Nature of Logarithmic Function : Look at the following two sets of examples 1st set: 23 = 8 ? log2 8 = 3 24 = 16 ? log2 16 = 4 25 = 32 ?

log2 32 = 5 Here as the number (8, 16, 32) increases,the log of the number (3, 4, 5) increas es. Note that the base (2) is more than 1. What is seen to be true here in this example, is in fact true in general. The general statement is If a > 1, n1 > n2 ? loga n1 > loga n2 i.e. when the base is more than 1, the logarithm function is an increasing funct ion. 2nd set: (1/2)5 = 1/32 ? log(1/2) (1/32) = 5 (1/2)4 = 1/16 ? log(1/2) (1/16) = 4 (1/2)3 = 1/8 ? log(1/2) (1/8) = 3 Here as the number (1/32, 1/16, 1/8) increases,the logarithm of the number (5, 4 , 3) decreases. Note that the base (1/2) is less than 1. What is seen to be true here in this example, is infact true in general. The general statement is If 0 < a < 1, n1 > n2 ? loga n1 < loga n2 i.e. when the base is less than 1 (and positive), the logarithm function is a decreasing function. Solved Example 1 of Logarithm Function : If logx y = logy z = logz x, prove that x = y = z Solution to Solved Example 1 of Logarithm Function : Let logx y = logy z = logz x = K By converting from Logarithmic Form to Exponential Form (See Formula 1), we get xK = y........(i) yK = z.............(ii) zK = x.............(iii) Using the value of y from (i) in (ii), we get z = yK = (xK)K = xK x K = xK2.....(iv) Using the value of x from (iii) in (iv), we get z = xK2 = (zK)K2 = zK x K2 = zK3 Thus we have z1 = zK3 Since the bases are equal, the exponents have to be equal. ? K3 = 1 ? K = 1 Using the value of K in (i) and (ii), we get x1 = y and y1 = z. ? x = y = z (Proved.) Solved Example 2 of Logarithm Function : If (log x)/(b - c) = (log y)/(c - a) = (log z)/(a - b), then prove that xyz = xaybzc = x(b + c)y(c + a)z(a + b) = 1 Solution to Solved Example 2 of Logarithm Function : Let (log x)/(b - c) = (log y)/(c - a) = (log z)/(a - b) = K ? log x = K(b - c); log y = K(c - a); log z = K(a - b); Let the base of the logarithms be p.

Then the above three equations become logp x = K(b - c); logp y = K(c - a); logp z = K(a - b) By converting from logarithmic form to exponential form (See Formula 1), we get pK(b - c) = x; pK(c - a) = y; pK(a - b) = z; ? xyz = pK(b - c) x pK(c - a) x pK(a - b) = p{K(b - c) + K(c - a) + K(a - b)} = p{K(b - c + c - a + a - b)} = p{K(0)} = p0 = 1. (Proved.) We have pK(b - c) = x; pK(c - a) = y; pK(a - b) = z; Raising the powers a, b, c to x, y, z respectively, we get xa = (pK(b - c))a = pKa(b - c); Similarly, yb = pKb(c - a) and zc = pKc(a - b) Multiplying these three, we get xaybzc = pKa(b - c)pKb(c - a)pKc(a - b) = p{Ka(b - c) + Kb(c - a) + Kc(a - b)} = pK{ab - ac + bc - ba + ca - cb} = pK{0} = p0 = 1. (Proved.) Raising the powers (b + c), (c + a), (a + b) to x, y, z respectively, we get x(b + c) = {pK(b - c)}(b + c) = pK(b + c)(b - c) = pK(b2 - c2); Similarly, y(c + a) = pK(c2 - a2) and z(a + b) = pK(a2 - b2) Multiplying these three, we get x(b + c)y(c + a)z(a + b) = pK(b2 - c2)pK(c2 - a2)pK(a2 - b2) = pK(b2 - c2) + K(c2 - a2) + K(a2 - b2) = pK(b2 - c2 + c2 - a2 + a2 - b2) = pK(0) = p0 = 1.