Title Laws of Logarithms Wiki

Objectives Define and apply the laws of logarithm.

Tools Notebook, Pen, and Dictionary

1. To aid you with the activities that you are doing in this section, here is the wiki on the
Laws of Logarithms.

2. Read the Laws of Logarithm wiki very carefully. This will give you the definition of laws
of logarithm and a few examples on how to apply them in your solutions. You may
repeat reading the wiki until everything is clear.

3. To help you understand what you are about to read, answer these questions after
you finish reading.
a. What are logarithms?
b. How is logarithm related to exponent?
c. What is a logarithmic form?
d. What are the laws of logarithms?

Logarithms, simply put, are exponents. The base of a logarithm is also called a
base, while the value when the base is raised to a logarithm is called the argument of
the logarithm.

Logarithms make it possible to work with small numbers, even in dealing with
actual numbers that are in the millions, billions, or trillions. It allows us to look at numbers
in terms of the power of 10 that it involves.

You can see a graph of a logarithmic function and examples of logarithmic

expressions on the next page. Don’t worry, this may sound very foreign to you but let’s
chew on it bit by bit.
 The first skill needed is to convert an expression from its exponential form to its
equivalent logarithmic form. This equivalence relation will allow us to isolate and
determine the base, the exponent, or the argument of the logarithm.

Table 1-1: Exponential-Logarithmic Relationship

Exponential Form Logarithmic Form
𝑥
Script 𝑏 =𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥

“b raised to the power x is equal to “The logarithm of y to the base b

Read as
y.” is x.”

The base in the exponential form is the subscript in its logarithmic

Base
form.

The exponent in the exponential form is what the logarithmic

Exponent
expression is equal to.

The value of the exponential expression is equal to the argument of

Argument
the logarithm.

Convert the following exponential expressions into logarithmic form.

3
a. 4 = 64
3
b. 6 = 216
𝑥
c. 5 = 3125
5
d. 2 = 𝑥
4
e. 𝑒 = 25

Solution:

Using Table 1-1 above, we can see the corresponding parts of exponential expression
moved to become logarithmic expression.
3 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 64 = 3
a. 4 = 64

3 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 216 = 3
b. 6 = 216
 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3125 = 𝑥
c. 5 = 3125

5 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥 = 5
d. 2 = 𝑥

4 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 25 = 4 or 𝑙𝑛 25 = 4
e. 𝑒 = 25

Convert the following logarithmic expressions into exponential form.

a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 729 = 3
b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2128 = 7
c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 6561 = 𝑥
d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = 50
e. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥 = 15

Solution:

Using Table 1-1 above, we can see the corresponding parts of logarithmic expression
moved to become exponential expression.
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 729 = 3 3
9 = 729

b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2128 = 7 7
2 = 128

c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 6561 = 𝑥 𝑥
3 = 6561

50
d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 = 50 10 =𝑥

e. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥 = 15 𝑒
15
=𝑥

Solve for the value of 𝑘 in the following equations.

a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑘 = 8
b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑘 = 4
c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 243 = 𝑘
d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 50 = 𝑘

Solution:

We start by converting these logarithmic expressions into exponential expressions then

we solve.
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑘 = 8 c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 243 = 𝑘
8 𝑘
2 =𝑘 3 = 243
256 = 𝑘 𝑘 5
3 =3
𝑘 = 256 𝑘=5
 b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑘 = 4 d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 50 = 𝑘 We can’t solve this
4 using the
10 = 𝑘 𝑘
3 = 50 one-to-one
10000 = 𝑘 𝑘 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 50 property of
𝑘 = 1000 exponent, so we
𝑘 ≈ 3. 56 use a calculator.

Example d is solved using a scientific calculator. Look for the icon then fill it out.

Base of Logarithm

Any positive real number not equal to 1 can be the base of a logarithm. This
means that only 2 and above can be the base of a logarithm. But there are two special
kinds of logarithm.

Common Logarithm

A common logarithm is a logarithm with base ten.

