Read a logarithm as an exponent
The idea
Check that the base is positive and not 1, and that the argument is positive.
Step by step
- Check that the base is positive and not 1, and that the argument is positive.
- Translate log base b of a = c into bc = a.
- Use known powers to find the exponent, then verify by exponentiation.
Example
Find log base 2 of 8.
Answer
3
A logarithm gives an exponent: 23 = 8, so log base 2 of 8 is 3.
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Write three exponential statements and their equivalent logarithmic statements. Identify base, argument and exponent.
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