, as experienced by the human ear, is based on its intensity level.
𝐼
This intensity level is modelled by the logarithmic function, 𝑑 = log (𝐼 ), where d is
𝑜
measured in decibels and corresponds to a sound intensity I and Io (known as the threshold
intensity) is the value of I that corresponds to the weakest sound that can be detected by
the ear under certain conditions.
(a). Find the value of d when I is 10 times as great as Io.
(b). Find the value of d when I is 10000 times as great as Io.
3. A model for the relationship between the average weight W, kilograms and the height, h,
metres for children aged 5 through to 13 years has been approximated by the function,
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 0.8ℎ.
(a). Based on the this model, determine the average weight of a 10 years old child who is
1.4 metres tall.
(b). How tall would an 8 years old child weighing 50kgs be?
(c). Find an expression for the weight W, as a function of h.
Solutions
(1). 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 , taking logarithms both sides.
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 = log(𝑎𝑏 𝑥 ).
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 + 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 = 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏.
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑦−𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑎
⇒ = 𝑥.
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑏

𝐼
(2). 𝑑 = log (𝐼 )
𝑜
 10𝐼0
(a). 𝑑 = log ( )
𝐼𝑜

𝑑 = log(10) = 1𝑑𝑏
10000𝐼0
(b). 𝑑 = log ( ) = 4 log(10) = 4𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑠
𝐼𝑜

(3). (a). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 0.8ℎ.

⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 0.8(1.4).
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 1.12
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 1.5 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑊 = 101.5 = 31.62𝐾𝑔𝑠
(b). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 0.8ℎ.
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔50 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 0.8ℎ.
⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔50 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 = 0.8ℎ.
𝑙𝑜𝑔50−𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4
⇒ = ℎ 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝒉 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟓 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍.
0.8

(c). 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 + 0.8ℎ.

⇒ 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑊 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2.4 = 0.8ℎ.
𝑊 𝑊
⇒ log ( ) = 0.8ℎ 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 = 100.8ℎ . 𝑇ℎ𝑢𝑠 𝑾 = 𝟐. 𝟒(𝟏𝟎𝟎.𝟖𝒉 )
2.4 2.4