This is written by omitting/removing the subscript “10”. So 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 is understood to

mean as 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑥. It is called “common” because it is commonly the logarithm that is
programmed in calculators and computers.

Simplify the following logarithmic expressions.

a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 100
b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 1
c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 10000

Solution:
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 100 = 2 2
Since 10 = 100

b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 1 = 0 0
Since 10 = 1

c. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 10000 = 4 4
Since 10 = 10000

Common Logarithm

A natural logarithm is a logarithm with base e.

The number e is an irrational number just like π (pi) whose approximate value is
2.72. Natural logarithm is written as 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 (read as “ln of x” or “natural logarithm of x”). It is
referred to as the natural logarithm because it is the logarithmic model that is seen in
patterns in nature.
Simplify the following logarithmic expressions.
a. 𝑙𝑛 1
b. 𝑙𝑛 𝑒
c. 𝑙𝑛 𝑥

Solution:
a. 𝑙𝑛 1 = 0 0
Since 𝑒 = 1

b. 𝑙𝑛 𝑒 = 1 1
Since 𝑒 = 𝑒

c. 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = 2
2 Convert into exponential form.
𝑒 =𝑥
2
𝑥 =𝑒 2
𝑥 ≈ 7. 39 Use calculator to compute for 𝑒 .

Remember that “e” here is not variable, it is a number. Try looking for its much
accurate value using your calculator.

You may want to pause first and answer a few of the questions given at the start

😉
of this wiki. The following discussion will assume that you already know the basic
definition of logarithm.

Laws of Logarithm

Just as there are laws for exponents, there are also laws that apply to logarithms.
Take note of the following laws because it will be very useful in solving logarithmic
functions.

1. Logarithm of a Product

The logarithm of a product is the sum of the logarithms of its factors, to the
same base. To put it simply, see equation below :

where b is any real number greater than or equal to 2, M and N is any algebraic
expression or real numbers.
 2. Logarithm of a Quotient

The logarithm of a quotient is equal to the difference between the logarithm of

the dividend and the logarithm of the divisor, to the same base. To put it simply, see
equation below:

where b is any real number greater than or equal to 2, M and N is any algebraic
expression or real numbers.

3. Logarithm of a Power

If the argument of a logarithm is raised to a power, bring the power down to be

the coefficient of the logarithm. To put it simply, see equation below:

where b is any real number greater than or equal to 2, M and N is any algebraic
expression or real numbers.

The first 3 laws are used to either express a logarithm as a sum or a difference, or
to compress an expression to a single logarithm. Let’s see these laws at work in the
following examples.

Solve the equation 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (𝑥 + 2) = 1.

Solution:
𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (𝑥 + 2) = 1 Given

𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3 (𝑥 + 2) = 1 Apply Logarithm of a Product Law

𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (3𝑥 + 6) = 1 Apply Distributive property

1
5 = 3𝑥 + 6 Convert to Exponential Form

5 − 6 = 3𝑥 Apply Addition property of equality

− 1 = 3𝑥 Simplify

3𝑥 =− 1 Apply Commutative property of equality

3𝑥 1
=− Apply Multiplication property of equality
3 3

1
𝑥 =− Simplify
3
Solve the equation 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥 + 9) = 1.

Solution:
𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥 + 9)= 1 Given

𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥(𝑥 + 9)= 1 Apply Logarithm of a Product Law

2
𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑥 + 9𝑥)= 1 Apply Distributive property

1 2
10 = 𝑥 + 9𝑥 Convert to Exponential Form

0= 𝑥2 + 9𝑥 − 10 Apply Addition property of equality

2
𝑥 + 9𝑥 − 10= 0 Apply Commutative property of equality

(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 10)= 0 Solve by factoring

𝑥 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 =− 10

Solve the equation 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 + 25) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 1) + 3.

