Help with Logarithms: Expressions in Terms of r, s, & t

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The discussion revolves around expressing logarithmic functions in terms of given variables r, s, and t, specifically using the change of base formula. The user initially struggles with switching bases and understanding the application of the change-of-base formula, mistakenly believing it only applies to logarithms with common bases. Clarification is provided that the change-of-base formula can be used for any logarithmic expression, provided the base is valid. Ultimately, the user successfully derives the expression log 9 base 31 as log 99/r, realizing the flexibility in using the variables r, s, and t in their solution. This exchange highlights the importance of understanding logarithmic properties and the change-of-base formula in solving logarithmic expressions.
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Homework Statement


Let r = log9 31, s = log6 31, t = log9 6.

Write the following expressions in terms of r, s, and/or t. The change of base formula may be helpful in finding some of these logarithms.

Homework Equations



log 9 base 31


The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure where to begin. I am confident with the different rules for logarithms such as log 5 + log 4 = log 20, but i am not sure how to switch bases. I am sure it has something to do with the equation r= log 31 base 9. All i am asking for is a little guidance.
 
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Does your book show the change-of-base formula?
 
Yes it does, but i thought that you could only do that when they have common bases. what i mean is that you can only use it for example log 5/log 3 since they have the common base 10. No?
 
The change-of-base formula can be used to change the base for any log expression with a reasonable base (base > 0, base != 1).

It's not clear to me what you need to do.
terps said:
log 9 base 31
Get rid of "base" in there, and use subscripts to indicate the base.

I can't tell if this is supposed to be log31 9 or log931.

If the advanced menu bar isn't showing at the top of the input window, click Go Advanced. From the advanced menu, click the X2 button, and it will add [ sub] [ /sub] tags, but without the leading spaces I show. The subscript should go between the two tags.

Similarly, you can get superscripts for exponents, by clicking the X2 button. That button puts in [ sup] [ /sup] tags (again, without the spaces), and you enter the exponent between the two tags.
 
Thank you for all of your help. I figured it out. the answer (per change of base formula) is log99/r. i was under the impression that we could only use the variables r s and t in our answer.
 
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