How to expand the base of a logarithm. Definition of logarithm, basic logarithmic identity

1.1. Determining the exponent for an integer exponent

X 1 = X
X 2 = X * X
X 3 = X * X * X

X N = X * X * … * X — N times

1.2. Zero degree.

By definition, it is generally accepted that the zero power of any number is 1:

1.3. Negative degree.

X -N = 1/X N

1.4. Fractional power, root.

X 1/N = N root of X.

For example: X 1/2 = √X.

1.5. Formula for adding powers.

X (N+M) = X N *X M

1.6.Formula for subtracting powers.

X (N-M) = X N /X M

1.7. Formula for multiplying powers.

X N*M = (X N) M

1.8. Formula for raising a fraction to a power.

(X/Y) N = X N /Y N

2. Number e.

The value of the number e is equal to the following limit:

E = lim(1+1/N), as N → ∞.

With an accuracy of 17 digits, the number e is 2.71828182845904512.

3. Euler's equality.

This equality relates the five numbers playing special role in mathematics: 0, 1, number e, number pi, imaginary unit.

E (i*pi) + 1 = 0

4. Exponential function exp(x)

exp(x) = e x

5. Derivative of exponential function

The exponential function has a remarkable property: the derivative of the function is equal to the exponential function itself:

(exp(x))" = exp(x)

6. Logarithm.

6.1. Definition of the logarithm function

If x = b y, then the logarithm is the function

Y = Log b(x).

The logarithm shows to what power a number must be raised - the base of the logarithm (b) to obtain a given number (X). The logarithm function is defined for X greater than zero.

For example: Log 10 (100) = 2.

6.2. Decimal logarithm

This is the logarithm to base 10:

Y = Log 10 (x) .

Denoted by Log(x): Log(x) = Log 10 (x).

Usage example decimal logarithm- decibel.

6.3. Decibel

The item is highlighted on a separate page Decibel

6.4. Binary logarithm

This is the base 2 logarithm:

Y = Log 2 (x).

Denoted by Lg(x): Lg(x) = Log 2 (X)

6.5. Natural logarithm

This is the logarithm to base e:

Y = Log e (x) .

Denoted by Ln(x): Ln(x) = Log e (X)
Natural logarithm - inverse function to the exponential function exp(X).

6.6. Characteristic points

Loga(1) = 0
Log a (a) = 1

6.7. Product logarithm formula

Log a (x*y) = Log a (x)+Log a (y)

6.8. Formula for logarithm of quotient

Log a (x/y) = Log a (x)-Log a (y)

6.9. Logarithm of power formula

Log a (x y) = y*Log a (x)

6.10. Formula for converting to a logarithm with a different base

Log b (x) = (Log a (x))/Log a (b)

Example:

Log 2 (8) = Log 10 (8)/Log 10 (2) =
0.903089986991943552 / 0.301029995663981184 = 3

7. Formulas useful in life

Often there are problems of converting volume into area or length and the inverse problem - converting area into volume. For example, boards are sold in cubes (cubic meters), and we need to calculate how much wall area can be covered with boards contained in a certain volume, see calculation of boards, how many boards are in a cube. Or, if the dimensions of the wall are known, you need to calculate the number of bricks, see brick calculation.


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main properties.

  1. logax + logay = loga(x y);
  2. logax − logay = loga (x: y).

identical grounds

Log6 4 + log6 9.

Now let's complicate the task a little.

Examples of solving logarithms

What if the base or argument of a logarithm is a power? Then the exponent of this degree can be taken out of the sign of the logarithm according to the following rules:

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x >

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Transition to a new foundation

Let the logarithm logax be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

See also:


Basic properties of the logarithm

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.



The exponent is 2.718281828…. To remember the exponent, you can study the rule: the exponent is equal to 2.7 and twice the year of birth of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy.

Basic properties of logarithms

Knowing this rule, you will know and exact value exhibitors, and the date of birth of Leo Tolstoy.


Examples for logarithms

Logarithm expressions

Example 1.
A). x=10ac^2 (a>0,c>0).

Using properties 3.5 we calculate

2.

3.

4. Where .



Example 2. Find x if


Example 3. Let the value of logarithms be given

Calculate log(x) if




Basic properties of logarithms

Logarithms, like any numbers, can be added, subtracted and transformed in every way. But since logarithms are not exactly ordinary numbers, there are rules here, which are called main properties.

You definitely need to know these rules - without them not a single serious problem can be solved. logarithmic problem. In addition, there are very few of them - you can learn everything in one day. So let's get started.

