4.

2 (Day1) Introduction to Logarithms

The inverse of the exponential function is called a
_________________________________

Exponential Function: ax = y

Logarithmic Function: ay = x

IFF

log

(x) = y

o Example:

Logarithms basically answer the question: How many of one number do we

multiply to get another number?

o Example:

2? = 64

Because the exponential and log functions are inverses, we can use the forms
interchangeably:

Write each equation in Logarithmic Form:

ay = x
1.) 53 = 125
2.) 35 = 243

log

(x) = y

 Write each equation in Exponential Form:

log
3.) log13 169 2
4.) log 2 32 = 5

(x) = y
ay = x
5.) log 5 (x) = y

COMMON LOGARITHMS
A common logarithm has an understood base 10. Therefore, log 10 x is the
same as log x
How many times do you need to use 10 in a multiplication to get
the desired number?

y = log (x) IFF

10y = x

Examples: Write an equivalent exponential or logarithmic equation.

6.) log (1000) = z

8.) log(y) = 2

7.) 105 = w

9.) y = 10m

Natural Logarithms
An exponential function with base e is called a
______________________________________
What is e? e =
The logarithm with base e is called the ____________________________ _____ and is
often abbreviated ln

y = ln (x) IFF ey = x

How many times do you need to use e in a multiplication to get

the desired number?

Examples: Write an equivalent exponential or logarithmic equation.

10.) ln(5) = x

11.) e3

12.)

13.)

=y

Evaluate Logarithmic Expressions (you will get a number answer)

14.) log12 144
(.001)

15.) log9 729

16.) log

17.) log (10)

20.) ln (0)

18.) log 3

21.) ln (e-5)

1
81

19.) ln (e)

22.) ln (e9)