(Proved.) Example 1 of Solving Logarithms : Express the following as single logarithms to any base. (i) (1/2) log (a + b) - (1/2) log (a - b) (ii) log (a + b) + log (a2 - ab + b2) - log (x - y) - log (x2 + xy + y2) (iii) (3/2) log x - (1/3) log y + (2/3) log z - (1/5) log a Solution to Example 1 of Solving Logarithms : Solution to 1(i) of Solving Logarithms : Let P = (1/2) log (a + b) - (1/2) log (a - b) We know in log of a power (see Formula 7) , the exponent multipliesthe log. Cons idering the reverse, If a quantity multiplies thelog, it becomes exponent. ? P = log {(a + b)(1/2)} - log {(a - b)(1/2)} We know, log of a quotient can be written as the difference of the logs of the numerator and denominator of the qu otient (See Formula 6) Considering the reverse, the difference of the logs of different quantitiescan b e written as log of a quotient (the quantity whose log has negative sign, in the denominator) of the quantities. = log {(a + b)(1/2)}/{(a - b)(1/2)} = log {(a + b)/(a - b)}(1/2). Ans. Solution to 1(ii) of Solving Logarithms : Let P = log (a + b) + log (a2 - ab + b2) - log (x - y) - log (x2 + xy + y2) = log (a + b) + log (a2 - ab + b2) - {log (x - y) + log (x2 + xy + y2)} We know, log of a product can be written as the sum of the logs of the factors o

f the product (See Formula 5) Considering the reverse, the sum of the logs of different quantitiescan be writt en as log of product of the quantities. ? P = log {(a + b)(a2 - ab + b2)} - log {(x - y)(x2 + xy + y2)} We know from Polynomials, (a + b)(a2 - ab + b2) = a3 + b3; and (x - y)(x2 + xy + y2) = x3 - y3 ? P = log (a3 + b3) - log (x3 - y3) We know, log of a quotient can be written as the difference of the logs of the n umerator and denominator of the quotient (See Formula 6) Considering the reverse, the difference of the logs of different quantitiescan b e written as log of a quotient (the quantity whose log has negative sign, in the denominator) of the quantities. ? P= log {(a3 + b3)/(x3 - y3)} Ans. Solution to 1(iii) of Solving Logarithms : Let P = (3/2) log x - (1/3) log y + (2/3) log z - (1/5) log a We know in log of a power (see Formula 7) , the exponent multipliesthe log. Cons idering the reverse, If a quantity multiplies thelog, it becomes exponent. ? P = log x(3/2) + log z(2/3) - {log y(1/3) + log a(1/5)} We know, log of a product can be written as the sum of the logs of the factors o f the product (See Formula 5) Considering the reverse, the sum of the logs of different quantitiescan be writt en as log of product of the quantities. ? P = log {x(3/2) x z(2/3)} - log {y(1/3) x a(1/5)} We know, log of a quotient can be written as the difference of the logs of the n umerator and denominator of the quotient (See Formula 6) Considering the reverse, the difference of the logs of different quantitiescan b e written as log of a quotient (the quantity whose log has negative sign, in the denominator) of the quantities. ? P = log [{x(3/2) x z(2/3)}/{y(1/3) x a(1/5)}] Ans. Example 2 of Solving Logarithms : Solve the equations (i) 3(2x + 1).4(4x - 1) = 36 (ii) 4(log9 3) + 9(log2 4) = 10(logx 83) Solution to Example 2 of Solving Logarithms : Solution to 2(i) of Solving Logarithms : 3(2x + 1).4(4x - 1) = 36 Taking logarithms on both sides, we get log {3(2x + 1).4(4x - 1)} = log 36 ? log {3(2x + 1)} + log {4(4x - 1)} = log 36 We know in log of a power (see Formula 7) , the exponent multipliesthe log. ? (2x + 1) log 3 + (4x - 1) log 4 = log 36 ? 