How to change the base of a logarithm. Properties of logarithms and examples of their solutions. The Comprehensive Guide (2019)

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.

The basic properties of the natural logarithm, graph, domain of definition, set of values, basic formulas, derivative, integral, power series expansion and representation of the function ln x using complex numbers are given.

Definition

Natural logarithm is the function y = ln x, the inverse of the exponential, x = e y, and is the logarithm to the base of the number e: ln x = log e x.

The natural logarithm is widely used in mathematics because its derivative has the simplest form: (ln x)′ = 1/ x.

Based definitions, the base of the natural logarithm is the number e:
e ≅ 2.718281828459045...;
.

Graph of the function y = ln x.

Graph of natural logarithm (functions y = ln x) is obtained from the exponential graph by mirror reflection relative to the straight line y = x.

The natural logarithm is defined for positive values of the variable x. It increases monotonically in its domain of definition.

At x → 0 the limit of the natural logarithm is minus infinity (-∞).

As x → + ∞, the limit of the natural logarithm is plus infinity (+ ∞). For large x, the logarithm increases quite slowly. Any power function x a with a positive exponent a grows faster than the logarithm.

Properties of the natural logarithm

Domain of definition, set of values, extrema, increase, decrease

The natural logarithm is a monotonically increasing function, so it has no extrema. The main properties of the natural logarithm are presented in the table.

ln x values

ln 1 = 0

Basic formulas for natural logarithms

Formulas following from the definition of the inverse function:

The main property of logarithms and its consequences

Base replacement formula

Any logarithm can be expressed in terms of natural logarithms using the base substitution formula:

Proofs of these formulas are presented in the section "Logarithm".

Inverse function

The inverse of the natural logarithm is the exponent.

If , then

If, then.

Derivative ln x

Derivative of the natural logarithm:
.
Derivative of the natural logarithm of modulus x:
.
Derivative of nth order:
.
Deriving formulas > > >

Integral

The integral is calculated by integration by parts:
.
So,

Expressions using complex numbers

Consider the function of the complex variable z:
.
Let's express the complex variable z via module r and argument φ :
.
Using the properties of the logarithm, we have:
.
Or
.
The argument φ is not uniquely defined. If you put
, where n is an integer,
it will be the same number for different n.

Therefore, the natural logarithm, as a function of a complex variable, is not a single-valued function.

Power series expansion

When the expansion takes place:

References:
I.N. Bronstein, K.A. Semendyaev, Handbook of mathematics for engineers and college students, “Lan”, 2009.

We continue to study logarithms. In this article we will talk about calculating logarithms, this process is called logarithm. First we will understand the calculation of logarithms by definition. Next, let's look at how the values of logarithms are found using their properties. After this, we will focus on calculating logarithms through the initially specified values of other logarithms. Finally, let's learn how to use logarithm tables. The entire theory is provided with examples with detailed solutions.

Page navigation.

Calculating logarithms by definition

In the simplest cases it is possible to perform quite quickly and easily finding the logarithm by definition. Let's take a closer look at how this process happens.

Its essence is to represent the number b in the form a c, from which, by the definition of a logarithm, the number c is the value of the logarithm. That is, by definition, the following chain of equalities corresponds to finding the logarithm: log a b=log a a c =c.

So, calculating a logarithm by definition comes down to finding a number c such that a c = b, and the number c itself is the desired value of the logarithm.

Taking into account the information in the previous paragraphs, when the number under the logarithm sign is given by a certain power of the logarithm base, you can immediately indicate what the logarithm is equal to - it is equal to the exponent. Let's show solutions to examples.

Example.

Find log 2 2 −3, and also calculate the natural logarithm of the number e 5,3.

Solution.

The definition of the logarithm allows us to immediately say that log 2 2 −3 =−3. Indeed, the number under the logarithm sign is equal to base 2 to the −3 power.

Similarly, we find the second logarithm: lne 5.3 =5.3.

Answer:

log 2 2 −3 =−3 and lne 5,3 =5,3.

If the number b under the logarithm sign is not specified as a power of the base of the logarithm, then you need to carefully look to see if it is possible to come up with a representation of the number b in the form a c . Often this representation is quite obvious, especially when the number under the logarithm sign is equal to the base to the power of 1, or 2, or 3, ...

Example.

Calculate the logarithms log 5 25 , and .