Adding and subtracting logarithms

Consider two logarithms with on the same grounds: logax and logay. Then they can be added and subtracted, and:

  1. logax + logay = loga(x y);
  2. logax − logay = loga (x: y).

So, the sum of logarithms is equal to the logarithm of the product, and the difference is equal to the logarithm of the quotient. Please note: the key point here is identical grounds. If the reasons are different, these rules do not work!

These formulas will help you calculate logarithmic expression even when its individual parts are not counted (see the lesson “What is a logarithm”). Take a look at the examples and see:

Since logarithms have the same bases, we use the sum formula:
log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 9) = log6 36 = 2.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log2 48 − log2 3.

The bases are the same, we use the difference formula:
log2 48 − log2 3 = log2 (48: 3) = log2 16 = 4.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log3 135 − log3 5.

Again the bases are the same, so we have:
log3 135 − log3 5 = log3 (135: 5) = log3 27 = 3.

As you can see, the original expressions are made up of “bad” logarithms, which are not calculated separately. But after the transformations, completely normal numbers are obtained. Many are built on this fact test papers. Yes, test-like expressions are offered in all seriousness (sometimes with virtually no changes) on the Unified State Examination.

Extracting the exponent from the logarithm

It is easy to see that the last rule follows the first two. But it’s better to remember it anyway - in some cases it will significantly reduce the amount of calculations.

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0. And one more thing: learn to apply all formulas not only from left to right, but also vice versa, i.e. You can enter the numbers before the logarithm sign into the logarithm itself. This is what is most often required.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log7 496.

Let's get rid of the degree in the argument using the first formula:
log7 496 = 6 log7 49 = 6 2 = 12

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that the denominator contains a logarithm, the base and argument of which are exact powers: 16 = 24; 49 = 72. We have:

I think the last example requires some clarification. Where have logarithms gone? Until the very last moment we work only with the denominator.

Logarithm formulas. Logarithms examples solutions.

We presented the base and argument of the logarithm standing there in the form of powers and took out the exponents - we got a “three-story” fraction.

Now let's look at the main fraction. The numerator and denominator contain the same number: log2 7. Since log2 7 ≠ 0, we can reduce the fraction - 2/4 will remain in the denominator. According to the rules of arithmetic, the four can be transferred to the numerator, which is what was done. The result was the answer: 2.

Transition to a new foundation

Speaking about the rules for adding and subtracting logarithms, I specifically emphasized that they only work with the same bases. What if the reasons are different? What if they are not exact powers of the same number?

Formulas for transition to a new foundation come to the rescue. Let us formulate them in the form of a theorem:

Let the logarithm logax be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

In particular, if we set c = x, we get:

From the second formula it follows that the base and argument of the logarithm can be swapped, but in this case the entire expression is “turned over”, i.e. the logarithm appears in the denominator.

These formulas are rarely found in ordinary numerical expressions. It is possible to evaluate how convenient they are only when solving logarithmic equations and inequalities.

However, there are problems that cannot be solved at all except by moving to a new foundation. Let's look at a couple of these:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log5 16 log2 25.

Note that the arguments of both logarithms contain exact powers. Let's take out the indicators: log5 16 = log5 24 = 4log5 2; log2 25 = log2 52 = 2log2 5;

Now let’s “reverse” the second logarithm:

Since the product does not change when rearranging factors, we calmly multiplied four and two, and then dealt with logarithms.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log9 100 lg 3.

The base and argument of the first logarithm are exact powers. Let's write this down and get rid of the indicators:

Now let's get rid of the decimal logarithm by moving to a new base:

Basic logarithmic identity

Often in the solution process it is necessary to represent a number as a logarithm to a given base. In this case, the following formulas will help us:

In the first case, the number n becomes the exponent in the argument. The number n can be absolutely anything, because it is just a logarithm value.

The second formula is actually a paraphrased definition. That's what it's called: .

In fact, what happens if the number b is raised to such a power that the number b to this power gives the number a? That's right: the result is the same number a. Read this paragraph carefully again - many people get stuck on it.

Like the formulas for transition to a new base, the main logarithmic identity sometimes it is the only possible solution.

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that log25 64 = log5 8 - simply took the square from the base and argument of the logarithm. Taking into account the rules for multiplying powers with the same base, we get:

If anyone doesn’t know, this was a real task from the Unified State Exam :)

Logarithmic unit and logarithmic zero

In conclusion, I will give two identities that can hardly be called properties - rather, they are consequences of the definition of the logarithm. They constantly appear in problems and, surprisingly, create problems even for “advanced” students.

  1. logaa = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
  2. loga 1 = 0 is. The base a can be anything, but if the argument contains one, the logarithm is equal to zero! Because a0 = 1 is a direct consequence of the definition.

