I have tried to look at math sites for what log is but i dont understand
. Could anybody give a easy to understand answer please
.
+4473 Logs are like exponentials except in a different form. We usually have problems like log(100), log base 2 of 32, etc.
If there is no base written, then it is assumed to be log base 10. However, when we solve log problems, they are pretty much like exponentials, even when you compare the graphs [you will see that they are inverses of each other --- See graph at bottom of the post].
For example, log(100) = ? --> By using the properties of logs --> 10^? = 100 (We see exponential forms again!) --> 10^2 = 100, therefore log(100) = 2.
Now, if we have log base 2 of 32, what does it equal? By using properties of logs again --> 2^? = 32 --> 2^5 = 32, therefore log base 2 of 32 = 5.
The log was created to make calculations easier especially for those in the mathematical and science fields! If you have looked at pH in chemistry or k/r-strategists in population biology, or even various graphs in sociology, you will see that the log is used to represent data in a much simplified manner and also helps in determining relationships between variables. See more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logarithm
+4473 Logs are like exponentials except in a different form. We usually have problems like log(100), log base 2 of 32, etc.
If there is no base written, then it is assumed to be log base 10. However, when we solve log problems, they are pretty much like exponentials, even when you compare the graphs [you will see that they are inverses of each other --- See graph at bottom of the post].
For example, log(100) = ? --> By using the properties of logs --> 10^? = 100 (We see exponential forms again!) --> 10^2 = 100, therefore log(100) = 2.
Now, if we have log base 2 of 32, what does it equal? By using properties of logs again --> 2^? = 32 --> 2^5 = 32, therefore log base 2 of 32 = 5.
The log was created to make calculations easier especially for those in the mathematical and science fields! If you have looked at pH in chemistry or k/r-strategists in population biology, or even various graphs in sociology, you will see that the log is used to represent data in a much simplified manner and also helps in determining relationships between variables. See more at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logarithm
+118680 Logs are expontents (or powers or indices- these are all the same thing)
$$10^2=100\\
log_{10}100=2$$
See the power is 2, the log is 2 THE LOG IS THE POWER
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You use logs when you need to find an exponent (index).
eg $$17=10^x$$
We need to get rid of the 10. We do that by taking the log (base 10) of the RHS but we have to keep the equation balanced so we do it to the left side as well
$$log_{10}17 = log_{10}10^x\\
log_{10}17 = x\\
x= 1.2304489 \qquad\mbox{(correct to 7dp)}$$