Solution.

It is easy to see that 25=5 2, this allows you to calculate the first logarithm: log 5 25=log 5 5 2 =2.

Let's move on to calculating the second logarithm. The number can be represented as a power of 7: (see if necessary). Hence, .

Let's rewrite the third logarithm in the following form. Now you can see that , from which we conclude that . Therefore, by the definition of logarithm .

Briefly, the solution could be written as follows: .

Answer:

log 5 25=2 , And .

When under the logarithm sign there is a sufficiently large natural number, then it wouldn’t hurt to factor it into prime factors. It often helps to represent such a number as some power of the base of the logarithm, and therefore calculate this logarithm by definition.

Example.

Find the value of the logarithm.

Solution.

Some properties of logarithms allow you to immediately specify the value of logarithms. These properties include the property of the logarithm of one and the property of the logarithm of a number equal to the base: log 1 1=log a a 0 =0 and log a a=log a a 1 =1. That is, when under the sign of the logarithm there is a number 1 or a number a equal to the base of the logarithm, then in these cases the logarithms are equal to 0 and 1, respectively.

Example.

What are logarithms and log10 equal to?

Solution.

Since , then from the definition of logarithm it follows .

In the second example, the number 10 under the logarithm sign coincides with its base, so the decimal logarithm of ten is equal to one, that is, lg10=lg10 1 =1.

Answer:

AND lg10=1 .

Note that the calculation of logarithms by definition (which we discussed in the previous paragraph) implies the use of the equality log a a p =p, which is one of the properties of logarithms.

In practice, when a number under the logarithm sign and the base of the logarithm are easily represented as a power of a certain number, it is very convenient to use the formula , which corresponds to one of the properties of logarithms. Let's look at an example of finding a logarithm that illustrates the use of this formula.

Example.

Calculate the logarithm.

Solution.

Answer:

Properties of logarithms not mentioned above are also used in calculations, but we will talk about this in the following paragraphs.

Finding logarithms through other known logarithms

The information in this paragraph continues the topic of using the properties of logarithms when calculating them. But here the main difference is that the properties of logarithms are used to express the original logarithm in terms of another logarithm, the value of which is known. Let's give an example for clarification. Let's say we know that log 2 3≈1.584963, then we can find, for example, log 2 6 by doing a little transformation using the properties of the logarithm: log 2 6=log 2 (2 3)=log 2 2+log 2 3≈ 1+1,584963=2,584963 .

In the above example, it was enough for us to use the property of the logarithm of a product. However, much more often it is necessary to use a wider arsenal of properties of logarithms in order to calculate the original logarithm through the given ones.

Example.

Calculate the logarithm of 27 to base 60 if you know that log 60 2=a and log 60 5=b.

Solution.

So we need to find log 60 27 . It is easy to see that 27 = 3 3 , and the original logarithm, due to the property of the logarithm of the power, can be rewritten as 3·log 60 3 .

Now let's see how to express log 60 3 in terms of known logarithms. The property of the logarithm of a number equal to the base allows us to write the equality log 60 60=1. On the other hand, log 60 60=log60(2 2 3 5)= log 60 2 2 +log 60 3+log 60 5= 2·log 60 2+log 60 3+log 60 5 . Thus, 2 log 60 2+log 60 3+log 60 5=1. Hence, log 60 3=1−2·log 60 2−log 60 5=1−2·a−b.

Finally, we calculate the original logarithm: log 60 27=3 log 60 3= 3·(1−2·a−b)=3−6·a−3·b.

Answer:

log 60 27=3·(1−2·a−b)=3−6·a−3·b.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the meaning of the formula for transition to a new base of the logarithm of the form . It allows you to move from logarithms with any base to logarithms with a specific base, the values of which are known or it is possible to find them. Usually, from the original logarithm, using the transition formula, they move to logarithms in one of the bases 2, e or 10, since for these bases there are tables of logarithms that allow their values to be calculated with a certain degree of accuracy. In the next paragraph we will show how this is done.

Logarithm tables and their uses

For approximate calculation of logarithm values can be used logarithm tables. The most commonly used base 2 logarithm table is the table natural logarithms and a table of decimal logarithms. When working in the decimal number system, it is convenient to use a table of logarithms based on base ten. With its help we will learn to find the values of logarithms.