2x log 3 + 4x log 4 + log 3 - log 4 = log 36 ? 2x(log 3 + 2 log 4) = log 36 - log 3 + log 4 We know in log of a power (see Formula 7) , the exponent multipliesthe log. Cons idering the reverse, If a quantity multiplies thelog, it becomes exponent. ? L.H.S. = 2x(log 3 + log 42) We know, log of a product can be written as the sum of the logs of the factors o f the product (See Formula 5) Considering the reverse, the sum of the logs of different quantitiescan be writt en as log of product of the quantities. We know, log of a quotient can be written as the difference of the logs of the n umerator and denominator of the quotient (See Formula 6)

Considering the reverse, the difference of the logs of different quantitiescan b e written as log of a quotient (the quantity whose log has negative sign, in the denominator) of the quantities. Applying these to L.H.S. and R.H.S., we get 2x{log (3 x 42)} = log (36 x 4/3) = log 48 ? 2x{log 48} = log 48 ? 2x = 1 ? x = 1/2. Ans. Alternative Solution: This problem can be solved from Exponents knowledge withou t using logarithms as given below. 3(2x + 1).4(4x - 1) = 36 ? 3(2x).31.4(4x).4(-1) = 36 ? (3)2x.(42)2x.(3/4) = 36 ? 32x.(16)2x = 36 x (4/3) = 48 ? (3 x 16)2x = 48 ? (48)2x = 48 ? 2x = 1 ? x = 1/2. Ans. Solution to 2(ii) of Solving Logarithms : The given equation is 4(log9 3) + 9(log2 4) = 10(logx 83) We have log9 3 = log32 31 We know, in log of a power to the base of another power (see Formula 9),the quot ient of the exponents (exponent of the base in the denominator) multiplies the l og. ? log9 3 = (1/2) log3 3 We know log of a quantity to the same base is 1. (See Formula 4) ? log9 3 = (1/2) (1) = 1/2; log2 4 = log2 22 We know in log of a power (see Formula 7) , the exponent multipliesthe log. ? log2 4 = 2 log2 2 We know log of a quantity to the same base is 1. (See Formula 4) ? log2 4 = 2 (1) = 2 ? the given equation becomes 4(1/2) + 92 = 10(logx 83) ? 2 + 81 = 10(logx 83) ? 83 = 10(logx 83) .......(i) By converting the exponential form of (i) to logarithmic form (See Formula 1), w e get logx 83 = log10 83 When two logarithms of same quantities are equal, their bases have to be equal. ? x = 10. Ans. You can also apply Formula 2 to equation (i), to conclude x = 10.Ans. Solved Example 1 of Common Logarithms : (i) If log12 27 = a, compute log6 32 in terms of a (ii) If log30 3 = a and If log30 5 = b, find log30 8 Solution to Example 1 of Common Logarithms : Solution to 1(i) of Common Logarithms : If log12 27 = a, compute log6 32 We have a = log12 27 = log12 33 We know, in log of a power (See Formula 7), the exponent multiplies the log. ? a = 3 log12 3 We know, log of a quantity to a base can be written asthe ratio of log of the qu antity and log of the base.(See Formula 8) ? a = 3 {(log 3)/(log 12)} We know 12 = 3 x 4 = 3 x 22 ? log 12 = log (3 x 22) We know, log of a product is equal to the sum of the logs of the factors of the product (See Formula 5) ? log 12 = log 3 + log (22) We know, in log of a power (See Formula 7), the exponent multiplies the log.