Solution:
𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 + 25)= 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 1) + Given

Apply Addition property (Transferred

𝑔3 (𝑥 + 25) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 1)= 3
𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 1) to the left)

(
𝑙𝑜𝑔3
𝑥+25
𝑥−1 ) =3 Apply Logarithm of a Quotient law

3 𝑥+25
3 = 𝑥−1 Convert to Exponential Form

𝑥+25 3 Apply Commutative property of

𝑥−1 = 3 equality

𝑥+25
= 27 Evaluate 33
𝑥−1

Apply Multiplication Property (Multiply

27𝑥 − 27= 𝑥 + 25
𝑥 + 1 to both sides)

Apply Addition property (Separate

27𝑥 − 𝑥= 25 + 27
variable from constant)

26𝑥= 52 Simplify

Apply Multiplication Property (Multiply

26𝑥 52
1
26 = 26 to both sides)
26

𝑥= 2
The next set of laws will allow us to solve other forms of logarithmic equations.

4. One-to-one Property of Logarithm

If two logarithms are equal, and the bases are equal, then their arguments are
also equal. See equation below.

The next statement is also true.

If two quantities are equal, then their logarithms to the same base are also
equal. See equation below.

where b is any real number greater than or equal to 2, M and N is any algebraic
expression or real numbers.

Let’s see these laws at work in the following examples.

𝑥
Solve for the value of x in 2 = 3.

Solution:

Since the two quantities are equal, their common logarithms are also equal. We’re going
to use common logarithms here since it's convenient and most if not all scientific
calculators have it.
𝑥
2=3 Given

𝑥 Apply One-to-one Property of

𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3
Logarithm, second statement

𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2= 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3 Apply the Logarithm of Power law

𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3
Divide both sides by 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2
𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2

𝑙𝑜𝑔 3
𝑥= Simplify
𝑙𝑜𝑔 2

𝑥 ≈ 1. 58 Compute using a calculator.

 2𝑥
Solve for the value of x in 5 = 100.

Solution:
2𝑥
5 = 100 Given

2𝑥 Apply One-to-one Property of

𝑙𝑜𝑔 5 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 100
Logarithm, second statement

Apply the Logarithm of Power law

2𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔 5= 2
and solve for 𝑙𝑜𝑔 100

2𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔 5 2
Divide both sides by 𝑙𝑜𝑔 5
𝑙𝑜𝑔 5 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 5

2
2𝑥 = Simplify
𝑙𝑜𝑔 5

( ) ( )
1
2
2𝑥 =
1
2
2
𝑙𝑜𝑔 5
Multiply both sides with
1
2

1
𝑥= Simplify
𝑙𝑜𝑔 5

𝑥 = 1. 43 Compute using a calculator.

The symbol “≈” means “approximately equal to”, 1.43 is NOT the EXACT value of
1
x, the exact value of x is .
𝑙𝑜𝑔 5

5. Change of Base Rule

A logarithm to any base can be expressed as the quotient of two logarithms in

the following way:

or you can use

where b is any real number greater than or equal to 2, M and N is any algebraic
expression or real numbers.

This change of base rule is useful when you are faced with logarithms with
different bases.
Change the base of the following logarithmic expressions into the indicated base.
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 20 base 4
b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 18 base 10
c. 𝑙𝑛 25 base 10
d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 15 base e
e. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 45 base 2

Solution:

𝑙𝑜𝑔4 20 𝑙𝑛 15
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 20= d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 15=
𝑙𝑜𝑔45 𝑙𝑛 10

𝑙𝑛 15
𝑙𝑜𝑔 18 e. 𝑙𝑜𝑔 15=
b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 18= 𝑙𝑛 10
𝑙𝑜𝑔 2

𝑙𝑜𝑔 25
c. 𝑙𝑛 25=
𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑒
 ADDITIONAL SOURCES

Logarithms | Logarithms | Algebra II | Khan Academy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5myJ8dg_rM

Logarithms, Explained - Steve Kelly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzu2POfYv0Y
 CITED SOURCES

Larson, R., & Falvo, D. C. (2014). College algebra. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

Wiki: Logarithms. (2017, May 2). Pre-Calculus. Resource Guide - Ayala Education.