The presented table allows you to find the values of the decimal logarithms of numbers from 1,000 to 9,999 (with three decimal places) with an accuracy of one ten-thousandth. We will analyze the principle of finding the value of a logarithm using a table of decimal logarithms into specific example– it’s clearer that way. Let's find log1.256.

In the left column of the table of decimal logarithms we find the first two digits of the number 1.256, that is, we find 1.2 (this number is circled in blue for clarity). The third digit of the number 1.256 (digit 5) is found in the first or last line to the left of the double line (this number is circled in red). The fourth digit of the original number 1.256 (digit 6) is found in the first or last line to the right of the double line (this number is circled with a green line). Now we find the numbers in the cells of the table of logarithms at the intersection of the marked row and marked columns (these numbers are highlighted orange). The sum of the marked numbers gives the desired value of the decimal logarithm accurate to the fourth decimal place, that is, log1.236≈0.0969+0.0021=0.0990.

Is it possible, using the table above, to find the values of decimal logarithms of numbers that have more than three digits after the decimal point, as well as those that go beyond the range from 1 to 9.999? Yes, you can. Let's show how this is done with an example.

Let's calculate lg102.76332. First you need to write down number in standard form: 102.76332=1.0276332·10 2. After this, the mantissa should be rounded to the third decimal place, we have 1.0276332 10 2 ≈1.028 10 2, while the original decimal logarithm is approximately equal to the logarithm of the resulting number, that is, we take log102.76332≈lg1.028·10 2. Now we apply the properties of the logarithm: lg1.028·10 2 =lg1.028+lg10 2 =lg1.028+2. Finally, we find the value of the logarithm lg1.028 from the table of decimal logarithms lg1.028≈0.0086+0.0034=0.012. As a result, the entire process of calculating the logarithm looks like this: log102.76332=log1.0276332 10 2 ≈lg1.028 10 2 = log1.028+lg10 2 =log1.028+2≈0.012+2=2.012.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that using a table of decimal logarithms you can calculate the approximate value of any logarithm. To do this, it is enough to use the transition formula to go to decimal logarithms, find their values in the table, and perform the remaining calculations.

For example, let's calculate log 2 3 . According to the formula for transition to a new base of the logarithm, we have . From the table of decimal logarithms we find log3≈0.4771 and log2≈0.3010. Thus, .

Bibliography.

Kolmogorov A.N., Abramov A.M., Dudnitsyn Yu.P. and others. Algebra and the beginnings of analysis: Textbook for grades 10 - 11 of general education institutions.
Gusev V.A., Mordkovich A.G. Mathematics (a manual for those entering technical schools).

*Master's student under scientific guidance Isakhova A. A.,PhD in Mathematical and Computer Modeling

Have you ever thought about how people counted in ancient times, when there were no calculators or computers? Calculations were performed manually, on paper or in the mind. Although the tasks they faced were as complex as modern ones.

Absence computers pushed ancient mathematicians to simplify calculations. They came up with tables with already calculated expressions (for example, a multiplication table), and looked for ways to replace complex operations with simple ones. Today we will talk about one such “simplification” or how people learned to replace multiplication with addition, and division with subtraction. Thanks to this, the logarithm was invented. To understand what it is, you need to take only three steps.

STEP 1: Simplify and simplify again

Let's start with a simple example.

2 + 2 = 4

Let's complicate the problem and find the sum of five twos.

2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10

And we easily coped with this task. What if you need to find the sum of 1,000,000 twos? Using a similar calculation method will take a lot of space and time. But cunning mathematicians realized how easy it is to do this. They came up with the multiplication operation. Let's see what it looks like:

2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 128

To simplify this expression, mathematicians came up with the operation of exponentiation. It is clear that we are talking about multiplying the same number by itself n times, why duplicate it and write it down again and again? Isn't it easier to write it this way?

Here A– the basis of the degree, n– exponent. Thus, we have significantly shortened the recording. Regardless of the value of the exponent, the expression will look very succinct:

Michael Stiefel(1487–1567) - German mathematician, made significant contributions to the development of algebra and its areas such as progressions, exponentiation and negative numbers. Stiefel was the first to use the concepts of “exponent” and “root”. Despite the fact that the scientist actually used logarithms, the glory of the discoverer went to the Scottish mathematician John Napier (1550–1617).