? log (22) = 2 log 2 Thus log 12 = log 3 + 2 log 2 ? a = 3 {(log 3)/(log 3 + 2 log 2 )} Dividing numerator and denominator by log 3, we get a = 3 [(1)/{1 + 2 (log 2/log 3)}] = 3/(1 + 2p) where p = (log 2/log 3) ? 1 + 2p = 3/a ? 2p = 3/a - 1 = (3 - a)/a ? p = (3 - a)/2a ...........(i) Let x = log6 32 We know, log of a quantity to a base can be written asthe ratio of log of the qu antity and log of the base.(See Formula 8) ? x = (log 32)/(log 6) We know 32 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 25; 6 = 2 x 3; ? x = {log (25}/{log (2 x 3)} Numerator is logarithm of a power and Denominator is logarithm of a product. We know, in log of a power (See Formula 7), the exponent multiplies the log. We know, log of a product is equal to the sum of the logs of the factors of the product (See Formula 5) ? x = {5 log 2}/{log 2 + log 3} Dividing numerator and denominator by log 3, we get x = 5 (log 2/log 3)/{(log 2/log 3) + 1} = 5p/(p + 1) [Since p = (log 2/log 3)] We have p = (3 - a)/2a ...........(i) ? p + 1 = (3 - a)/2a + 1 = (3 - a + 2a)/2a = (3 + a)/2a........(ii) Substituting the value of p from (i) and (p + 1) from (ii) in x, we get x = 5 {(3 - a)/2a}/{(3 + a)/2a} = 5 {(3 - a)/(3 + a)}. Ans. Solution to 1(ii) of Common Logarithms : we know 30 = 3 x 5 x 2; log30 30 = 1 ? log30 30 = 1 ? log30 (3 x 5 x 2) = 1 We know, log of a product is equal to the sum of the logs of the factors of the product (See Formula 5) ? log30 3 + log30 5 + log30 2 = 1 ? a + b + log30 2 = 1 ? log30 2 = 1 - a - b log30 8 = log30 (23) We know, in log of a power (See Formula 7), the exponent multiplies the log. ? log30 8 = 3(log30 2) = 3(1 - a - b). Ans. If b = v(ac), prove that (loga n)/(logc n) = {(loga n) - (logb n)}/{(logb n) - (logc n)} Solution to Example 2 of Common Logarithms : By data b = v(ac) ? b2 = ac ? b/a = c/b.........(i) Let x = logn a then 1/x = 1/logn a; Let y = logn b then 1/y = 1/logn b; Let z = logn c then 1/z = 1/logn c; We know, the reciprocal of the log of a quantity to a base is equal to the log w ith the quantity and the base interchanged.(See Formula 10) ? 1/x = loga n; 1/y = logb n; 1/z = logc n To prove (loga n)/(logc n) = {(loga n) - (logb n)}/{(logb n) - (logc n)} L.H.S. = (loga n)/(logc n) = (1/x)/(1/z) = z/x ......(ii) R.H.S. = {(loga n) - (logb n)}/{(logb n) - (logc n)} = {(1/x) - (1/y)}/{(1/y) - (1/z)} = {(y - x)/(xy)}/{(z - y)/(yz)} = {(y - x)/(xy)} x {(yz)/(z - y)} = (z/x){(y - x)/(z - y)}.........(iii) (y - x)/(z - y) = (logn b - logn a)/(logn c - logn b) We know, log of a quotient can be written as the difference of the logs of the n umerator and denominator of the quotient (See Formula 6)

Considering the reverse, the difference of the logs of different quantitiescan b e written as log of a quotient (the quantity whose log has negative sign, in the denominator) of the quantities. ? (y - x)/(z - y) = {logn (b/a)}/{logn (c/b)} = 1 [Since b/a = c/b from (i)] Using this value in (iii), we get R.H.S. = (z/x) (1) = z/x From (ii), L.H.S. = z/x ? L.H.S. = R.H.S. (Proved.) Thus Example 2 of Common Logarithms is solved. If loga bc = x, logb ca = y, logc ab = z, then prove that 1/(x + 1) + 1/(y + 1) + 1/(z + 1) = 1. Solution to Example 1 of Natural Logarithms : By data, loga bc = x By converting from Logarithmic Form to Exponential Form (See Formula 1), we get ax = bc Multiplying both sides with a, we get a x ax = a x bc ? ax + 1 = abc By converting from Exponential Form to Logarithmic Form (See Formula 1), we get x + 1 = loga abc Taking reciprocals, we get Reciprocal of L.H.S. = 1/(x + 1); Reciprocal of R.H.S. = 1/(loga abc) We know, the reciprocal of the log of a quantity to a base is equal to the log w ith the quantity and the base interchanged.