Topic: Laws of logarithms

Question: Write the expression as a rational number if possible, or if not,

as a single logarithm.

log3 54 − log3 2

Answer choices:

A −log3 9

B 9

C log3 27

D 3

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Solution: D

First, use the rule

x
loga x − loga y = loga
y

to rewrite the given expression.

log3 54 − log3 2

54
log3
2

log3 27

To simplify further, use this rule

If loga x = y then a y = x

So if we let log3 27 = y then 3y = 27. Therefore, y = 3.

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Topic: Laws of logarithms

Question: Which expression is equal to 1?

Answer choices:

A log5 20 − log5 10

B log3 18 − log3 6

C log2 8 − log2 7

D log8 128 − log8 2

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Solution: B

Use these two rules to evaluate each expression.

x
loga x − loga y = loga
y

If loga x = y then a y = x

Applying these to the answer choices gives

20
A log5 20 − log5 10 = log5 = log5 2
10

18
B log3 18 − log3 6 = log3 = log3 3 = 1
6

8
C log2 8 − log2 7 = log2
7

128
D log8 128 − log8 2 = log8 = log8 64 = 2
2

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