<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >

We can express the relationship between logarithmic form and its corresponding exponential form as follows:

log b ( x ) = y b y = x , b > 0 , b 1

Note that the base b is always positive.

Because logarithm is a function, it is most correctly written as log b ( x ) , using parentheses to denote function evaluation, just as we would with f ( x ) . However, when the input is a single variable or number, it is common to see the parentheses dropped and the expression written without parentheses, as log b x . Note that many calculators require parentheses around the x .

We can illustrate the notation of logarithms as follows:

Notice that, comparing the logarithm function and the exponential function, the input and the output are switched. This means y = log b ( x ) and y = b x are inverse functions.

Definition of the logarithmic function

A logarithm    base b of a positive number x satisfies the following definition.

For x > 0 , b > 0 , b 1 ,

y = log b ( x )  is equivalent to  b y = x

where,

  • we read log b ( x ) as, “the logarithm with base b of x ” or the “log base b of x . "
  • the logarithm y is the exponent to which b must be raised to get x .

Also, since the logarithmic and exponential functions switch the x and y values, the domain and range of the exponential function are interchanged for the logarithmic function. Therefore,

  • the domain of the logarithm function with base b   is   ( 0 , ) .
  • the range of the logarithm function with base b   is   ( , ) .

Can we take the logarithm of a negative number?

No. Because the base of an exponential function is always positive, no power of that base can ever be negative. We can never take the logarithm of a negative number. Also, we cannot take the logarithm of zero. Calculators may output a log of a negative number when in complex mode, but the log of a negative number is not a real number.

Given an equation in logarithmic form log b ( x ) = y , convert it to exponential form.

  1. Examine the equation y = log b x and identify b , y , and x .
  2. Rewrite log b x = y as b y = x .

Converting from logarithmic form to exponential form

Write the following logarithmic equations in exponential form.

  1. log 6 ( 6 ) = 1 2
  2. log 3 ( 9 ) = 2

First, identify the values of b , y , and x . Then, write the equation in the form b y = x .

  1. log 6 ( 6 ) = 1 2

    Here, b = 6 , y = 1 2 , and   x = 6. Therefore, the equation log 6 ( 6 ) = 1 2 is equivalent to 6 1 2 = 6 .

  2. log 3 ( 9 ) = 2

    Here, b = 3 , y = 2 , and   x = 9. Therefore, the equation log 3 ( 9 ) = 2 is equivalent to 3 2 = 9.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Write the following logarithmic equations in exponential form.

  1. log 10 ( 1, 000, 000 ) = 6
  2. log 5 ( 25 ) = 2
  1. log 10 ( 1 , 000 , 000 ) = 6 is equivalent to 10 6 = 1 , 000 , 000
  2. log 5 ( 25 ) = 2 is equivalent to 5 2 = 25
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Converting from exponential to logarithmic form

To convert from exponents to logarithms, we follow the same steps in reverse. We identify the base b , exponent x , and output y . Then we write x = log b ( y ) .

Converting from exponential form to logarithmic form

Write the following exponential equations in logarithmic form.

  1. 2 3 = 8
  2. 5 2 = 25
  3. 10 4 = 1 10,000

First, identify the values of b , y , and x . Then, write the equation in the form x = log b ( y ) .

  1. 2 3 = 8

    Here, b = 2 , x = 3 , and y = 8. Therefore, the equation 2 3 = 8 is equivalent to log 2 ( 8 ) = 3.

  2. 5 2 = 25

    Here, b = 5 , x = 2 , and y = 25. Therefore, the equation 5 2 = 25 is equivalent to log 5 ( 25 ) = 2.

  3. 10 4 = 1 10,000

    Here, b = 10 , x = 4 , and y = 1 10,000 . Therefore, the equation 10 4 = 1 10,000 is equivalent to log 10 ( 1 10,000 ) = 4.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!
Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Questions & Answers

if three forces F1.f2 .f3 act at a point on a Cartesian plane in the daigram .....so if the question says write down the x and y components ..... I really don't understand
Syamthanda Reply
hey , can you please explain oxidation reaction & redox ?
Boitumelo Reply
hey , can you please explain oxidation reaction and redox ?
Boitumelo
for grade 12 or grade 11?
Sibulele
the value of V1 and V2
Tumelo Reply
advantages of electrons in a circuit
Rethabile Reply
we're do you find electromagnetism past papers
Ntombifuthi
what a normal force
Tholulwazi Reply
it is the force or component of the force that the surface exert on an object incontact with it and which acts perpendicular to the surface
Sihle
what is physics?
Petrus Reply
what is the half reaction of Potassium and chlorine
Anna Reply
how to calculate coefficient of static friction
Lisa Reply
how to calculate static friction
Lisa
How to calculate a current
Tumelo
how to calculate the magnitude of horizontal component of the applied force
Mogano
How to calculate force
Monambi
a structure of a thermocouple used to measure inner temperature
Anna Reply
a fixed gas of a mass is held at standard pressure temperature of 15 degrees Celsius .Calculate the temperature of the gas in Celsius if the pressure is changed to 2×10 to the power 4
Amahle Reply
How is energy being used in bonding?
Raymond Reply
what is acceleration
Syamthanda Reply
a rate of change in velocity of an object whith respect to time
Khuthadzo
how can we find the moment of torque of a circular object
Kidist
Acceleration is a rate of change in velocity.
Justice
t =r×f
Khuthadzo
how to calculate tension by substitution
Precious Reply
hi
Shongi
hi
Leago
use fnet method. how many obects are being calculated ?
Khuthadzo
khuthadzo hii
Hulisani
how to calculate acceleration and tension force
Lungile Reply
you use Fnet equals ma , newtoms second law formula
Masego
please help me with vectors in two dimensions
Mulaudzi Reply
how to calculate normal force
Mulaudzi
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply
Practice Key Terms 3

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Algebra and trigonometry. OpenStax CNX. Nov 14, 2016 Download for free at https://legacy.cnx.org/content/col11758/1.6
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Algebra and trigonometry' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask