Mr Vishal G.

Syllabus Type: Logarithms

Title: Solving equations of the form 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑏, Change of base formula, Natural logarithm (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒)
and Logarithmic graphs

Solving equations of the Form ax = b.

In some cases, ax = b can be solved using the laws of indices or the logarithmic method of
“taking logs.”

Example:
RECALL:
1. Solve 10𝑥 = 1 000 000 Logarithms are used to “crunch”
big numbers. To some extent the
Method 1: Laws of Indices concept of Logs is to take big
values and represent them on a
10𝑥 = 1 000 000 smaller scale.

10𝑥 = 106 (compare the powers) The bigger the value the more
“crunching” the logarithmic
scale does.

This is the property that allows

Method 2: Taking logs it to turn an exponential graph
into a linear graph!
10𝑥 = 1 000 000

Take logs

𝑙𝑔 10𝑥 = 𝑙𝑔 1 000 000

Apply Power Law (Rule 3)

𝑥 𝑙𝑔 10 = 𝑙𝑔 1 000 000

lg 1 000 000 Recall: lg signifies log10

𝑥= lg 10
𝑥=6
Mr Vishal G.

E.g. log5 125 = x (using a calculator)

X = 3 (2 d.p)

Check this out:

When you are being asked to find the log to a certain base, you are actually being
asked, how many times do you have to multiply the base by itself to reach 125 in
this case.

Log5 125 = 3

So how many times do you have to multiply 5 by itself to get 125?

Answer is 3 times

E.g. log10 26301

log10 (2 6 3 0 1) (The log will lie somewhere between 104 and 105

log10 26301 = 4.42 (using a calculator)

Now, if we use base 2, what do you think is going to happen?

It is not going to “crunch” down the number as planned.

Log2 26301 = 14.7 (using a calculator)

So because we used a smaller base, we need to multiply the base by itself more times
(approximately 14.7 times) to get 26301. So we can see that different bases have different
uses.
Mr Vishal G.

In some cases, 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑏 cannot be solved easily using the laws of indices. In such cases, the
logarithmic method of “taking logs” must be used.

Example

1. Solve 3𝑥 = 129.3

3𝑥 = 129.3

Take logs

𝑙𝑔 3𝑥 = 𝑙𝑔 129.3

Apply Power Law (Rule 3)

𝑥 𝑙𝑔 3 = 𝑙𝑔 129.3

lg 129.3
𝑥= (Work this out on your calculator)
lg 3

𝑥 = 4.43

When we “take logs” we often use lg which signifies 𝑙𝑜𝑔10. (“Log to base 10”)

HOWEVER!

1) We can also use log to any base. Once it is the same on both sides of the equal sign.

Example

1. Solve 3𝑥 = 129.3

3𝑥 = 129.3

Take 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (log to base 2)

𝑙𝑜𝑔2 3𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 129.3

Apply Power Law

𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 3 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 129.3

Mr Vishal G.

𝑙𝑜𝑔2 129⋅3
𝑥= (Work this out on your calculator)
𝑙𝑜𝑔2 3

𝑥 = 4.43

NOTE: If your calculator does not have the option of inputting base 2, you can use the
CHANGE OF BASE formula to change 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 to 𝑙𝑜𝑔10.

CHANGE OF BASE FORMULA

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑚 𝑏
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑏 = Basically
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑚 𝑎 use it to
convert to
In simpler terms, base 10.

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏
𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑏 =
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒

So in most cases ‘m’ would be the base you know… and ‘a’ would be the base you’re
trying to find.

𝑙𝑜𝑔 3.1 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 3⋅1

E.g. log7 3.1 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 7 or = 0.58 (2d.p)
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 7

(Use Sharp and Casio calculators to see how it works)

𝑙𝑜𝑔 32 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 32 5
E.g. log16 32 =𝑙𝑜𝑔 16 or = 1.25 or 4
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 16

log 8 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 8 𝑙𝑛 8
E.g. log3 8 =𝑙𝑜𝑔 3 or or = 1.8927… (irrational number)
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 3 𝑙𝑛 3

𝑙𝑜𝑔 8 𝑙𝑜𝑔 23 3 𝑙𝑜𝑔 2 3

E.g. log16 8 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 16 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 24 = 4 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 2= 4
2 2

𝑙𝑜𝑔 9 𝑙𝑜𝑔 32 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔 3 2

E.g. log27 9 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 27 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 33 = 3 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 3 = 3
3 3
Mr Vishal G.

