5.

SURDS AND LOGARITHMS

A. Surds

1. Introduction
A surd is an irrational number. In general, if x is rational, n is positive integer and if n x is irrational, then
n
x is called a surd of nth power. Here x is called radicand, n x is called radical sign and the index ‘n’ is
called order of the surd. n x is read as nth root of x and can be written as x1/n n x are called simple surds.
If it is a surd of nth order, then
(i) When n = 2, it is called quadratic surd.
(ii) When n = 3, it is called cubic surd.
When n = 4, it is called biquadratic surd.
Note: - Every surd is an irrational number but every irrational number is not a surd. So the representation
of monomial surd on a number line is same that of irrational numbers.
e.g.,
(i) is a surd and e is irrational number (ii) is an irrational number but it is not a surd

2. Types of Surds
(i) Pure Surd:
A surd which has unity only as rational factor the other factor being irrational is called Pure Surd.
e.g. 2 , 3 3, 4 4 , 4 5
(ii) Mixed Surd:
A surd consisting of the product of a rational and irrational is called Mixed Surd
e.g., 5 3 , 12 ,and if a is rational number and not equal to zero and n b is a surd, then a n b ,
are mixed surd. If a = 1 they are called pure surd. Mixed Surd can be written as Pure Surd.

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 5.2 Surds and Logarithms

(iii) Compound Surd:

A surd which is the sum or difference of two or more surds is called Compound Surd.
e.g., 2 + 3 3 , 1+ 2 – 3
(iv) Monomial Surd: A surd consisting only one surd is called Monomial Surd.
e.g., 3 5 , 5 7
(v) Binomial Surd: A compound surd consisting of two surds is called a Binomial Surd.
e.g. 2 3 3, 3 7
(vi) Trinomial Surd: A compound surd consist of 3 surds is called Trinomial Surd.
e.g. 7 5 3 ,3 5 4 2 2 11
(vii) Similar Surds: If two surds are different multiples of the same surd. They are called Similar Surds
otherwise they are Dissimilar Surds.
e.g., 2 2, 5 2 are similar surds and 3 3 , 6 5 are dissimilar surds
(viii) Conjugate Surd: Two conjugate surds which are differ only in signs (+/–) between them
e.g., a + b and a – b are Conjugate Surds. Sometimes conjugate and reciprocal are same
e.g., 2 – 3 is conjugate of 2 + 3 and reciprocal of 2 – 3 is 2 + 3

3. Rationalization of Surds
The process of converting a surd to a rational number by multiplying it with a suitable Rationalising
Factor.

3.1 Rationalising Factor

When the product of two surds is a rational number, then each surd is called Rationalizing Factor
(R.F.)
e.g., ( 3 2)( 3 – 2) = 3 – 2 = 1 which is rational

3.1.1 R.F. of Monomial Surd

1
1–
n
One of R.F. of a1/n is a
e.g., 53/5 and 52/5 are Rationalising Factor of each other

3.1.2 R.F. of Binomial Surd

R.F. of (a + b ) is (a – b ) and that of a – b is a b.

3.1.3 R.F. of Trinomial Surd

R.F. of a b – c is a b c

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.3

4. Some Important Results

(i) If a + b = c + d where a, c are rational number and b , d are surds, then a = c and b = d
(ii) If a, b, a2 b are positive rational numbers and b is a surd, then

a a2 – b a – a2 – b
a b
2 2
(iii) If a, b, c, d are positive rational numbers and b, c, d are surds then
bd bc cd
a b c d 4 4 4
4c 4d 4b

4b2 k
(iv) 5 a k b –b b
5
b–c
(v) 3 a b c c
3
3 3
(vi) a b is a R.F. of a2/3 – a1/3 b1/3 + b2/3 and vice versa
(vii) 3 a 3
b is R.F. of a2/3 + a1/3 b1/3 + b2/3 and vice versa
2 –k 2 –k
(viii) (a b)x (a – b)x = 2a, a2 – b = 1 ⇒x k 1

5. Algebra of Surds

5.1 Law of Surds and Exponents

If a > 0, b > 0 and n is a positive rational number then
n
1
n
n
(i) a an a

n n n
(ii) a b ab [Here order should be same]

n n a
(iii) a b n
b
nm nm mn
(iv) a a a
n p p n n p m np
(v) n
a a , n
ap ap/n or, am a p
(am )p [Important for changing order of
surds]
1 1 1 m n
3 n mn m n
(vi) m
a n
a a m a a mn a
1
m m 1 1 n m
a a mn n m
(vii) n 1
am n a mn a
a
an

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 5.4 Surds and Logarithms

1
n
(viii) If an = b then a b n ⇒ a b
m
n m
(ix) a an

5.2 Comparison of Surds

If two surds are of same order then one whose radicand is larger is the larger of the two or if
n
x > y > 0 and n > 1 is + ve integer then x > n y
3 3 7 7
e.g., 19 13 , 18 93

5.3 Identification of Surds

4
(i) 25 is a surd as radicand is a rational number.
Similar examples 3 5 , 4 12 , 5 7 , 12, ....
(ii) 3 1 is a surd (as surd + rational number will give a surd)
Similar examples 3 2 ,2 3 , 3 3 1, .....