That's all the properties. Be sure to practice putting them into practice! Download the cheat sheet at the beginning of the lesson, print it out, and solve the problems.

See also:

The logarithm of b to base a denotes the expression. To calculate the logarithm means to find a power x () at which the equality is satisfied

Basic properties of the logarithm

It is necessary to know the above properties, since almost all problems and examples related to logarithms are solved on their basis. The rest of the exotic properties can be derived through mathematical manipulations with these formulas

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

When calculating the formula for the sum and difference of logarithms (3.4) you come across quite often. The rest are somewhat complex, but in a number of tasks they are indispensable for simplifying complex expressions and calculating their values.

Common cases of logarithms

Some of the common logarithms are those in which the base is even ten, exponential or two.
The logarithm to base ten is usually called the decimal logarithm and is simply denoted by lg(x).

It is clear from the recording that the basics are not written in the recording. For example

A natural logarithm is a logarithm whose base is an exponent (denoted by ln(x)).

The exponent is 2.718281828…. To remember the exponent, you can study the rule: the exponent is equal to 2.7 and twice the year of birth of Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy. Knowing this rule, you will know both the exact value of the exponent and the date of birth of Leo Tolstoy.

And another important logarithm to base two is denoted by

The derivative of the logarithm of a function is equal to one divided by the variable

The integral or antiderivative logarithm is determined by the relationship

The given material is enough for you to solve a wide class of problems related to logarithms and logarithms. To help you understand the material, I will give just a few common examples from school curriculum and universities.

Examples for logarithms

Logarithm expressions

Example 1.
A). x=10ac^2 (a>0,c>0).

Using properties 3.5 we calculate

2.
By the property of difference of logarithms we have

3.
Using properties 3.5 we find

4. Where .

By the look complex expression using a number of rules is simplified to form

Finding logarithm values

Example 2. Find x if

Solution. For calculation, we apply to the last term 5 and 13 properties

We put it on record and mourn

Since the bases are equal, we equate the expressions

Logarithms. First level.

Let the value of logarithms be given

Calculate log(x) if

Solution: Let's take a logarithm of the variable to write the logarithm through the sum of its terms


This is just the beginning of our acquaintance with logarithms and their properties. Practice calculations, enrich your practical skills - you will soon need the knowledge you gain to solve logarithmic equations. Having studied the basic methods for solving such equations, we will expand your knowledge to another equally important topic - logarithmic inequalities...

Basic properties of logarithms

Logarithms, like any numbers, can be added, subtracted and transformed in every way. But since logarithms are not exactly ordinary numbers, there are rules here, which are called main properties.

You definitely need to know these rules - without them, not a single serious logarithmic problem can be solved. In addition, there are very few of them - you can learn everything in one day. So let's get started.

Adding and subtracting logarithms

Consider two logarithms with the same bases: logax and logay. Then they can be added and subtracted, and:

  1. logax + logay = loga(x y);
  2. logax − logay = loga (x: y).

So, the sum of logarithms is equal to the logarithm of the product, and the difference is equal to the logarithm of the quotient. Please note: the key point here is identical grounds. If the reasons are different, these rules do not work!

These formulas will help you calculate a logarithmic expression even when its individual parts are not considered (see the lesson “What is a logarithm”). Take a look at the examples and see:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log6 4 + log6 9.

Since logarithms have the same bases, we use the sum formula:
log6 4 + log6 9 = log6 (4 9) = log6 36 = 2.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log2 48 − log2 3.

The bases are the same, we use the difference formula:
log2 48 − log2 3 = log2 (48: 3) = log2 16 = 4.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log3 135 − log3 5.

Again the bases are the same, so we have:
log3 135 − log3 5 = log3 (135: 5) = log3 27 = 3.

As you can see, the original expressions are made up of “bad” logarithms, which are not calculated separately. But after the transformations, completely normal numbers are obtained. Many tests are based on this fact. Yes, test-like expressions are offered in all seriousness (sometimes with virtually no changes) on the Unified State Examination.

Extracting the exponent from the logarithm

Now let's complicate the task a little. What if the base or argument of a logarithm is a power? Then the exponent of this degree can be taken out of the sign of the logarithm according to the following rules:

It is easy to see that the last rule follows the first two. But it’s better to remember it anyway - in some cases it will significantly reduce the amount of calculations.

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0. And one more thing: learn to apply all formulas not only from left to right, but also vice versa, i.e. You can enter the numbers before the logarithm sign into the logarithm itself.

How to solve logarithms

This is what is most often required.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log7 496.

