Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Properties of Logarithms
Problem 11aLial - 13th Edition
Textbook Question
Find each value. If applicable, give an approximation to four decimal places. See Example 1. log 10^12
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1
Recognize that the expression involves a logarithm with base 10, which is often written as .
Recall the logarithmic identity: . This means that the logarithm of a base raised to an exponent is simply the exponent.
Apply this identity to the given problem: .
According to the identity, .
Thus, the value of the expression is the exponent, which is 12.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Logarithms
A logarithm is the power to which a base must be raised to produce a given number. In the expression log_b(a), 'b' is the base, 'a' is the number, and the result is the exponent 'x' such that b^x = a. Understanding logarithms is essential for solving equations involving exponential growth or decay.
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Logarithms Introduction
Properties of Logarithms
Logarithms have several key properties that simplify calculations, such as the product, quotient, and power rules. For example, log_b(mn) = log_b(m) + log_b(n) and log_b(m/n) = log_b(m) - log_b(n). These properties allow for the manipulation of logarithmic expressions to solve complex problems.
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Change of Base Property
Common Logarithm
The common logarithm is a logarithm with base 10, denoted as log(x) or log_10(x). It is widely used in scientific calculations and can be easily computed using calculators. For instance, log(10^12) simplifies to 12, as 10 raised to the power of 12 equals 10^12.
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Graphs of Common Functions
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–40, use properties of logarithms to expand each logarithmic expression as much as possible. Where possible, evaluate logarithmic expressions without using a calculator.
log5 (7 × 3)
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