(iii) 9 4 5 is a surd as 9 4 5 is a perfect square of 2 5 .

Similar examples 7 4 3 ,7 4 3, 9 4 5 ,....

1
1 1 3 1
3 3 3 1/2 1/3 18
(iv) 5 2 is a surd as ((5) ) 56 5 18 5

3
Similar examples 3 , 4 5 6 ,.....
(v) These are not a surd:
(a) 9 3 is not a surd.

(b) 1 5 , because 1 5 is not a perfect square.

3
(c) 3 2 , because radicand is an irrational number.

Illustration 1: If x 3 31/3 32/3 , then find the value of x3 9x2 18x 12.
Sol: x 3 31/3 32/3
⇒ x 3 31/3 32/3
Cubing both sides
3
(x 3)3 31/3 32/3

⇒ x3 9x2 27x 27 12 3(3)(x 3) since 31/3 32/3 x 3

⇒ x3 9x2 18x 12 0

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.5

Illustration 2: If ax m , ay n and a2 (my .nx )z then find the value of xyz.

Sol: Given a2 (my .nx )z

⇒ a2 [(ax )y .(ay )x ]z [ m ax ,n ay ]
⇒ a2 [axy .axy ]z
⇒ a2 [a2 xy ]z
⇒ a2 a2 xyz
Here base is same
Hence 2 = 2xyz ⇒ xyz = 1.
3 4
Illustration 3: Simplify 3 2.

Sol: LCM of 3 and 4 is 12

12 12
31/3 3 4/12 34 And 21/ 4 23/12 23

3 4 12 12 12 12
3 2 34 23 12
(34 )(23 ) 81 8 648

Illustration 4: Arrange 4
6 , 3 7 and 5 in ascending order.
Sol: L.C.M. of 4, 3, 2 is 12.
1 3
12
4
6 64 612 63 12
216
1 4
3
7 73 712 12 7 4 12
2401
1 6
12 6 12
5 52 5 12 5 15625
Hence ascending order i.e. 4 6 , 3 7 , 5

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 5.6 Surds and Logarithms

B. Logarithms

1. Definition
If ‘a’ is a positive real number, not equal to 1 and x is a rational number such that ax= N, then x
is the Logarithm of N to the base a.
If ax= N then loga N = x. [Remember N will be + ve i.e., N 0]
e.g., 23 = 8 then log28 = 3

2. System of Logarithms
There are two systems which are general used Napierian Logarithms and Common Logarithms

2.1 Napierian Logarithms

The logarithms of numbers calculated to the base ‘e’ are called Natural Logarithms or Napierian
Logarithms. Here “e” is an irrational number lying between 2 and 3 (Approx value of e = 2.73)

2.2 Common Logarithms

Logarithms to the base 10 are called Common Logarithms.

PLANCESS CONCEPTS

log10 1 = 0
log10 10 = 1
log10 100 = 2
log10 1000 = 3
log10 10000 = 4
log10 100000 = 5
log10 1000000 = 6

So you can see, the base-10 log of a number tells you approximately its order of magnitude.
This is how logarithms can be very useful. It helps us to convert a large number to a very small
one and at the same time the smaller numbers can be converted to a number which can be
comparable to the bigger ones.

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.7

USE OF LOGARITHMS IN OUR LIFE

An earthquake is what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another.
The amount of energy released during an Earthquake can be enormous. Richter Scale is
used to study the intensity of the earthquakes. Because of the huge range of the energy
released from the earthquakes, the knowledge of logarithms turns out to be very helpful. In
elementary terms, the Richter Scale is nothing but a base -10 logarithmic scale. This implies
that it describes the energy released in terms of the order of the magnitude instead of its
original value.
• Magnitude wise impact of the earthquakes:
• Magnitude 3 and lower – are almost imperceptible or weak causing no damage
• Magnitude 5 – it can be felt by everyone and can cause slight damage to normal buildings.
• Magnitude 7 – can cause serious damage over larger areas, (depending on the depth of
the epicenter).
• Magnitude 9 and above – Total destruction, severe damage, death toll usually over
50,000.
Uday Kiran G
KVPY Fellow

3. Properties of Logarithms
(i) Logarithms are defined only for positive real numbers
(ii) Logarithms are defined only for positive bases different from 1.
(iii) In logba, neither a nor b is negative i.e., log of (–) ve number not defined but the value of logba
can be negative e.g., 10–2 = 0.01, log10 0.01 = – 2
(iv) log of 0 is not defined as an = 0 not possible
(v) log of 1 to any base is 0. e.g., log21= 0 ( 20 = 1)
log of a number to the same base is 1. e.g., log4 4 = 1
Logarithms of the same number to different base have different values. i.e., if m n then
logma logna. In other words, if logm a = logna then m = n.
e.g., log216 = logn16 ⇒ n = 2, log216 log4 16. Here m n
Logarithms of different numbers to the same base are different i.e., if a b, then logma logmb.
In other words if logma = logm b then a = b
e.g., log102 log103 a b
log102 = log10y ⇒ y = 2 a=b