Let's get rid of the degree in the argument using the first formula:
log7 496 = 6 log7 49 = 6 2 = 12

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that the denominator contains a logarithm, the base and argument of which are exact powers: 16 = 24; 49 = 72. We have:

I think the last example requires some clarification. Where have logarithms gone? Until the very last moment we work only with the denominator. We presented the base and argument of the logarithm standing there in the form of powers and took out the exponents - we got a “three-story” fraction.

Now let's look at the main fraction. The numerator and denominator contain the same number: log2 7. Since log2 7 ≠ 0, we can reduce the fraction - 2/4 will remain in the denominator. According to the rules of arithmetic, the four can be transferred to the numerator, which is what was done. The result was the answer: 2.

Transition to a new foundation

Speaking about the rules for adding and subtracting logarithms, I specifically emphasized that they only work with the same bases. What if the reasons are different? What if they are not exact powers of the same number?

Formulas for transition to a new foundation come to the rescue. Let us formulate them in the form of a theorem:

Let the logarithm logax be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

In particular, if we set c = x, we get:

From the second formula it follows that the base and argument of the logarithm can be swapped, but in this case the entire expression is “turned over”, i.e. the logarithm appears in the denominator.

These formulas are rarely found in ordinary numerical expressions. It is possible to evaluate how convenient they are only when solving logarithmic equations and inequalities.

However, there are problems that cannot be solved at all except by moving to a new foundation. Let's look at a couple of these:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log5 16 log2 25.

Note that the arguments of both logarithms contain exact powers. Let's take out the indicators: log5 16 = log5 24 = 4log5 2; log2 25 = log2 52 = 2log2 5;

Now let’s “reverse” the second logarithm:

Since the product does not change when rearranging factors, we calmly multiplied four and two, and then dealt with logarithms.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log9 100 lg 3.

The base and argument of the first logarithm are exact powers. Let's write this down and get rid of the indicators:

Now let's get rid of the decimal logarithm by moving to a new base:

Basic logarithmic identity

Often in the solution process it is necessary to represent a number as a logarithm to a given base. In this case, the following formulas will help us:

In the first case, the number n becomes the exponent in the argument. The number n can be absolutely anything, because it is just a logarithm value.

The second formula is actually a paraphrased definition. That's what it's called: .

In fact, what happens if the number b is raised to such a power that the number b to this power gives the number a? That's right: the result is the same number a. Read this paragraph carefully again - many people get stuck on it.

Like formulas for moving to a new base, the basic logarithmic identity is sometimes the only possible solution.

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that log25 64 = log5 8 - simply took the square from the base and argument of the logarithm. Taking into account the rules for multiplying powers with the same base, we get:

If anyone doesn’t know, this was a real task from the Unified State Exam :)

Logarithmic unit and logarithmic zero

In conclusion, I will give two identities that can hardly be called properties - rather, they are consequences of the definition of the logarithm. They constantly appear in problems and, surprisingly, create problems even for “advanced” students.

  1. logaa = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
  2. loga 1 = 0 is. The base a can be anything, but if the argument contains one, the logarithm is equal to zero! Because a0 = 1 is a direct consequence of the definition.

That's all the properties. Be sure to practice putting them into practice! Download the cheat sheet at the beginning of the lesson, print it out, and solve the problems.

Logarithm of the number b (b > 0) to base a (a > 0, a ≠ 1)– exponent to which the number a must be raised to obtain b.

The base 10 logarithm of b can be written as log(b), and the logarithm to base e (natural logarithm) is ln(b).

Often used when solving problems with logarithms:

Properties of logarithms

There are four main properties of logarithms.

Let a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0 and y > 0.

Property 1. Logarithm of the product

Logarithm of the product equal to the sum of logarithms:

log a (x ⋅ y) = log a x + log a y

Property 2. Logarithm of the quotient

Logarithm of the quotient equal to the difference of logarithms:

log a (x / y) = log a x – log a y

Property 3. Logarithm of power

Logarithm of degree equal to the product of the power and the logarithm:

If the base of the logarithm is in the degree, then another formula applies:

Property 4. Logarithm of the root

This property can be obtained from the property of the logarithm of a power, since the nth root of the power is equal to the power of 1/n:

Formula for converting from a logarithm in one base to a logarithm in another base

This formula is also often used when solving various tasks on logarithms:

Special case:

Comparing logarithms (inequalities)

Let us have 2 functions f(x) and g(x) under logarithms with the same bases and between them there is an inequality sign:

To compare them, you need to first look at the base of the logarithms a:

  • If a > 0, then f(x) > g(x) > 0
  • If 0< a < 1, то 0 < f(x) < g(x)

How to solve problems with logarithms: examples

Problems with logarithms included in the Unified State Examination in mathematics for grade 11 in task 5 and task 7, you can find tasks with solutions on our website in the appropriate sections. Also, tasks with logarithms are found in the math task bank. You can find all examples by searching the site.

