Do you know this property of the logarithm?

In summary, during a conversation about logarithms, it was discovered that the property "log b^n(a^n) = log b(a)" holds true. To prove this, a general formula was derived for any value of both n's (α and β). It was found that "log b^β(a^α) = (α/β)*log b(a)" and this proved that the property was not just a coincidence.
  • #1
azabak
32
0
Playing around with logarithms I found an interesting property that "log b^n(a^n) = log b(a)". Then I tried to find some kind of proof that this is right and not only a coincidence. Ι made a gereral formula for any value of both n's (α and β) so that "log b^β(a^α) = x". Therefore "a^α = b^(β*x)" ; "a = b^(β*x/α)" ; "log b(a) = β*x/α" ; "x = (α/β)*log b(a)". And therefore "log b^β(a^α) = (α/β)*log b(a)".
 
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  • #2
azabak said:
Playing around with logarithms I found an interesting property that "log b^n(a^n) = log b(a)".

It's unclear what that notation is supposed to mean.

Can you write out what "log b^n(a^n)" means in words? Or perhaps master the forums LaTex: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=546968
 
  • #3
I think you mean "[itex]log_{b^n}(a^n)= log_b(a)[/itex]". That is, that the logarithm, base [itex]b^n[/itex], of [itex]a^n[/itex] is the same as the logarithm, base b, of a. (Of course, a and b must be positive.)

If [itex]y= log_{b^n}(a^n)[/itex] then [itex]a^n= (b^n)^y= b^{ny}= (b^y)^n[/itex]. Can you complete it now?
 

1. What is the definition of logarithm?

The logarithm is the inverse of exponentiation. It is a mathematical function that represents the power to which a base number must be raised to equal a given number.

2. What are the properties of logarithms?

The main properties of logarithms are the product property, quotient property, power property, and change of base property. These properties allow us to manipulate logarithms and solve equations involving them.

3. How do logarithms help in simplifying complex calculations?

Logarithms can be used to simplify complex calculations by converting multiplication and division into addition and subtraction, respectively. This makes it easier to work with large numbers or values with many decimal places.

4. What is the relationship between logarithms and exponential functions?

Logarithms and exponential functions are inverses of each other. This means that the logarithm of a number is the exponent to which the base must be raised to equal that number, and vice versa.

5. How are logarithms used in real-life applications?

Logarithms are used in a variety of real-life applications, such as calculating earthquake magnitudes, measuring sound intensity, and determining pH levels. They are also commonly used in finance, biology, and engineering to model exponential growth and decay.

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