(See Formula 10) ? Reciprocal of R.H.S. = logabc a ? 1/(x + 1) = logabc a.......(i) Next two paragraphs are repetition of the procedure in the above paragraph with variables changed. You can use the word 'Similarly' and write Equations (ii) and (iii) directly. But I am givingbelow the repititions.Two more repetitions of th e Application ofFormula 1 (both ways) and Formula 10 will help you rememberthem. By data, logb ca = y By converting from logarithmic form to exponential form (See Formula 1), we get by = ca Multiplying both sides with b, we get b x by = b x ca ? by + 1 = bca = abc By converting from Exponential Form to Logarithmic Form (See Formula 1), we get y + 1 = logb abc Taking reciprocals, we get Reciprocal of L.H.S. = 1/(y + 1) Reciprocal of R.H.S. = 1/(logb abc) We know, the reciprocal of the log of a quantity to a base is equal to the log w ith the quantity and the base interchanged.(See Formula 10) ? Reciprocal of R.H.S. = logabc b ? 1/(y + 1) = logabc b .......(ii) By data, logc ab = z By converting from logarithmic cz = ab Multiplying both sides with c, c x cz = c x ab ? cz + 1 =ca b By converting from Exponential z + 1 = logc abc Taking reciprocals, we get form to exponential form (See Formula 1), we get we get = abc Form to Logarithmic Form (See Formula 1), we get

Reciprocal of L.H.S. = 1/(z + 1) Reciprocal of R.H.S. = 1/(logc abc) We know, the reciprocal of the log of a quantity to a base is equal to the log w ith the quantity and the base interchanged.(See Formula 10) ? Reciprocal of R.H.S. = logabc c ? 1/(z + 1) = logabc c .......(iii) (i) + (ii) + (iii) gives 1/(x + 1) + 1/(y + 1) + 1/(z + 1) = logabc a + logabc b + logabc c = logabc abc We know log of a quantity to the same base is 1. (See Formula 4) ? 1/(x + 1) + 1/(y + 1) + 1/(z + 1) = 1. (proved.)

If x = log 2a a, y = log 3a 2a, z = log 4a 3a, then prove that 1 + xyz = 2yz Solution to Example 2 of Natural Logarithms : We know, log of a quantity to a base can be written asthe ratio of log of the qu antity and log of the base.(See Formula 8) x = log 2a a = (log a)/(log 2a) y = log 3a 2a = (log 2a)/(log 3a) z = log 4a 3a = (log 3a)/(log 4a) xyz = {(log a)/(log 2a)}{(log 2a)/(log 3a)}{(log 3a)/(log 4a)} = (log a)/(log 4a) We know, log of a quantity to a base can be written asthe ratio of log of the qu antity and log of the base.(See Formula 8) Considering the reverse, the ratio of logs of two quantities can be written as a single log with the denominator quantity as base. ? xyz = log 4a a Now to prove 1 + xyz = 2yz L.H.S. = 1 + xyz = 1 + (log a)/(log 4a) = {(log 4a) + (log a)}/(log 4a) We know, log of a product can be written as the sum of the logs of the factors o f the product (See Formula 5) Considering the reverse, the sum of the logs of different quantitiescan be writt en as log of product of the quantities. ? L.H.S. = {log (4a x a)}/(log 4a) = {log (4a2)}/(log 4a) = {log (4a2)}/(log 4a) = {log (2a)2}/(log 4a) We know, in log of a power (See Formula 7), the exponent multiplies the log. ? L.H.S. = {2 log (2a)}/(log 4a) R.H.S. = 2yz = 2 {(log 2a)/(log 3a)}{(log 3a)/(log 4a)} = 2 (log 2a)/(log 4a) ? L.H.S. = R.H.S. (proved.) Find the value of (i) log343 49 (ii) log0.01 (0.0001) (iii) log(2v3) (1728) Solution to Example 1 of Solving Algebra Problems : (i) Let A = log343 49 We know 49 = 7 x 7 = 72; 343 = 49 x 7 = 7 x 7 x 7 = 73 ? A = log343 49 = log(73) (72) We know, in log of a power to the base of another power (See Formula 9),the quot ient of the exponents (exponent of the base in the denominator) multiplies the l og. ? A = (2/3) log7 7 But log of any number to the same Base is one (see Formula 4).