1 1
1 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 3 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 5−3 −3 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 5 −3
125 5
E.g. log25 = = = = =
125 𝑙𝑜𝑔 25 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 52 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 52 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 5 2

2) We can also use 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒆. This is natural logs.

Natural Logarithms

• Natural logarithms refer to 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒆 or just simply ln NOTE:

• ‘e’ is just a number and it is approximately 𝒆 = 𝟐. 𝟕𝟏 The concept of e is similar to 𝜋
(pi)
• The same logarithmic rules apply for natural logs.
They are both irrational
numbers that appear as
Example constants in mathematics.

1. Solve 3𝑥 = 129.3

3𝑥 = 129.3
NOTE:
Take ln ln signifies
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒
𝑙𝑛 3𝑥 = 𝑙𝑛 129.3
Apply Power Law (Rule 3)

𝑥 𝑙𝑛 3 = 𝑙𝑛 129.3
ln 129.3
𝑥= (Work this out on your calculator)
ln 3

𝑥 = 4.43
Mr Vishal G.

• GRADIENT OF A STRAIGHT LINE (NB: We can use “M” to represent the

gradient):
𝑦2−𝑦1 𝑅𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
M= 𝑥2−𝑥1 or, we can say M= 𝑅𝑢𝑛 or, M= 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒

E.g.1 If P= (10, 12) and Q= (20, 15). Find the gradient of PQ.

x1 y1 x2 y2
𝑦2−𝑦1
M= 𝑥2−𝑥1

15−12
M= 20−10

3 3
M= 10 Hence the gradient of PQ= 10

• EQUATION OF A STRAIGHT LINE:

It is imperative to know that the equation of any straight line is y= mx + c, where ‘M’ is the
gradient and ‘C’ is referred to as the intercept.
E.g.1 Observe the values of M and C from the equations given in the table below:
Equation ‘M’ or Gradient C (intercept)
1) y = 2x + 3 M=2 C=3
2) y= 3x M=3 C = 0 (There is none)
3) y = x – 2 M=1 C = -2
4) y = x M=1 C = 0 (There is none)

Logarithmic Graphs

• Logarithmic graphs are helpful because it reduces the wide spread of data and presents
a more manageable range where we can make scientific observations.
• It shows a linear correspondence as opposed to an exponential one.

• A big bulk of your question in CXC in logs will include graphs.

Mr Vishal G.

Question 1 (Question 1 Ex. 5.11 pg 183)

1. The variables x and y are related by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑏𝑥, where k and b are constants.
The table of values below give pairs of values for x and y.

x 2 4 6

y 400 6 400 102 400

a) Draw a straight- line graph of ln y against x.

b) Use your graph to estimate the value of
i. k
ii. b
c) Hence, state the particular equation representing the data in the table of values and
the graph drawn.

SOLUTION

a) Draw a straight- line graph of ln y against x.

This part of the question is asking for a graph of ln y against x. Therefore, we need to
take 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑏𝑥 and change it to a linear form. Recall the linear form is the form of
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑐 + 𝑐.
Since the question mentioned ln y, this is indicating that we must use 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 or just simply
𝑙𝑛.
NOTE:
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑏𝑥 Take ln on both sides The question indicated that
𝑙𝑛 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑘𝑏𝑥 Apply product law (Rule 1) the variables are x and y
𝑙𝑛 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑘 + 𝑙𝑛 𝑏𝑥 Apply power law (Rule 3) and the constants are k and
𝑙𝑛 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑘 + 𝑥 𝑙𝑛 𝑏 b.
This is of the linear form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
RECALL:
𝐥𝐧 𝐲 = 𝐥𝐧 𝐤 + 𝐱 𝐥𝐧 𝐛 In the linear form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, the constants are
y = c + x m m (gradient) and c (y-
intercept) because these
values will not change.
 Mr Vishal G.

Since we are plotting ln y against x, we need to find the values for ln y. You can do this on
your calculator.

x 2 4 6
Notice it is increasing
y 400 6 400 102 400 exponentially!

ln y 5.99 8.76 11.54

Find ln of 400, 6400 and 102
400 on calculator!
Now plot ln y against x on graph paper using a suitable scale.

NB:
ln y against x means that ln y
values will go on the y-axis
and the x-values will go on
the x-axis.

Scale: 1 cm represents 1 unit on both axes.

y-axis -
-
- .

gradient, m
= 1.33

y-intercept, c
= 3.2

x-axis
Mr Vishal G.

To find the y-intercept, c, look where the graph cuts the y-axis. In other words, the y-intercept
will be the point where 𝑥 = 0.

