SH1612

Logarithmic Functions
I. Logarithmic Function is the inverse of exponential function.
= is read as logarithm of x to the base a.
Definition: For any > ,
= log if and only if = for every x > 0 and every real number y.
II. Definition and notation of common and natural logarithms
The two (2) bases most commonly used in logarithms are base 10, called common
logarithm; and e, called natural logarithm.
Common logarithms are in the form log(), while natural logarithms are in the form ln().
III. Properties of Logarithmic Functions
Product Rule for Logarithms
The logarithm of a product of two (2) numbers is equal to the sum of their logarithms. In figures:
log + log = log
Example:
ln 4 + ln 6 = ln 24
log 2 7 + log 2 5 = log 2 35
Quotient Rule for Logarithms
The logarithm of a quotient of two (2) numbers is equal to the difference of their logarithms. In
figures:
log log = log

Example:
12
log 3 12 log 3 6 = log 3 log 3 2
ln 15 ln 5 = ln

15
5

ln 3

Power Rule for Logarithms

The logarithm of a power of a number is equal to the power times the logarithm of the number.
log = log
Example:
log 4 162 = 2 log 4 16
log 4 162 = 2 2 = 4
log 3 272 = 2 log 3 27
log 3 272 = 2 3 = 6
Given positive number a, and 1, then: = 1.
Given positive number a, and 0, then: 1 = 0.
05 Handout 1

*Property of STI
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