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 5.8 Surds and Logarithms

4. Fundamental Laws of Logarithms

Logarithm to any base a (where a > 0 and a 1).
(i) loga (mn) = logam + logan [Where m and n are +ve numbers]
m
(ii) loga = logam - logan
n
(iii) log am = m log a
logbm
(iv) logam = (change of base rule)
logb a

(v) logb a logc b logc a

(vi) loga m.logm a 1

(vii) If ‘a’ is a positive real number and ‘n’ is a positive rational number, then aloga n = n
p
(viii) If ‘a’ is a positive real number and ‘n’ is a positive rational number, then log q np loga n
a q
1
(ix) log n m loga m
a n
log q loga p
(x) p a p
1
(xi) loga m
logm a
mn
(xii) loga loga m loga n loga p loga q
pq

(xiii) eloge x x
(xiv) logb a logc a.logb c
1
(xv) logb a log b a
2
m
(xvi) log n xm = loga x
a n
(xvii)If a 1, a > 0 then loga a = 1 ; loge e = 1
(xviii) loga 1 = 0 (a > 0, a 1)
(xix) alog m = mlog a

5. Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

CASE – I : If a > 1 then loga x is an increasing function.
(a) loga x < 0 for all x satisfying 0 < x < 1 (curve lies below x axis)
(b) loga x = 0 for x = 1
(c) loga x > 0 for x > 1 (curve lies above x axis)

Figure 5.1

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.9

CASE – II: If 0 < a < 1, then loga x is a decreasing function.

(a) loga x < 0 for all x > 1 (curve lies below x axis)
(b) loga x = 0 for x = 1
(c) loga x > 0 for all x satisfying 0 < x < 1 (curve lies above x axis)

Figure 5.2

PLANCESS CONCEPTS

NOTE : 1. x > y ⇒ loga x > loga y if a > 1

2. x > y ⇒ loga x < loga y if 0 < a < 1.
Neeraj Toshniwal
AIR 37, INMO

x
Illustration 1: If log (x2y3) = a and log = b, Find log x and log y.
y
x
Sol:  log (x2y3) = a and log =b
y
 2 log x + 3 log y = a .....(1)
And log x – log y = b .....(2)
a 2b
Multiply (2) by 2 and subtracting from (1) we have 5 log y = a – 2b; log y =
5
a 3b
Again multiplying (2) by 3 and adding 5 log x = a + 3b; log x =
5
16 25 81
Illustration 2: Find the value of 7 log + 5 log + 3 log .
15 24 80

16 25 81 24 52 34
Sol: 7 log + 5 log + 3 log = 7 log 5log 3log
15 24 80 3 5 23 3 5 24

= 7(4log2 – log3 – log5) + 5 (2log5 – 3log2 – log3) + 3(4log3 – log5 – 4log2)

= 28 log2 – 7log3 – 7log5 + 10 log5 – 15log2 – 5log 3 + 12log 3 – 3log5 – 12log2

= 28log2– 27log2 = log2

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 5.10 Surds and Logarithms

8
Illustration 3: If logx256 = then find x.
5

⇒ x8/5 = 256 ⇒ (x1/5)8 = 28 ⇒ x1/5 = 2 or x = 25

8
Sol: logx256 = x = 32
5
2 log4 5
Illustration 4: Evaluate: 4 .

2 log4 5 log4 5 5–1 16

Sol: Given 4 = 42 .4 ; [= am.an] = 16.4log4 =16 × 5 –1 =
5

Illustration 5: Find x if logx 3 logx 9 logx 729 = 9.

Sol: logx 3 logx 9 logx 729 = 9; logx 3 logx 32 logx 36 = 9

9
logx 3 2logx 3 6logx 3 = 9; 9logx 3 = 9 ; logx3 = =1
9
x 1= 3 x=3

6. Characteristic and Mantissa

The integral part of a logarithm is called characteristic and decimal part is called Mantissa.
To find characteristic:
Case1: If the number is greater than unity and if there are n digits in integral part, then its characteristic
= (n – 1)
Case2: If the number is less than unity and if there are n zeroes after decimal (and number starts), then
its characteristic is n 1 [called as Bar (n + 1)].
Note: 6.325 means – 6 + 0.325 whereas – (6.325) means – 6.325.
loga
(i) logb a (ii) logc a.logb c.logd b logd a
logb
e.g. log2 x.log3 2.loglog4 3...logn 1 n logn 1 x
1 1 1
(i) n
log n (xyz) log n (xyz) log n (xyz)
x y z

