Log base 2 is the same thing as square root?

In summary, the logarithm of base 2 of a number x is not the same as the square root of a number x. Logarithms are ways of 'inversing' exponentiation while square roots are ways of finding the square root of a number. However, there is a neat little tidbit that says that ##\sqrt{x}= e^\frac{\ln{x}}{2}##. Both \log_{b} x = y and b^y=x are correct expressions, and are considered equivalent.
  • #1
xeon123
90
0
Hi,

Is is correct to say that the logarithm of base 2 of a number x, is the same thing as the square root of a number x?
 
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  • #2
Have you tried it on some values? Do you get the same results?
 
  • #3
No, not at all.

To say that ##\log_2{x} = y## you mean that ##x=2^y##, logarithms are just ways of 'inversing' exponentiation (roughly). To say that ##\sqrt{x}=y## you are saying that ##x = y^2##, completely different.

However, there is a neat little tidbit that says that ##\sqrt{x}= e^\frac{\ln{x}}{2}##
 
  • #4
Ok. But I can say that these 2 expressions are correct?

[itex]\log_{b} x = y[/itex], and [itex]b^y=x[/itex]
 
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  • #5
Yes, just the definition of logs.
 
  • #6
xeon123 said:
Ok. But I can say that these 2 expressions are correct?

[itex]\log_{b} x = y[/itex], and [itex]b^y=x[/itex]

The appropriate terminology is that the two equations are equivalent. This means that any ordered pair (x, y) that satisfies one equation also satisfies the other. It also means that both equations have the same graph.
 

What does it mean for "log base 2" to be the same as "square root"?

When we say "log base 2" is the same as "square root," we mean that the two operations have the same effect on a number. In other words, taking the log base 2 of a number is equivalent to finding its square root.

Why is log base 2 often used instead of other logarithms?

Log base 2 is often used because it is a binary logarithm, meaning it is based on the number 2. This makes it useful for representing numbers in binary code, which is commonly used in computer science and digital technology.

How is log base 2 related to exponential functions?

Log base 2 is the inverse function of 2 to the power of x. This means that taking the log base 2 of a number is the same as finding the exponent that 2 needs to be raised to in order to get that number. This relationship is helpful in solving exponential equations.

Can log base 2 be used for any number or only powers of 2?

Log base 2 can be used for any positive number, not just powers of 2. However, it is most commonly used for numbers that are powers of 2, such as 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.

Is log base 2 the only way to represent square roots?

No, log base 2 is not the only way to represent square roots. Other common notations for square roots include using the radical symbol (√) or the exponent 1/2. However, log base 2 is a useful alternative representation, particularly in the field of computer science.

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