Lesson 4

Evaluating
Logarithmic
Expressions
 Objectives

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

● correctly expand or simplify logarithmic expressions

using the laws of logarithms;

● correctly evaluate logarithmic expressions using the laws

of logarithms; and

● correctly solve real-life problems involving logarithmic

expressions.
 Essential Questions

● What are the three laws of logarithm?

● How will you evaluate logarithmic expressions using the

different laws of logarithm?

● How will you apply the laws of logarithms in solving word

problems?
 Warm Up!

This lesson will discuss how to evaluate logarithmic

expressions. Before we begin the discussion, let’s play a
simple game involving simple logarithms.

(Click on the link to access the exercise.)

Sporcle. “Can you name the answers to these logarithmic

expressions?” Accessed March 28, 2019.
https://bit.ly/2JLDOd9.
 Guide Questions

● How did you get the answer in each item?

● What laws of logarithms did you use to get the answer in

each item?

● All the arguments in the activity can be expressed as

powers of the given base. What if the logarithmic
expression consists of terms that cannot be simplified by
inspection?
 Learn about It!

Addition Law of Logarithms

1

Example:

The logarithmic expression can be simplified as .

 Learn about It!

Subtraction Law of Logarithms

2

Example:

The logarithmic expression can be simplified as .

 Learn about It!

Exponent Law of Logarithms

3

Example:

The logarithmic expression can be expressed as .

 Try It!

Example 1: Evaluate .
 Try It!

Example 1: Evaluate .
Solution:
Each term cannot be evaluated individually because none of
them can be simplified by inspection. We apply the different
laws of logarithms to evaluate the given expression.
 Try It!

Example 1: Evaluate .
Solution:
First, use the Addition Law to rewrite and .

Let us try to factor 8 and 32 by 4 so that we will have the

expression .
 Try It!

Example 1: Evaluate .
Solution:
Next, rewrite as and then simplify using the Exponent Law.
 Try It!

Example 1: Evaluate .
Solution:
Next, combine similar terms.

After this, evaluate . Note that .

 Try It!

Example 1: Evaluate .
Solution:
Lastly, use the Exponent Law to rewrite and then simplify.

Therefore, .
 Try It!

Example 2: Write the expression as a single logarithm.

 Try It!

Example 2: Write the expression as a single logarithm.

Solution:
First, apply the Exponent Law so that each term has a
coefficient of 1.

Next, apply the Addition Law to combine and

 Try It!

Example 2: Write the expression as a single logarithm.

Solution:
Next, apply the Subtraction Law.
 Try It!

Example 2: Write the expression as a single logarithm.

Solution:
Lastly, simplify the rational expression .

Therefore, the expression can be simplified as .

 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:

1. Evaluate

2. The pH value of a substance is defined by the formula

, where is the hydrogen ion concentration measured in
moles per liter. Suppose the hydrogen ion concentration of
an apple juice is 0.0003 moles per liter. Find the pH value
of an apple juice given that .
 Let’s Practice!

Group Practice: To be done by in groups of two to five.

The signal ratio in decibels of an electronic system is given

by the formula , where is the output power and is the input
power of the system.
a. Expand the formula for the signal ratio.
b. What is the signal ratio of a system whose output power
is 100 times its input power?
Key Points

Addition Law of Logarithms

1

Subtraction Law of Logarithms

2

Exponent Law of Logarithms

3
 Synthesis

● How do you evaluate a logarithmic expression using the

different laws of logarithm?
● Why is it important to follow a particular sequence in
evaluating logarithmic expressions using laws of
logarithm?
● What do you call an equation whose exponent is a
variable?