What is a logarithm

Logarithms have always been considered complex topic V school course mathematics. There are many different definitions of logarithm, but for some reason most textbooks use the most complex and unsuccessful of them.

We will define the logarithm simply and clearly. To do this, let's create a table:

So, we have powers of two.

Logarithms - properties, formulas, how to solve

If you take the number from the bottom line, you can easily find the power to which you will have to raise two to get this number. For example, to get 16, you need to raise two to the fourth power. And to get 64, you need to raise two to the sixth power. This can be seen from the table.

And now - actually, the definition of the logarithm:

the base a of the argument x is the power to which the number a must be raised to obtain the number x.

Designation: log a x = b, where a is the base, x is the argument, b is what the logarithm is actually equal to.

For example, 2 3 = 8 ⇒log 2 8 = 3 (the base 2 logarithm of 8 is three because 2 3 = 8). With the same success, log 2 64 = 6, since 2 6 = 64.

The operation of finding the logarithm of a number to a given base is called. So, let's add a new line to our table:

2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6
2 4 8 16 32 64
log 2 2 = 1 log 2 4 = 2 log 2 8 = 3 log 2 16 = 4 log 2 32 = 5 log 2 64 = 6

Unfortunately, not all logarithms are calculated so easily. For example, try to find log 2 5. The number 5 is not in the table, but logic dictates that the logarithm will lie somewhere on the interval. Because 2 2< 5 < 2 3 , а чем больше степень двойки, тем больше получится число.

Such numbers are called irrational: the numbers after the decimal point can be written ad infinitum, and they are never repeated. If the logarithm turns out to be irrational, it is better to leave it that way: log 2 5, log 3 8, log 5 100.

It is important to understand that a logarithm is an expression with two variables (the base and the argument). At first, many people confuse where the basis is and where the argument is. To avoid annoying misunderstandings, just look at the picture:

Before us is nothing more than the definition of a logarithm. Remember: logarithm is a power, into which the base must be built in order to obtain an argument. It is the base that is raised to a power - it is highlighted in red in the picture. It turns out that the base is always at the bottom! I tell my students this wonderful rule at the very first lesson - and no confusion arises.

How to count logarithms

We've figured out the definition - all that remains is to learn how to count logarithms, i.e. get rid of the "log" sign. To begin with, we note that two important facts follow from the definition:

  1. The argument and the base must always be greater than zero. This follows from the definition of a degree by a rational exponent, to which the definition of a logarithm is reduced.
  2. The base must be different from one, since one to any degree still remains one. Because of this, the question “to what power must one be raised to get two” is meaningless. There is no such degree!

Such restrictions are called range of acceptable values(ODZ). It turns out that the ODZ of the logarithm looks like this: log a x = b ⇒x > 0, a > 0, a ≠ 1.

Note that there are no restrictions on the number b (the value of the logarithm). For example, the logarithm may well be negative: log 2 0.5 = −1, because 0.5 = 2 −1.

However, now we are considering only numerical expressions, where it is not required to know the VA of the logarithm. All restrictions have already been taken into account by the authors of the problems. But when logarithmic equations and inequalities come into play, DL requirements will become mandatory. After all, the basis and argument may contain very strong constructions that do not necessarily correspond to the above restrictions.

Now let's consider general scheme calculating logarithms. It consists of three steps:

  1. Express the base a and the argument x as a power with the minimum possible base greater than one. Along the way, it’s better to get rid of decimals;
  2. Solve the equation for variable b: x = a b ;
  3. The resulting number b will be the answer.

That's all! If the logarithm turns out to be irrational, this will be visible already in the first step. The requirement that the base be greater than one is very important: this reduces the likelihood of error and greatly simplifies the calculations. Same with decimals: if you immediately convert them to regular ones, there will be many fewer errors.

Let's see how this scheme works using specific examples:

Task. Calculate the logarithm: log 5 25

  1. Let's imagine the base and argument as a power of five: 5 = 5 1 ; 25 = 5 2 ;
  2. Let's create and solve the equation:
    log 5 25 = b ⇒(5 1) b = 5 2 ⇒5 b = 5 2 ⇒ b = 2;

  3. We received the answer: 2.

Task. Calculate the logarithm:

Task. Calculate the logarithm: log 4 64

  1. Let's imagine the base and argument as a power of two: 4 = 2 2 ; 64 = 2 6 ;
  2. Let's create and solve the equation:
    log 4 64 = b ⇒(2 2) b = 2 6 ⇒2 2b = 2 6 ⇒2b = 6 ⇒ b = 3;
  3. We received the answer: 3.

