Lesson 2

Second Law:
Subtraction
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to

● correctly expand a single logarithm using the
subtraction law of logarithms;

● correctly write a set of logarithm expressions to a

single logarithm using the subtraction law of
logarithms; and

● correctly solve word problems using the subtraction

law of logarithms.
 Essential Questions

● How can you expand a single logarithm using the

Subtraction Law of Logarithms?

● How can you write a set of logarithm expressions to a

single logarithm using the Subtraction Law of Logarithms?

● How can you solve word problems using the Subtraction

Law of Logarithms?
 Warm Up!

In this lesson, the second law of logarithms will be discussed.

In order for us to learn this law, let us discover how this law
works by exploring different logarithmic expressions.

Visit the webpage http://www.1728.org/logrithm.htm.

 Warm Up!

In this logarithm calculator, type in the following set of

logarithmic expressions.

a. ,
b. , ,
 Guide Questions

● What do you notice about each set of logarithmic

expressions?

● What can we infer about the difference between two

logarithmic expressions sharing the same base?
 Learn about It!

Subtraction Law of Logarithms

1

Example:
 Learn about It!

2 Logarithm of a Quotient
the logarithm of a quotient is equal to the logarithm of the numerator minus the
logarithm of the denominator

Example:

The logarithmic expression is equal to .

 Try It!

Example 1: Expand
 Try It!

Example 1: Expand

Solution:
1. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm.
 Try It!

Example 1: Expand

Solution:
1. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm.

log ( )
8𝑚
𝑛
=log ( 8𝑚 ) − log 𝑛
 Try It!

Example 1: Expand

Solution:
2. Apply the Addition Law to .
 Try It!

Example 1: Expand

Solution:
2. Apply the Addition Law to .

log (8 𝑚) −log 𝑛=log 8 +log 𝑚 − log 𝑛

Thus, can be expanded as .

 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
1. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm on the first two
terms.
 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
1. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm on the first two
terms.

( )
2 3
2 3 𝑥 𝑦
log 2 𝑥 𝑦 − log 2 𝑥 − log 2 𝑦 =¿ log 2 − log 2 𝑦 ¿
𝑥
 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
1. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm on the first two
terms.

( ))
2 3
2 3 𝑥 𝑦
log 2 𝑥 𝑦 − log 2 𝑥 − log 2 𝑦 =¿ log 2 − log 2 𝑦 ¿
𝑥3
¿ log 2 ( 𝑥 𝑦 − log 2 𝑦
 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
2. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm for the remaining
expressions.
 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
2. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm for the remaining
expressions.

( )
3
𝑥 𝑦
log 2 ( 𝑥 𝑦 ) − log 2 𝑦 =log 2
3
𝑦
 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
2. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm for the remaining
expressions.

( )
3
𝑥 𝑦
log 2 ( 𝑥 𝑦 ) − log 2 𝑦 =log 2
3
𝑦
¿ log 2 ( 𝑥 𝑦 2
)
 Try It!

Example 2: Write as a single logarithm.

Solution:
2. Apply the Subtraction Law of Logarithm for the remaining
expressions.

( )
3
𝑥 𝑦
log 2 ( 𝑥 𝑦 ) − log 2 𝑦 =log 2
3
𝑦
¿ log 2 ( 𝑥 𝑦 2
)
Thus, can be simplified as .
 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:

1. Expand the logarithm using the Subtraction Law of

Logarithm.

2. Write as a single logarithm.

 Let’s Practice!

Group Practice: To be answered by groups with 4 to 5

members

In acoustics, the decibel level of a sound is computed by

the difference between the logarithm of the sound
intensity of a given sound and the least audible sound a
human can hear, which is , all of which will be multiplied
by ten. What is the decibel level of a sound with a sound
intensity of ?
Key Points

Subtraction Law of Logarithms

1

2 Logarithm of a Quotient
2 the logarithm of a quotient is equal to the logarithm of the numerator minus the
logarithm of the denominator
 Synthesis

● What does the Subtraction Law of Logarithm state?

● What are the difficulties you have encountered while

learning the lesson? How did you overcome these?

● Is there a law concerning the powers of logarithms?