? A = (2/3) (1) = 2/3. Ans. (ii) Let A = log0.01 (0.0001) We know 0.0001 = 0.01 x 0.01 = (0.01)2; ? A = log(0.01) (0.0001) = log(0.01) {(0.01)2} We know, in log of a power (see Formula 7), the exponent multiplies the log. ? A = 2 log(0.01) (0.01) But log of any number to the same Base is one (see Formula 4). ? A = 2 (1) = 2. Ans. (iii) Let A = log(2v3) (1728) We know 2v3 = 2 x (3)(1/2) = (22)(1/2) x (3)(1/2) = 4(1/2) x (3)(1/2) = (4 x 3)(1/2) = 12(1/2) 1728 = 12 x 144 = 12 x 12 x 12 = 123 See how the base (2v3) and 1728 are made as powers of the same number 12. ? A = log(2v3) (1728) = log{12(1/2)} (123) We know, in log of a power to the base of another power (see Formula 9),the quot ient of the exponents (exponent of the base in the denominator) multiplies the l og. ? A = {3/(1/2)} log12 12 But log of any number to the same Base is one (see Formula 4). ? A = (3 x 2) (1) = 6. Thus log(2v3) (1728) = 6. Ans. If (2.3)x = (0.23)y = 1000, show that 1/x - 1/y = 1/3 Solution to Example 2 of Solving Algebra Problems : By data (2.3)x = 1000 By converting from Exponential Form to Logarithmic Form (See Formula 1), we get x = log(2.3) 1000 Taking reciprocals, we get Reciprocal of L.H.S. = 1/x Reciprocal of R.H.S. = 1/(log(2.3) 1000) We know, the reciprocal of the log of a quantity to a base is equal to the log w ith the quantity and the base interchanged.(See Formula 10) ? Reciprocal of R.H.S. = log1000 (2.3) ? 1/x = log1000 (2.3) By data (0.23)y = 1000 By converting from Exponential Form to Logarithmic Form (See Formula 1), we get y = log(0.23) 1000 Taking reciprocals, we get Reciprocal of L.H.S. = 1/y Reciprocal of R.H.S. = 1/(log(0.23) 1000) We know, the reciprocal of the log of a quantity to a base is equal to the log w ith the quantity and the base interchanged.(See Formula 10) ? Reciprocal of R.H.S. = log1000 (0.23) ? 1/y = log1000 (0.23) To prove 1/x - 1/y = 1/3 L.H.S. = 1/x - 1/y = log1000 (2.3) - log1000 (0.23) We know, log of a quotient can be written as the difference of the log of the nu merator and denominator of the quotient (See Formula 6) Considering the reverse, the difference of the logs of different quantitiescan b e written as log of a quotient (the quantity whose log has negative sign, in the denominator) of the quantities. ? L.H.S. = log1000 {(2.3)/(0.23)} = log1000 (10) = log103 (101) We know, in log of a power to the base of another power (see Formula 9),the quot

ient of the exponents (exponent of the base in the denominator) multiplies the l og. ? L.H.S. = (1/3) log10 10 We know log of a quantity to the same base is 1. (See Formula 4) ? L.H.S. = (1/3) (1) = 1/3 = R.H.S. (Proved.)