# Logarithms: ALG2 teacher say what?

I have these questions that are due tomorrow I am completely clueless on what my teacher is asking.

1. What is log(x), Explain.

I think that is like a parent function not sure

2.What is 10^log(10)

I know that it graphs as a straight line but thats it...

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Thanx,

Chris

Note: if the date May, 14 2008 has passed don't bother answering.

symbolipoint
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Study your textbook on the topics of exponential functions and logarithmic functions. They are inverses. Note carefully that 10^x is an exponential function. Its inverse is log(x), where the base is 10. One function will undo its inverse. This means that 10^(log(x))=x and that log(10^x)=x as long as the logarithm in these cases is 10.

I have these questions that are due tomorrow I am completely clueless on what my teacher is asking.

1. What is log(x), Explain.

I think that is like a parent function not sure

2.What is 10^log(10)

I know that it graphs as a straight line but thats it...

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thanx,

Chris

Note: if the date May, 14 2008 has passed don't bother answering.

1. log(x) is equal to the number that you must raise 10 to in order to get x. 10^(log(x)) = x. Logarithms are exponents.

2. log(10) = 1, since 10^1 = 10. So 10^(log(10)) = 10^1, or 10.

Last edited:
Logarithms are not exponents! They are the inverse of exponents (huge difference!).

Basically, if $$y = \log_{a}(x)$$, then $$x = a^y$$

Just like, if $$y = x^2$$, then $$x = \pm \sqrt{y}$$

HallsofIvy