Task. Calculate the logarithm: log 16 1

  1. Let's imagine the base and argument as a power of two: 16 = 2 4 ; 1 = 2 0 ;
  2. Let's create and solve the equation:
    log 16 1 = b ⇒(2 4) b = 2 0 ⇒2 4b = 2 0 ⇒4b = 0 ⇒ b = 0;
  3. We received the answer: 0.

Task. Calculate the logarithm: log 7 14

  1. Let's imagine the base and argument as a power of seven: 7 = 7 1 ; 14 cannot be represented as a power of seven, since 7 1< 14 < 7 2 ;
  2. From the previous paragraph it follows that the logarithm does not count;
  3. The answer is no change: log 7 14.

A small note on the last example. How can you be sure that a number is not an exact power of another number? It’s very simple - just factor it into prime factors. If the expansion has at least two different factors, the number is not an exact power.

Task. Find out whether the numbers are exact powers: 8; 48; 81; 35; 14.

8 = 2 · 2 · 2 = 2 3 - exact degree, because there is only one multiplier;
48 = 6 · 8 = 3 · 2 · 2 · 2 · 2 = 3 · 2 4 - is not an exact power, since there are two factors: 3 and 2;
81 = 9 · 9 = 3 · 3 · 3 · 3 = 3 4 - exact degree;
35 = 7 · 5 - again not an exact power;
14 = 7 · 2 - again not an exact degree;

Let us also note that we ourselves prime numbers are always exact degrees of themselves.

Decimal logarithm

Some logarithms are so common that they have a special name and symbol.

of the argument x is the logarithm to base 10, i.e. The power to which the number 10 must be raised to obtain the number x. Designation: lg x.

For example, log 10 = 1; lg 100 = 2; lg 1000 = 3 - etc.

From now on, when a phrase like “Find lg 0.01” appears in a textbook, know that this is not a typo. This is a decimal logarithm. However, if you are unfamiliar with this notation, you can always rewrite it:
log x = log 10 x

Everything that is true for ordinary logarithms is also true for decimal logarithms.

Natural logarithm

There is another logarithm that has its own designation. In some ways, it's even more important than decimal. It's about about the natural logarithm.

of the argument x is the logarithm to base e, i.e. the power to which the number e must be raised to obtain the number x. Designation: ln x.

Many people will ask: what is the number e? This irrational number, its exact value is impossible to find and write down. I will give only the first figures:
e = 2.718281828459…

We will not go into detail about what this number is and why it is needed. Just remember that e is the base of the natural logarithm:
ln x = log e x

Thus ln e = 1; ln e 2 = 2; ln e 16 = 16 - etc. On the other hand, ln 2 is an irrational number. In general, the natural logarithm of any rational number irrational. Except, of course, for one: ln 1 = 0.

For natural logarithms all the rules that are true for ordinary logarithms are valid.

See also:

Logarithm. Properties of the logarithm (power of the logarithm).

How to represent a number as a logarithm?

We use the definition of logarithm.

A logarithm is an exponent to which the base must be raised to obtain the number under the logarithm sign.

Thus, in order to represent a certain number c as a logarithm to base a, you need to put a power with the same base as the base of the logarithm under the sign of the logarithm, and write this number c as the exponent:

Absolutely any number can be represented as a logarithm - positive, negative, integer, fractional, rational, irrational:

In order not to confuse a and c under stressful conditions of a test or exam, you can use the following memorization rule:

what is below goes down, what is above goes up.

For example, you need to represent the number 2 as a logarithm to base 3.

We have two numbers - 2 and 3. These numbers are the base and the exponent, which we will write under the sign of the logarithm. It remains to determine which of these numbers should be written down, to the base of the degree, and which – up, to the exponent.

The base 3 in the notation of a logarithm is at the bottom, which means that when we represent two as a logarithm to the base 3, we will also write 3 down to the base.

2 is higher than three. And in notation of the degree two we write above the three, that is, as an exponent:

Logarithms. First level.

Logarithms

Logarithm positive number b based on a, Where a > 0, a ≠ 1, is called the exponent to which the number must be raised a, To obtain b.

Definition of logarithm can be briefly written like this:

This equality is valid for b > 0, a > 0, a ≠ 1. It is usually called logarithmic identity.
The action of finding the logarithm of a number is called by logarithm.

Properties of logarithms:

Logarithm of the product:

Logarithm of the quotient:

Replacing the logarithm base:

Logarithm of degree:

Logarithm of the root:

Logarithm with power base:





Decimal and natural logarithms.

