Logarithms Explained

If you are familiar with the exponential function {b^N} =

MbN=M then you should know that its logarithmic equivalence
is {\log _b}M = NlogbM=N. These two seemingly different
equations are in fact the same or equivalent in every way. Look
at their relationship using the definition below.

Definition of a Logarithmic Function

Let bb a positive number but b \ne 1b =1. We say {\log

_b}M = NlogbM=N(read as, log of base b of M is N) is
defined as…

log M = N ⇔ bN = M
b

*the symbol ⇔ means equivalent or the same

The purpose of the equivalent equations, as shown above, is

to provide a direct link between logarithmic form and
exponential form. Understanding this basic concept can help
us solve some algebra problems that require switching from one
form to another.

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Let’s examine further how the variables M, N and b are
rearranged when the logarithmic form is expressed as
exponential form, vice versa.

Observations of the “switch” in positions of the variables:

 The subscript b in log form becomes the base in

exponential form.
 The base N in log form becomes the exponent or
superscript of b in exponential form.
 The variable M is isolated on one side of the equation.

Here are a few quick illustrations on how this logarithmic and

exponential equivalence are applied.

Logarithmic Form

1) log381 = 4

2) log232 = 5

3) log5125 = 3
4) log7 49 = 2

5) log8 512 = 3

6) log10 100 = 2

7) log10 1,000 = 3

8) log10 10,000 = 4

9) log64 2 = 1/6

10) log81 3 = 1/4

Exponential Form

Since 34 = 81

Since 25 = 32

Since 53 = 125

Since 72 = 49

Since 83 = 512

Since 102 = 100