1 1 1
e.g. 2
log 2 (xyz) log 2 (xyz) log 2 (xyz)
x y z

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.11

SUMMARY

n
• A surd is an irrational number. In general, if x is rational, n is positive integer and if x is irrational,
then n x is called a surd of nth power.
• Rationalizing Factor: When the product of two surds is a rational number, then each surd is called
Rationalizing Factor (R.F.)
• Law of Surds and Exponents
If a > 0, b > 0 and n is a positive rational number then,
n
n n n n n n
(i) a a a (ii) a b ab [Here, order should be same]
n n a
(i) a b n
b
nm nm mn
(ii) a a a
n p p n p m np
(iii) n
a a , n
ap ap/n or n am a p
(am )p
[Important for changing order of surds]
mn m n
(i) m
a n
a a
m
a mn m n
(ii) n
a
a
1
n
(iii) If an = b then a b n ⇒ a b
m
n m
(iv) a an
• Comparison of Surds: If two surds are of same order then one whose radicand is larger is the larger
of the two or if x > y > 0 and n > 1 is + ve integer then n x > n y
• If ‘a’ is a positive real number, not equal to 1 and x is a rational number such that ax= N, then x is the
Logarithm of N to the base a.
If ax = N then loga N = x. [Remember N will be + ve i.e., N 0]
• Napierian Logarithms: The logarithms of numbers calculated to the base ‘e’ are called Natural
Logarithms or Napierian Logarithms.
• Common Logarithms: Logarithms to the base 10 are called Common Logarithms.
• Properties of Logarithms
(i) Logs are defined only for positive real numbers.
(ii) Logs are defined only for positive bases different from 1.

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 5.12 Surds and Logarithms

(iii) In logba, neither a nor b is negative i.e., log of (–) ve number not defined but the value of logba
can be negative
Fundamental Laws of Logarithms
Logarithm to any base a (where a > 0 and a 1).
(i) loga(mn) = logam + logan [Where m and n are +ve numbers]
m
(ii) loga = logam - logan
n

(iii) loga m = m log a

logbm
(iv) logam = (change of base rule)
logb a

(v) logb alogc b logc a

(vi) loga m.logm a 1

(vii) If ‘a’ is a positive real number and ‘n’ is a positive rational number, then aloga n = n
p
(viii) If ‘a’ is a positive real number and ‘n’ is a positive rational number, then log q np loga n
a q
1
(ix) log n m loga m
a n

(x) ploga q p
loga p

1
(xi) loga m
logm a
mn
(xii) loga loga m loga n loga p loga q
pq

(xiii) eloge x x
(xiv) logb a logc a.logb c
1
(xv) logb a log b a
2
m
(xvi) log n xm = loga x
a n

(xvii) If a 1, a > 0 then loga a = 1 ; loge e = 1

(xviii) loga 1 = 0 (a > 0, a 1)

(xix) alog m = mlog a

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.13

Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

CASE – I: If a > 1 CASE – II: If 0 < a < 1, then

Figure 5.3 Figure 5.4

Characteristic and Mantissa
The integral part of a logarithm is called Characteristic and decimal part is called Mantissa.

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 5.14 Surds and Logarithms

SOLVED EXAMPLES

log10 6 1
Example 1: Find the value of .
log10 60

log10 6 1 log10 6 log10 10 log10 (6 10) log10 60

Sol: 1.
log10 60 log10 60 log10 60 log10 60

x
Example 2: Prove that (log x)2 – (log y)2 = (log xy) log
y
Sol: (log x)2 – (log y)2 is in the form (a2 – b2)
We know that a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a - b)
x
(log x)2 – (log y)2 = (log x + log y) (log x – log y)= (log xy) log
x y
(log x)2 – (log y)2 = (log xy) log
y
1 1
Example 3: If (3.5)x = (0.035)y = 103, find .
x y
Sol: (3.5)x = 103 ⇒ log3.5 1000 x
(0.035)y = 103 ⇒ log0.035 1000 y
1 1 3.5 2
log1000 3.5 log1000 0.035 log log1000 100 log10 10)2
x y 1000
0.035 3

Example 4: Solve: log (3 + 2log (1 + x)) = 0.

Sol: log (3 + 2log (1 + x)) = log 1
3 + 2log (1 + x) = 1
2 log(1 + x) = -2
log (1 + x) = -1
log10(1 + x) = -1
⇒ 1 + x = 10-1
1 9
⇒x 1
10 10
Example 5: Solve: 5log x + xlog 5 = 50.
Sol: 5log x = xlog 5
⇒ 5log x + xlog 5 = 50
⇒ 5log x + 5log x = 50

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.15

⇒ 2(5log x) = 50
⇒ 5log x = 25
⇒ 5log x = 52
⇒ log x = 2
x = 102; x = 100.
Example 6: If a, b, c are three consecutive positive integers, then show that 2log b = log(1 + ac).

Sol: Let the three consecutive positive integers a, b, c be of the form m – 1, m, m + 1 respectively,
then a = m – 1, b = m, c = m + 1
Now, taking log(1 + ac) = log [1 + (m - 1)(m + 1)] = log (1 + m2 - 1) = log m2= 2 log m
But b = m
⇒ log(1 + ac) = 2 log m = 2 log b
2 log b = log(1 + ac)
Example 7: Find the value of
1 1 1
log1003 1 log1003 1 .... log1003 1
2 3 2005

3 4 2006
Sol: log1003 log1003 .... log1003
2 3 2005
3 4 2005 2006
log1003 ....
2 3 2004 2005
2006
log1003 log1003 1003 1
2

Example 8: Solve: log4 log2 log 2 log3 (x 2006) 0.