STEP 2: Understand the properties of degrees

As we have already said, ancient mathematicians did not burden themselves with calculations every time they needed to multiply or add numbers, but used tables with pre-calculated results. Very comfortably! Using a similar table, a German mathematician Michael Stiefel noticed an interesting pattern between arithmetic and geometric progression.

Arithmetic progression	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Geometric progression	2	4	8	16	32	64	128	256	512	1024
Power notation	2 1	2 2	2 3	2 4	2 5	2 6	2 7	2 8	2 9	2 10

Let's try to see her too. After all, this pattern allows you to simplify operations multiplication and division. Let us need to calculate the product of two numbers:

16 × 64 = ?

Before you start doing the calculations, take a look at the table and find these numbers: these are the terms geometric progression in increments of 2. The numbers above them in the top row: 4 above 16; 6 over 64 are terms of an arithmetic progression. Let's add these numbers: 4 + 6 = 10. Now let's look at what number is under the number 10 in the second row - 1024. But if we complete our initial task 16x64, the result will be equal to 1024. This means that, using the table and knowing only how to adding numbers, you can easily find the product.

Now consider the division operation:

Look at the table again and find the corresponding numbers from the top row. We get 10 and 7 respectively. If when we multiply we add, then when we divide we subtract: 10–7 = 3. We look at the number under the number 3 in the second row, it is 8. Therefore, 1024:128 = 8.

Similarly, you can use a table for operations exponentiation and root extraction.

For example, we need to square 32. We look at the number above 32 in the top row. We get 5. Multiply 5 by 2. It turns out 10, then look at the number under 10: 1024. Hence 32 2 = 1024.

Let's consider root extraction. For example, let's find the third root of the number 512. Above the number 512 in the top row is 9. Divide 9 by 3, we get 3. Find the corresponding number in the second row. We get 8. Therefore, 83 = 512.

All four examples are a consequence of the properties of degrees, which can be written as follows:

STEP 3: Let's call it a logarithm

Having dealt with degrees, let's try to solve a small equation:

2 x = 4

This equation is called indicative. Because X, which we need to find is indicator the power to which 2 must be raised to get 4. Solution of the equation x = 2.

Let's look at another similar example:

2 x = 5

Let's say the condition again: we are looking for the number x to which 2 must be raised to get 5. This question stumps us. A solution probably exists; for example, if you draw graphs of these functions, they intersect. But to find it, we will have to look for it through trial and error. And this could take a long time.

That's why ancient scientists came up with the logarithm; they knew that a solution to the equation existed, but it was not always needed right away. Mathematically it is written like this: x = log 2 5. So we have found the solution to the equation 2 x = 5. Answer: x = log 2 5. If we give the exact answer, then x = 2.32192809489..., and this fraction never ends.

The expression reads as follows: logarithm of 5 to base 2. It's easy to remember: the base is always written at the bottom, in both exponential and logarithmic notation.

Properties of the logarithm

Logarithms have restrictions. There are two hard limits in mathematics.

a) You cannot divide by zero

b) Extract the even root of a negative number(since a negative number squared will always be positive).

equivalent to writing

a x = b

Restrictions on a

a is the base that must be raised to the x power to get b.

If a = 1. One to any power will give one.

And if a less than zero? Negative numbers- capricious. They can be raised to one degree, but not to another. Therefore, we exclude them too. As a result, we get: a > 0; a ≠ 1

Restrictions on b

If a positive number is raised to any power, we also get a positive number. Hence: b > 0. x can be any number, since we can raise to any power.

If b = 1. then for any a the value x = 0.

Operations on logarithms

Taking into account the basic properties of powers, we derive similar ones for logarithms:

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

Difference. The logarithm of the quotient is equal to the difference between the logarithms of the dividend and the divisor:

Degree. The logarithm of a power is equal to the product of the exponent and the logarithm of its base.

main properties.

logax + logay = loga(x y);
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:

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

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 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:

logax + logay = loga(x y);
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:

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 they turn out quite normal numbers. 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.

logaa = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
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.

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 .

A seemingly complex expression is simplified to form using a number of rules

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.

Adding and subtracting logarithms

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

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

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.

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.

Transition to a new foundation

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:

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: .

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

logaa = 1 is. Remember once and for all: the logarithm to any base a of that base itself is equal to one.
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.