To find the gradient, m, choose any two points that fall exactly on your line and substitute those
two points in the formula below.
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑀=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Using the points (2, 5.99) and (6, 11.54) Now, you can use the
points given from the table
11.54−5.99
Gradient, m, = 6 −2 if it is on the graph. You
cannot use points that are
M = 1.39 (2 d.p) not on the graph.

b) Use your graph to estimate the value of

i. k
ii. b
NOTE: From the graph, y-intercept, c = 3.2 gradient, m = 1.39

Recall:
𝐥𝐧 𝐲 = 𝐥𝐧 𝐤 + 𝐱 𝐥𝐧 𝐛

y = c + x m

𝑙𝑛 𝑘 = 𝑐
RECALL:
𝑙𝑛 𝑘 = 3.2
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑘 = 3.2
Change to exponential form ln signifies loge
𝑘 = 𝑒3.2 (Work this out on your calculator)
𝑘 = 24.5

Now,
𝑙𝑛 𝑏 = 𝑚
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑏 = 𝑚
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑏 = 1.39
𝑏 = 𝑒1.39 (Work this out on your calculator)
𝑏 = 4 (1 sig. fig)

c) Hence, state the particular equation representing the data in the table of values and
the graph drawn.
From the question, the equation given was 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑏𝑥. Now substitute the
values for k and b into this equation.
The equation becomes 𝑦 = (24.5)(4)𝑥
Mr Vishal G.

2. (Question 6 Ex. 5.11 pg 183)

The variables x and y are related by the equation 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥𝑛, where k and n are constants.
The table of values below give the pairs of values for x and y.

x 3 5 7

y 216 600 1176

a) Draw a straight line of ln y against ln x.

b) Use your graph to estimate the value of
(i) k
(ii) n

c) Hence, state the particular equation representing the data in the table of values and
graph drawn.

SOLUTION

a) Draw a straight line of ln y against ln x

This part of the question is asking for a graph of ln y against ln x. Therefore,

we need to take 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥𝑛 and change it to a linear form. Recall the linear form
is the form of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑐 + 𝑐.
Since the question mentioned ln y and ln x, this is indicating that we must use
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 or just simply 𝑙𝑛.
NOTE:
𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥𝑛 Take ln on both sides The question indicated that the
𝑙𝑛 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑘𝑥𝑛 Apply product law (Rule 1) variables are x and y
and the constants are k and n.
𝑙𝑛 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑘 + 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 Apply power law (Rule 3)
𝑛

𝑙𝑛 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑘 + 𝑛 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 RECALL:
This is of the linear form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 In the linear form
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, the constants are m
𝐥𝐧 𝐲 = 𝐥𝐧 𝐤 + 𝐧 𝐥𝐧 𝐱 (gradient) and c (y-intercept)
because these values will not
change.

y = c + m x
Mr Vishal G.

Since we are plotting ln y against ln x, we need to find the values for ln y and ln x. You
can do this on your calculator.

x 3 5 7
NB:
y 216 600 1176
ln y against x means that ln y
values will go on the y-axis and the
ln x 1.10 1.61 1.95
x-values will go on the x-axis.

ln y 5.38 6.40 7.07

Scale: 1 cm represents 1 unit y axis.

2 cm represents 1 unit y axis.

gradient, m
= 2.01
y-intercept, c
(0, 3.75)
= 3.75

x-axis

To find the y-intercept, c, look where the graph cuts the y-axis. In other words, the y-
intercept will be the point where 𝑥 = 0.

To find the gradient, m, choose any two points that fall exactly on your line and substitute those
two points in the formula below.

𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑀=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
Mr Vishal G.

Using the points (0, 3.75) and (1.95, 7.07)

7.07 − 3.75
𝑀=
1.95 − 0

M = 2.01

b) Use your graph to estimate the value of

i. k
ii. n
Recall:
𝐥𝐧 𝐲 =𝐥𝐧 𝐤 + 𝐧 𝐥𝐧 𝐱

y = c + m x

𝑙𝑛 𝑘 = 𝑐
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑘 = 3.75
𝑘 = 𝑒3.75 (Work this out on your calculator)
𝑘 = 42.52

𝑛=𝑚
𝑛 = 2.05 (NB: Question stated “n” is a constant so no need to take log).

c) Hence, state the particular equation representing the data in the table of values and
graph drawn.

From the question, the equation given was 𝑦 = 𝑘𝑥𝑛. Now substitute the values
for k and n into this equation.

The equation becomes 𝑦 = (42.5)(𝑥)2.01

 Mr Vishal G.

