Can Someone Explain This Logarithmic Property Discrepancy?

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    Logarithmic Properties
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The discussion centers on the misunderstanding of logarithmic properties, specifically the equation (log base c of a)^b = b(log base c of a). The participants clarify that this equation is incorrect and that the correct property is log_c(a^b) = b(log_c(a)). The confusion arises from misinterpreting the logarithmic rules, particularly when substituting values for a, b, and c. The correct interpretation is essential for accurate mathematical reasoning.

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Rafe
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sorry this should go under the " Homework, Coursework, & Textbook Questions" forum. please delete. i will repost.

Okay i did a search for logarithmic properties and logarithms and couldn't seem to find an explanation for how this particular property works.
(log base c of a ) ^ b = b (log base c of a)
when i input simple numbers like :
PHP:
a=4
b=3
c=2
Log base 2 of 4 obvioussly the answer is 2, but
2^3 /= (does not equel) 3 x 2.
i dont' know how to make sense of this discrepency. i imagine I'm just reading it wrong.
 
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You must be reading it wrong. Let x=(log base c of a). Then your equation reads x^b=bx, which in general is wrong.

A correct expression is:

(log base c of a^b)=b(log base c of a)

It looks close to what you wrote, so it may be what was meant.
 
Rafe said:
sorry this should go under the " Homework, Coursework, & Textbook Questions" forum. please delete. i will repost.

Okay i did a search for logarithmic properties and logarithms and couldn't seem to find an explanation for how this particular property works.
(log base c of a ) ^ b = b (log base c of a)
when i input simple numbers like :
PHP:
a=4
b=3
c=2
Log base 2 of 4 obvioussly the answer is 2, but
2^3 /= (does not equel) 3 x 2.
i dont' know how to make sense of this discrepency. i imagine I'm just reading it wrong.

As mathman said, what you have: (log base c of a)^b = b(log base c of a), more simply written as
[tex]\left(log_c a\right)^b= b log_c a[/tex]
is not true.

Yes, you are reading it wrong. What is true is that
[tex]log_c\left(a^b\right)= b log_c(a)[/tex]

How you would prove that depends on exactly which definition of [itex]log_c[/itex] you are using.
 

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