Sol: log2 log 2

log3 (x 2006) 40 1
log 2
log3 (x 2006) 2

log3 (x 2006) ( 2)2 2

x – 2006 = 32
x = 2006 + 9 = 2015
loga logb logc
Example 9: If then find aabbcc.
b c c a a b'
loga logb logc
Sol: Let k
b c c a a b
log a = k(b - c) = kb – kc
log b = k(a - c) = ka – kc

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 5.16 Surds and Logarithms

log c = k(a - b) = ka – kb
log aa = a log a = kab – kac … (1)
log bb = b log b = kbc – kba … (2)
log cc = c log c = kca – kcb … (3)
(1) + (2) + (3) = 0
log10 aa bb cc = 0
aabb cc 10 1.
2
Example 10: Evaluate: 32 5 .
2 2
Sol: 32 5 ( 2) ( 2) ( 2) ( 2) ( 2) 5

2 2
5x
( 2)5 5 ( 2) 5 (am )n amn

( 2)2 ( 2) ( 2) 4
2 3
5 1
27 3 9 2
Example 11: Evaluate: (i) 5 4 x 125 3 (25) 2 (ii) .
125 25
5 1 5 1
4 4
Sol: (i) 5 125 3 (25) 2 =5 5 5 5 3 (5 5) 2

5 1 5 1
3 2
4 2
=5 53 3 (52 ) 2 5 4
5 3 (5)

4
5 5 55
=5 4
5 (5) 1
1
5 4 5 ( 1)
5 4 5 1
= 52 5 5 25
5
2 3 2 3
27 3 9 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2
(ii)
125 25 5 5 5 5 5
2 3
2 3
3 3 2 2 3 2
3 3 3 3 3 2
=
5 5 5 5
2 3 2 ( 3)
3 3 3
= am an am n
5 5 5
2 3 1
3 3 1 5 5
= 1
5 5 3 3 3
5
Example 12: If 1960 2a.5b.7c , calculate the value of 2 a.7b.5 c.

Sol: 1960 2a.5b.7c ⇒ 2a.5b.7c 1960

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.17

⇒ 2a.5b.7c 2 2 2 5 7 7

⇒ 2a.5b.7c 23 51 72 .............(i)
Comparing powers of 2,5 and 7 on both sides of equation (i), we get
a=3
b=1
c=2
Hence value of:
1 1 7 7 7 7
2 a.7b.5 c
2 3.71.5 2
7 = = =
2 3
5 2 3
2 2
5 2 2 2 5 5 8x25 200
Example 13: Show that:
m n n l
l m
am an al
1
n l m
a a a
m n n l l m
am an al
Sol: L.H.S= n l m
a a a
m n n l l m
⇒ am ( n)
an ( l)
al ( m)

m n n l l m
⇒ am n
an l
al m

⇒ a(m n)(m n)
x a(n l)(n l)
x a(l m)(l m)

2 n2 2 l2 2 m2
⇒ am an al . ⇒ A 2 B2 (A B)(A B)

m2 n2 n2 l2 l2 m2
⇒a
⇒ a0
⇒ L.H.S 1 R.H.S

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 5.18 Surds and Logarithms

EXERCISE 1 – For School Examinations

True / False
Directions: Read the following statements and write your answer as true or false.
1
Q.1. (i) If log10 x a, then 10x a (ii) If x y z, then y logz x (iii) log2 8 3 and log8 2
3

Short Answer Questions

Directions: Give answer in two to three sentences.
logx
Q.2. (i) log 1 x log 1000 0 (ii) log x log y
log y
log 25
(iii) If =log x, then x = 2 (iv) log x log y log x log y
log 5
Q.3. Simplify:
2
(i) 8x3 125y3 3 (ii) (a b) 1 .(a 1
b 1)
2
5n 3
6 5n 1
2
3
9 3
(iii) (iv) 3x x
9 5n 5n x22
2
1 2 2
1 27 3 1
Q.4. Evaluate: (i) (0.01) 2 (27)3 (ii) 50
4 8 4
Q.5. Simplify each of the following and express with positive index:
1
1
1
(i) 1 1 1 n

Long Answer Questions

Directions: Give answer in four to five sentences.

Q.6. If a xm n .y l; b xn l .yn and c xl m .yn , prove that: am n .bn l . cl m

1

x 3 x 1
Q.7. Solve: (i) 8 22x 4 2x 1
1 2x (ii) 3 4
3

Q.8. Prove that:

a b c b c a c a b c
xa xb xc xa(b c)
xb
(i) 1 (ii) 1
xb xc xa xb(a c)
xa

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.19

2xz
Q.9. If ax by cz and b2 ac , prove that:
x z

p q 1 1 1
Q.10. If 5 4 20r ; show that: 0.
p q r
3n 1
9n 1
Q.11. Solve
3n(n 1)
3n 1
(n 1)

75 5 32
Q.12. Express in terms of log 2 and log 3: log 2log log
16 9 243

Q.13. Express each of the following in a form free from logarithm:

