How you get results for logarithms

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    Logarithms
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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the concept of logarithms, specifically focusing on base 10 logarithms (Log10). It establishes that Log10 of a number represents the exponent to which 10 must be raised to yield that number. For example, Log10 of 1000 equals 3, as 10 raised to the power of 3 equals 1000. The conversation also highlights that while calculating logarithms for numbers like 1001 can be complex, calculators are essential tools for finding logarithmic values in practical applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with logarithmic notation and terminology
  • Basic calculator skills for evaluating logarithmic expressions
  • Knowledge of mathematical concepts in algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of logarithms, including the change of base formula
  • Learn how to use scientific calculators for calculating logarithms
  • Explore natural logarithms (ln) and their applications in calculus
  • Investigate logarithmic scales and their use in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics, physics, or engineering, as well as anyone seeking to understand logarithmic functions and their applications in problem-solving.

lindd
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Good morning everyone.

Can someone please explain to me how you get results for logarithms.

I understand that 10 power of 3 = 1000 but how do I work it out as Log10,1000.

I know this is a strange request, but I can't get my head around it. Thank you
 
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For your example you should think
"to what power should I raise 10 in order to get 1000? there are 3 zeros so it's 3."(or something similar)
but what if I asked you to find log1001? That's right, no idea.
Well, you do know that log1000=3 so log1001 is slightly increased. but that's not accurate. And it doesn't need to be, when it comes to you finding it. Most of the times this is the solution or part of the solution of an equation, which you will give to a calculator and it will I've you back the answer(if you follow maths, physics or engineering you'll learn how).

logx=y means that y is the power of 10 that equals x, thus logx=y is like saying 10^y=x. This is useful when you have an equation, and in the end you get something like e^x=2. By seing it we can understand that you found that the solution x is the number to which e must be raised in order to equal 2. But since that could be just a bit from some lot of equations or relations you'll need to solve, we must have a direct way to express x, and that is the logarith.
1. you don't need to calculate anything, unless it's obvious(lne,log10,log1000 etc)
2.there is no direct way to think it, as the logarithm was made to replace something indirect and bring it to a form we can consider direct, thus mading our lives easier, whithout helping giving a straight answer about what is y=logx(where x is known).

did any of this help?
 


Thank you, yes that does help. Mostly I think I just need a calculator to work it out unless it stares me straight in the face.
Thank you very much.
 

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