5.

5 Properties and Laws of Logarithms

Do Now: Solve for x.
1. log 4 64 x
x=3

2. log 27 3 x
x = 1/3

3. log 10 6 x
x=6

4. ln e12 x
x = 12

Consider some more examples

Without evaluating log (678), we know the expression means the exponent to which 10 must be raised in order to produce 678.

log (678) = x 10x = 678 If 10x = 678, what should x be in order to produce 678? x = log(678) because 10log(678) = 678

And with natural logarithms Without evaluating ln (54), we know the expression means the exponent to which e must be raised in order to produce 54.

ln (54) = x ex = 54

If ex = 54, what should x be in order to produce 54? x = ln(54) because eln(54) = 54

Basic Properties of Logarithms

Common Logarithms 1. log v is defined only when v > 0. 2. log 1 = 0 and log 10 = 1 3. log 10k = k for every real number k. 4. 10logv=v for every v > 0. Natural Logarithms 1. ln v is defined only when v > 0. 2. ln 1 = 0 and ln e = 1 3. ln ek = k for every real number k. 4. elnv=v for every v > 0.

** NOTE: These properties hold for all bases not just 10 and e! **

Example 1: Solving Equations Using Properties Use the basic properties of logarithms to solve each equation.

1. log(x 3) 5
10
log(x 3)

2. ln(2x 1) 7
e
ln(2x 1)

10

x 3 105 x 10 3 x 100,003
5

2x 1 e 7 2x e 1 x
e 7 1 2 7

Laws of Logarithms
Because logarithms represent exponents, it is helpful to review laws of exponents before exploring laws of logarithms.

When multiplying like bases, add the exponents.

aman=am+n
When dividing like bases, subtract the exponents.

a m n a n a

Product and Quotient Laws of Logarithms

For all v,w>0, log(vw) = log v + log w ln(vw) = ln v + ln w

For all v,w 0,

v log v log w log w v ln v ln w ln w

Using Product and Quotient Laws

1. Given that log 3 = 0.4771 and log 4 = 0.6021, find log 12. log 12 = log (34) = log 3 + log 4 = 1.0792

2. Given that log 40 = 1.6021 and log 8 = 0.9031, find log 5. log 5 = log (40 / 8) = log 40 log 8 = 0.6990

Power Law of Logarithms

For all k and v > 0, log vk = k log v ln vk = k ln v For example log 9 = log 32 = 2 log 3

Using the Power Law

1. Given that log 25 = 1.3979, find log
4

25 .

log (25) = log 25 = 0.3495

2. Given that ln 22 = 3.0910, find ln 22.

ln (22) = ln 22 = 1.5455

Simplifying Expressions
Logarithmic expressions can be simplified using logarithmic properties and laws. Example 1: Write ln(3x) + 4ln(x) ln(3xy) as a single logarithm. ln(3x) + 4ln(x) ln(3xy) = ln(3x) + ln(x4) ln(3xy) = ln(3xx4) ln(3xy) = ln(3x5) ln(3xy) = ln

= ln
3x 5 3xy x4 y

Simplifying Expressions
Simplify each expression.

1. log 8x + 3 log x log 2x2

log 4x2

2. ln

ln
x x

ex 2