(i) log V 2 log 2 log 3 log 3 log r

(ii) log F log G log m1 log m2 2 log d

Q.14. Evaluate each of the following without using tables:

1 1
(i) log10 8 log10 25 2 log10 4 log10 32 (ii) log 4 log 125 log 32
3 5
15 25 4
Q.15. Prove that: 2log log log log2.
18 162 9
1
Q.16. Find x, if: x log 48 3log2 log125 log3
3
Q.17. Solve for x: log(x 4) log(x 4) 1
Q.18. If log10 2 x and log10 3 y ; express each of the following in terms of ‘x’ and ‘y’:
1
(i) log 12 (ii)log 2.25 (iii) log3
8
Q.19. If log (a + b) = log a + log b, find a in terms of b.

a2 b2 c2
Q.20. If l log ,m log and n log , find the value of l + m + n
bc ca ab
x y 1
Q.21. If log log x log y , show that x2 y2 6xy
2 2
a b 1
Q.22. If a2 b2 23ab , show that: log loga logb
5 2
a
Q.23. Solve for a and b if a > 0 and b > 0: logab log 2log2 2
b
log25
Q.24. If log2 (a b) log3 (a b) , find the values of a and b.
log0.2

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 5.20 Surds and Logarithms

SOLUTIONS

EXERCISE 1 – For School Examinations

True / False

1. (i) 10a x Hence, False

(ii) logz x y ⇒ zy x Hence, False

(iii) 23 8
1 1
83 2⇒ (2x2x2)3 2
1
3x
2 3 2⇒2 2 Hence, True

Short Answer Questions

2. (i) L.H.S log 1 log 1000

0 3 [log 1 0 and log 1000 3]
0
Given statement that log 1 x log 1000 0 is true.
(ii) R.H.S
log x – log y
x m
log loga m loga n loga
y n
Given statement that,
log x
log x log y is false.
log y

log 25
(iii) logx
log 5
log 5 5 log 52
⇒ logx ⇒ logx
log 5 log 5
2log 5
⇒ logx loga mn n loga m
log 5
⇒ 2 logx ⇒ logx 2

Given statement is false.

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.21

(iv) R.H.S = log x – log y

= log xy
But L.H.S = log x log y
Given statement that,
log x log y log x log y is false.

2 2
2
2 3 3 3 2
8x 3 2x 2x 2x 3 2x 2x 2x 2x 4x2
3.(i) 8x3 125y 3 3
125y 3 5y 5y 5y 5y 5y 5y 5y 25y 2
1 1 1 11 b 1 a 1(b a) 1
(a b) 1
(ii) (a b) 1 .(a 1
b 1) . . . .
(a b) a b (a b) ab (a b) ab (a b) ab ab
5n 3
6 5n 1
5n 1.52 6 5n 1
5n 1 (52 6) 5n.51 (25 6) 5n.5(19)
(iii) 19
9 5n 5n 22 9 5n 5n 4 5n (9 4) 5n (5) 5n (5)
2 2
3 1 9 1 x6 1
(iv) 3x2 x9 3 x 3 x6
3
(3) (x )3 2 3
27 x 6 27
3x2

1 2 2 1 2
1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1
4. (i) (0.01) 2 (27)3 = 0.1 33 3 = (0.1) (3)2 3 3
4 2 2 2 0.1
1 10 1x1 10 2 9 2 1 20 18 21 8 3 1
= 9 = 1
2 1 2 2 2 2 2
2 2
2 2
27 3 1 0 3 3 3 3 1 1
(ii) 5 = 1 a0 1
8 4 2 2 2 2 2
2
2 2
3 3 2 3x 2x( 2) 2 4
3 1 3 3 1 3 1 3 3 1
= 1 1= 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
4

2
9 1 1 9 9 16 9 9 16 1
= 1 1= 1 1 16 1
1 1 1 1
4 1 4 4 1 4 4 1 1
2 2 2 2 16
9 16 4 1 4 9 64 4 51
=
4 4 4
1 1
1 1
1 1
5. 1 1 1 n = 1 1
1 n

1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1
1 n 1 n 1 n 1 n n 1 n 1
⇒ 1 1 ⇒ 1 1 ⇒ n
1 n 1 n n n n n

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 5.22 Surds and Logarithms

Long Answer Questions

6. a xm n .yl ...............(1)
b xn l .ym ...............(2)
c xl m
.yn ...............(3)
L .H. S am n .bn l . cl m
................(4)
Putting the value of a,b,c from (n-l)(1), (2), (3) respectively in (4), we get
L .H. S (xm n .yl )(m n)
.(xn l .ym )(n l) .(xl m
.yn )(l m)

⇒ (xm n )(m n)
.(yl )(m n)
.(xn l )(n l) .(ym )(n l) .(xl m (l m)
) .(yn )(l m)

⇒ (x)(m n)(m n)
.(y)(l)(m n)
.(x)(n l)(n l)
.(y)(m)(n l) .(x)(l m)(l m)
.(y)(n)(l m)