3. (Question 10 Ex. 5.11 pg 183)

The pressure, p and volume, v are related by the equation 𝑎 = 𝑝𝑣𝑛, where a and n
are constants. The following experimental values of p and v were found.

Pressure, 10 20 30 40 50
p
Volume, 1.58 1.12 0.913 0.791 0.707 Values decreasing, so the graph will be
v downward sloping

a) Convert the equation to linear form and draw the straight-line graph.
b) Using the graph, estimate the value of n and of a.
c) Write down the particular equation.
d) Hence, state the expected pressure when the volume is
i. 5
ii. 15

iii. 25

TIP: When one of the values of the variable is in the index, you will plot log of the
variable on the left, against the variable in the index.
Mr Vishal G.

SOLUTIONS

a) Convert the equation to linear form and draw the straight-line graph.

This part of the question is asking for a linear graph. Therefore, we need to
take 𝑎 = 𝑝𝑣𝑛 and change it to a linear form. Recall the linear form is the form
of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑐 + 𝑐.
Since the question did not mention ln or lg, we can use any of these. However,
from looking at the values in the table, it is wiser to use ln.

𝑎 = 𝑝𝑣𝑛 Take ln on both sides EXAM TIP:

𝑙𝑛 𝑎 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑝𝑣𝑛 Apply product law (Rule 1) If a question did not hint if to use ln
or lg,
𝑙𝑛 𝑎 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑝 + 𝑙𝑛 𝑣𝑛 Apply power law (Rule 3)
𝑙𝑛 𝑎 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑝 + 𝑛 𝑙𝑛 𝑣 ▪ Use ln if there are small “jumps”
Rearrange because ln a is a constant so it cannot be equal to y. in the numbers (from
𝑙𝑛 𝑝 = −𝑛 𝑙𝑛 𝑣 + 𝑙𝑛 𝑎 the data given)
This is of the linear form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 Also look out for if the base e is
used.
NOTE: ▪ Use lg is there are large “jumps”
𝐥𝐧 𝐩 = −𝐧 𝐥𝐧 𝐯 + 𝐥𝐧 𝐚 in the numbers (from the data
The question indicated that the
constants are a and n. given). Since lg is base 10 it will
work well with if values for
example range from 10 - 1 000
RECALL:
000. It “crunches” more than a ln
In the linear form
scale.
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐, the constants are m
y = m x + c (gradient) and c (y-intercept)
because these values will not
change.

-ve indicates that the graph

is downward sloping.
Mr Vishal G.

Since we are plotting ln p against ln v, we need to find the values for ln p and ln v. You
can do this on your calculator.

p 10 20 30 40 50

v 1.58 1.12 0.913 0.791 0.707

ln p 2.3 3.00 3.40 3.69 3.91

NOTE:
ln v 0.46 0.11 −0.09 −0.23 −0.35 ln p against ln v means
that ln p values will go
on the y-axis and the
ln v values will go on
the x-axis.

y axis

y-intercept, c
= 3.2

x-axis
Mr Vishal G.

To find the y-intercept, c, look where the graph cuts the y-axis. In other words, the y-
intercept will be the point where 𝑥 = 0.

To find the gradient, m, choose any two points that fall exactly on your line and substitute those
two points in the formula below.
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑀=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
3.91 − 3.00
𝑀=
−0.35 − 0.11

M = -1.9
M = -2 (1 sig fig)

b) Using the graph, estimate the value of n and of a.

Recall: NOTE:
𝐥𝐧 𝐩 = −𝐧 𝐥𝐧 𝐯 + 𝐥𝐧 𝐚 From the graph, y-
intercept, c = 3.2 gradient,
m = −2
y = m x + c

−𝑛 = 𝑚
−𝑛 = −2
𝑛=2

𝑙𝑛 𝑎 = 𝑐
𝑙𝑛 𝑎 = 3.2
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑎 = 3.2
𝑎 = 𝑒3.2
𝑎 = 24.5

c) Write down the particular equation.

From the question, the equation given was 𝑎 = 𝑝𝑣𝑛. Now substitute the values
for a and n into this equation.

The equation becomes 24.5 = 𝑝𝑣2

Mr Vishal G.

d) Hence, state the expected pressure when the volume is

i. 5
ii. 15
iii. 25

Using 24.5 = 𝑝𝑣2,

When the volume is 5,

24.5 = 𝑝(5)2
24.5 = 25𝑝

𝑝=

𝑝 = 0.98

When the volume is 15,

24.5 =𝑝(15)2

24.5 = 225𝑝

𝑝 = 0.109

When the volume is 25,

24.5 =𝑝(25)2

24.5 = 625p

𝑝 = 0.0392