Decimal logarithm numbers call the logarithm of this number to base 10 and write   lg b
Natural logarithm numbers are called the logarithm of that number to the base e, Where e- an irrational number approximately equal to 2.7. At the same time they write ln b.

Other notes on algebra and geometry

Basic properties of logarithms

Basic properties of logarithms

Logarithms, like any numbers, can be added, subtracted and transformed in every way. But since logarithms are not exactly ordinary numbers, there are rules here, which are called main properties.

You definitely need to know these rules - without them, not a single serious logarithmic problem can be solved. In addition, there are very few of them - you can learn everything in one day. So let's get started.

Adding and subtracting logarithms

Consider two logarithms with the same bases: log a x and log a y. Then they can be added and subtracted, and:

  1. log a x + log a y = log a (x y);
  2. log a x − log a y = log a (x: y).

So, the sum of logarithms is equal to the logarithm of the product, and the difference is equal to the logarithm of the quotient. Please note: the key point here is identical grounds. If the reasons are different, these rules do not work!

These formulas will help you calculate a logarithmic expression even when its individual parts are not considered (see the lesson “What is a logarithm”). Take a look at the examples and see:

Log 6 4 + log 6 9.

Since logarithms have the same bases, we use the sum formula:
log 6 4 + log 6 9 = log 6 (4 9) = log 6 36 = 2.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log 2 48 − log 2 3.

The bases are the same, we use the difference formula:
log 2 48 − log 2 3 = log 2 (48: 3) = log 2 16 = 4.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log 3 135 − log 3 5.

Again the bases are the same, so we have:
log 3 135 − log 3 5 = log 3 (135: 5) = log 3 27 = 3.

As you can see, the original expressions are made up of “bad” logarithms, which are not calculated separately. But after the transformations, completely normal numbers are obtained. Many tests are based on this fact. Yes, test-like expressions are offered in all seriousness (sometimes with virtually no changes) on the Unified State Examination.

Extracting the exponent from the logarithm

Now let's complicate the task a little. What if the base or argument of a logarithm is a power? Then the exponent of this degree can be taken out of the sign of the logarithm according to the following rules:

It is easy to see that the last rule follows the first two. But it’s better to remember it anyway - in some cases it will significantly reduce the amount of calculations.

Of course, all these rules make sense if the ODZ of the logarithm is observed: a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0. And one more thing: learn to apply all formulas not only from left to right, but also vice versa, i.e. You can enter the numbers before the logarithm sign into the logarithm itself.

How to solve logarithms

This is what is most often required.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log 7 49 6 .

Let's get rid of the degree in the argument using the first formula:
log 7 49 6 = 6 log 7 49 = 6 2 = 12

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that the denominator contains a logarithm, the base and argument of which are exact powers: 16 = 2 4 ; 49 = 7 2. We have:

I think the last example requires some clarification. Where have logarithms gone? Until the very last moment we work only with the denominator. We presented the base and argument of the logarithm standing there in the form of powers and took out the exponents - we got a “three-story” fraction.

Now let's look at the main fraction. The numerator and denominator contain the same number: log 2 7. Since log 2 7 ≠ 0, we can reduce the fraction - 2/4 will remain in the denominator. According to the rules of arithmetic, the four can be transferred to the numerator, which is what was done. The result was the answer: 2.

Transition to a new foundation

Speaking about the rules for adding and subtracting logarithms, I specifically emphasized that they only work with the same bases. What if the reasons are different? What if they are not exact powers of the same number?

Formulas for transition to a new foundation come to the rescue. Let us formulate them in the form of a theorem:

Let the logarithm log a x be given. Then for any number c such that c > 0 and c ≠ 1, the equality is true:

In particular, if we set c = x, we get:

From the second formula it follows that the base and argument of the logarithm can be swapped, but in this case the entire expression is “turned over”, i.e. the logarithm appears in the denominator.

These formulas are rarely found in ordinary numerical expressions. It is possible to evaluate how convenient they are only when solving logarithmic equations and inequalities.

However, there are problems that cannot be solved at all except by moving to a new foundation. Let's look at a couple of these:

Task. Find the value of the expression: log 5 16 log 2 25.

Note that the arguments of both logarithms contain exact powers. Let's take out the indicators: log 5 16 = log 5 2 4 = 4log 5 2; log 2 25 = log 2 5 2 = 2log 2 5;

Now let’s “reverse” the second logarithm:

Since the product does not change when rearranging factors, we calmly multiplied four and two, and then dealt with logarithms.

Task. Find the value of the expression: log 9 100 lg 3.