2 n2 2 l2 2 m2
⇒ xm .xn .xl .ylm nl
.ym n lm
.ynl mn

2 n2 n2 l2 l2 m2
⇒ xm .ylm nl m n lm nl mn

2 n2 n2 l2 l2 m2
⇒ L.H.S xm .ylm nl m n lm nl mn

⇒ x0 .y 0 ⇒ 1.1 1 R.H.S

7. (i) 8 22x 4 2x 1
1 2x
2
⇒8 2x 4 2x x 21 1 2x
2
⇒8 2x 8 2x 1 2x
2
⇒8 2x 8 2x 2x 1 0
2
⇒8 2x 2x (8 1) 1 0
2
⇒ 8 2x 7 x 2x 1 0

⇒ 8 (y)2 7xy 1 0 [Putting 2x y]

⇒ 8y 2 7y 1 0

⇒ 8y 2 8y 1y 1 0

⇒ 8y(y 1) 1(y 1) 0

⇒ (y 1)(8y 1) 0

⇒y 1 0 and 8y 1 0

⇒ 2x 1 0 and 8 2x 1 0[Putting y 2x ]

⇒ 2x 1 and 8x2x 1

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.23

1
⇒ 2x 1 and 2x
8
1
⇒ 2x 1 and 2x
23
⇒ 2x 1 and 2x 2 3

In first case, value of x is not possible and in second case, value of x=-3
x 3 x 1
4
(ii) 3 3
x 3 x 1
1 1 1 1
(x 3) ( x 1)
⇒ 32 34 ⇒ 32 34

1 1
⇒ (x 3) (x 1)
2 4
[If bases are equal, powers are equal]
(x 3) (x 1)
⇒
2 4
⇒ 4(x 3) 2(x 1) [Cross multplying]
⇒ 4x 12 2x 2 ⇒ 4x 2x 2 12
14
⇒ 2x 14 ⇒ x ⇒x 7
2
a b c b c a c a b
xa xb xc
8. (i) L.H.S. 1
xb xc xa
a b c b c a c a b
xa b
xb c
xc a

2 ab ca ab b2 bc 2 bc ab bc c2 ca 2 ac bc ac a2 ab 2 b2 ca bc b2 c2 ab ca c2 a2 bc ab
xa xb xc xa

x0 1 R.H.S.
c
xa(b c)
xb xab ac
xab ac
(ii) (xb a )c xbc ca
xab ca ab bc bc ca
x0 1 R.H.S
b(a c) a ab bc ab bc
x x x x

9. Let ax by cz k
1 1 1
y
a k x ,b k and c kz
Now b2 ac
2
1 1 1 2 1 1
y y
⇒ k kx kz ⇒k kx z

Comparing, we get,
2 1 1 2 x z
⇒ ⇒ y(x z) 2xz
y x z y xz

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 5.24 Surds and Logarithms

2xz
y
x z

p q
10. Let 5 4 20r k , then
1
p p
5 k ⇒5 k
1
q q
4 k⇒4 k
1
r
20 k ⇒ 20 kr
1 1 1 1 1 1
q p q p
20 4x5 k xk kr ⇒k kr

Comparing, we get
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
⇒ 0 ⇒ 0
p q r p q r p q r

3n 1
9n 1
11.
3n(n 1)
3n 1
(n 1)

(n 1)
3n 1 3n 1
3n 1
3(n 1)(n 1)

3n(n 1)
9n 1
3n
2 n
(3x3)n 1

2 ) (1)2 n2 1
3n 1
3(n 3n 1
3
2 n
3n (32 )n 1
3n
2 n
32(n 1)

2 1
3n 1
3n 1 n2 1 (n2 n) (2n 2)
3n
n2 n 32n 2
3
1 n2 1 n2 n 2n 2 1 1 1
3n 3 2

3 2 3x3 9

2
75 5 32 75 5 32
12. log 2log log log log log ....... n loga m loga mn
16 9 243 16 9 243

75 25 32
log log log
16 81 243
75
16 32 m
log log . loga loga m loga n
25 243 n
81

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.25

75 81 32
log log
16 25 243

243 32
log log
16 243

243 32
log loga mn loga m loga n
16 243

log1 2 log2

13. (i) log V 2 log 2 log 3 log 3 log r

2
⇒ logV log2 log3 log logr 3
⇒ logV log 4 log logr 3 log3

⇒ logV log(4 r 3 ) log3

4 r3
⇒ logV log
3
4 r3
⇒V
3

(ii) log F log G log m1 log m2 2 log d

⇒ log F log (G m1 m2 ) log d2

Gm1m2
⇒ log F log
d2

Gm1m2
⇒F
d2
m1m2
⇒F G
d2
14. (i) log10 8 log10 25 2 log10 4 log10 32

log10 8 log10 25 log10 42 log10 32 loga mn n loga m

log10 8 log10 25 log10 16 log10 32

log10 8 x 25 x 16 log10 32 loga lmn loga l loga m loga n

log10 3200 log10 32

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 5.26 Surds and Logarithms

3200 m
log10 loga loga m loga n
32 n
log10 100 log10 102 2log10 10 2
1 1
1 1 n
(ii) log 4 log 125 log 32 log 4 log (125)3 log (32)5 . loga m n loga m
3 5
log 4 log5 log2
log(4 5) log2 . loga mn loga m loga n

log20 log2
20 m
log . loga loga m loga n
2 n

log 10 1

15 25 4
15. L.H.S. :2log log log
18 162 9
2
15 25 4
log log log loga mn n loga m
18 162 9
15 15 4 25
log log log
18 18 9 162
15 15 4 25
log log
18 18 9 162
15 15 4
18 18 9 m
log loga loga m loga n
25 n
162

15 15 4 162 3 3 4 18
log log
18 18 9 25 18 18 1 1
1 1 72
log 72 log log2 R.H.S
6 6 36
1
16. x log 48 3log2 log125 log3
3
1
⇒x log125 log3 log 48 3log2
3
1
⇒x log(125)3 log3 log 48 log23

loga mn n loga m
⇒x log5 log3 log 48 log8

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.27

⇒x (log5 log 48) (log3 log8)

⇒ x log5 48 log3 8
loga mn loga m loga n
5 48 m
⇒x log loga loga m loga n
3 8 n

5 6
⇒x log ⇒x log5 2 ⇒ x log10
3 1
⇒x 1  log10 1

17. log(x 4) log(x 4) 1

⇒ log10 (x 4) log10 (x 4) 1
(x 4) m
⇒ log10 1 loga m loga n loga
(x 4) n
(x 4)
⇒ log10 1 log10 10
(x 4)
(x 4)
⇒ 10
(x 4)
⇒ (x 4) 10x 40
⇒x 10x 40 4
⇒ 9x 44
44
⇒ 9x 44 ⇒ x
9
18. (i) log 12 log2 2 3 log22 3
log22 log3 loga mn loga m loga n
2log2 log3 loga mn n loga m
2log10 2 log10 3
2x y Putting log10 2 x,log10 3 y
2x y
225 25x9
(ii) log 2.25 log ⇒ log
100 25x4
2
9 3 3
⇒ log ⇒ log 2log ⇒ 2[log3 log2] 2[log10 3 log10 2] 2[y x]
4 2 2
Putting log10 3 y,log10 2 x

2y 2x

1 25 25 4
(iii) log3 log log10 x
8 8 8 4

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 5.28 Surds and Logarithms

100 100 100

log10 log10 log10 log10 100 log10 25
32 2 2 2 2 2 25

m
loga loga m loga n
n

2 5log102
2 5x Putting log10 2 x
19. log (a + b) = log a + log b
⇒ log(a b) log ab
[logamn logam logan]

⇒a b ab ⇒ a ab b
⇒ ab a b ⇒ a(b 1) b
b
⇒ a(b 1) b ⇒ a
b 1
2 2
a b c2
20. l log ,m log and n log
bc ca ab
2 2 2
a b c
l m n log log log
bc ca ab
a2 b2 c2
log loga lmn loga l loga m loga n
bc ca ab
a2b2c2 10 10
log ⇒ log 1 ⇒ log 1 ⇒ log
2 2 2
ab c 10 10
m
log10 log10 loga loga m loga n
n
1 1 0

x y 1 1
21. log log x log y log xy log(xy)1/2
2 2 2
x y
(xy)1/2
2
Squaring both sides
2 2
1
x y
(xy)2
2

x2 y 2 2xy
⇒ xy
4
⇒ x2 y 2 2xy 4xy

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 Foundation for Mathematics 5.29

⇒ x2 y2 4xy 2xy
⇒ x2 y2 6xy

22. a2 b2 23ab
a2 b2 2ab 23ab 2ab
(Adding 2ab both sides)
a2 b2 2ab 25ab
2
⇒ a b 25ab
2
a b
⇒ ab
25
2
a b
⇒ ab
5
Taking log both sides,
2
a b
log logab
5
a b
⇒ 2log logab
5
a b 1
⇒ log logab
5 2
a b 1
⇒ log loga logb
5 2

a
23. a 0 , logab log 2log2 2
b
(i)logab 2 2 1 2log10 log102 log100
ab 100 ..............(i)
a
(ii)log 2log2 2
b
a
log log22 log100
b
 log100 2
a
log log22 log100
b
4a
⇒ log log100
b
4a
100
b
4a 100b ⇒ a 25b ...................(ii)

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 5.30 Surds and Logarithms

From (i) 25b.b 100

⇒ 25b2 100 ⇒ b2 4 ( 2)2

⇒b 2 ( b 0)
100
a 2 100 ⇒ a 50
2
Hence a 50,b 2

log25
24. log2 (x y) log3 (x y)
log0.2

log25 log52 2log5 2

Now 2
log0.2 log5 1 log5 1 1
Now log2 (a b) 2

2 1 1
⇒2 a b⇒a b ..............(i)
2
2 4
2
and log3 (a b) 2⇒3 a b
1 1
⇒a b ................(ii)
3 2 9
Adding (i) and (ii)
1 1 9 4 13
2a
4 9 36 36
13 13
a
36x2 72

and subtracting (ii) from (i), we get

1 1 9 4 5
2b
4 9 36 36
5 5
b
36 2 72
13 5
a and b
72 72

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