The base and argument of the first logarithm are exact powers. Let's write this down and get rid of the indicators:

Now let's get rid of the decimal logarithm by moving to a new base:

Basic logarithmic identity

Often in the solution process it is necessary to represent a number as a logarithm to a given base.

In this case, the following formulas will help us:

In the first case, the number n becomes the exponent in the argument. The number n can be absolutely anything, because it is just a logarithm value.

The second formula is actually a paraphrased definition. That's what it's called: .

In fact, what happens if the number b is raised to such a power that the number b to this power gives the number a? That's right: the result is the same number a. Read this paragraph carefully again - many people get stuck on it.

Like formulas for moving to a new base, the basic logarithmic identity is sometimes the only possible solution.

Task. Find the meaning of the expression:

Note that log 25 64 = log 5 8 - simply took the square from the base and argument of the logarithm. Taking into account the rules for multiplying powers with the same base, we get:

If anyone doesn’t know, this was a real task from the Unified State Exam :)

Logarithmic unit and logarithmic zero

In conclusion, I will give two identities that can hardly be called properties - rather, they are consequences of the definition of the logarithm. They constantly appear in problems and, surprisingly, create problems even for “advanced” students.

  1. log a a = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
  2. log a 1 = 0 is. The base a can be anything, but if the argument contains one, the logarithm is equal to zero! Because a 0 = 1 is a direct consequence of the definition.

That's all the properties. Be sure to practice putting them into practice! Download the cheat sheet at the beginning of the lesson, print it out, and solve the problems.

Follows from its definition. And so the logarithm of the number b based on A is defined as the exponent to which a number must be raised a to get the number b(logarithm exists only for positive numbers).

From this formulation it follows that the calculation x=log a b, is equivalent to solving the equation a x =b. For example, log 2 8 = 3 because 8 = 2 3 . The formulation of the logarithm makes it possible to justify that if b=a c, then the logarithm of the number b based on a equals With. It is also clear that the topic of logarithms is closely related to the topic of powers of a number.

With logarithms, as with any numbers, you can do operations of addition, subtraction and transform in every possible way. But due to the fact that logarithms are not entirely ordinary numbers, their own special rules apply here, which are called main properties.

Adding and subtracting logarithms.

Let's take two logarithms with the same bases: log a x And log a y. Then it is possible to perform addition and subtraction operations:

log a x+ log a y= log a (x·y);

log a x - log a y = log a (x:y).

log a(x 1 . x 2 . x 3 ... x k) = log a x 1 + log a x 2 + log a x 3 + ... + log a x k.

From logarithm quotient theorem One more property of the logarithm can be obtained. It is common knowledge that log a 1= 0, therefore

log a 1 /b=log a 1 - log a b= -log a b.

This means there is an equality:

log a 1 / b = - log a b.

Logarithms of two reciprocal numbers for the same reason will differ from each other solely by sign. So:

Log 3 9= - log 3 1 / 9 ; log 5 1 / 125 = -log 5 125.

Logarithmic expressions, solving examples. In this article we will look at problems related to solving logarithms. The tasks ask the question of finding the meaning of an expression. It should be noted that the concept of logarithm is used in many tasks and understanding its meaning is extremely important. As for the Unified State Exam, the logarithm is used when solving equations, in applied problems, and also in tasks related to the study of functions.

Let us give examples to understand the very meaning of the logarithm:


Basic logarithmic identity:

Properties of logarithms that must always be remembered:

*The logarithm of the product is equal to the sum of the logarithms of the factors.

* * *

*The logarithm of a quotient (fraction) is equal to the difference between the logarithms of the factors.

* * *

*The logarithm of an exponent is equal to the product of the exponent and the logarithm of its base.

* * *

*Transition to a new foundation

* * *

More properties:

* * *

The calculation of logarithms is closely related to the use of properties of exponents.

Let's list some of them:

The essence of this property is that when the numerator is transferred to the denominator and vice versa, the sign of the exponent changes to the opposite. For example:

A corollary from this property:

* * *

When raising a power to a power, the base remains the same, but the exponents are multiplied.

* * *

As you have seen, the concept of a logarithm itself is simple. The main thing is what is needed good practice, which gives a certain skill. Of course, knowledge of formulas is required. If the skill in converting elementary logarithms has not been developed, then when solving simple tasks It's easy to make a mistake.

Practice, solve the simplest examples from the mathematics course first, then move on to more complex ones. In the future, I will definitely show how “scary” logarithms are solved; they won’t appear on the Unified State Examination, but they are of interest, don’t miss them!

That's all! Good luck to you!

Sincerely, Alexander Krutitskikh

P.S: I would be grateful if you tell me about the site on social networks.

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