TI-84 Plus Calculator Cannot Perform Log Function (Err:Argument)

[teetar]

Hello I have a TI-84 Plus calculator and during my math class we were doing log functions on the calculator and I was met with the err "Argument". I don't know what this means, but from what I've heard my calculator is missing the required software to run a log. I should clarify that when I say log I mean a problem that would be put into a calculator as "log(2, 4)" and it will come up with "ERR:ARGUMENT" rather than the answer of 2. Does anyone know how, or where I can go to get my calculator to work with the log function? I have a cable to connect it to my laptop if there is some program I must install on it.

Thanks!

 

[SteamKing]

Most calculator log functions take one argument, since 'log' is shorthand for Base-10 logarithms. What you are trying to do is find the logarithm of a number to a different base, I think. Check your calculator manual to see if the function you are trying to use is included in the calculator's capability. If it isn't, you may have to program the calculator.

 

[AlephZero]

Like most calculators it has a "log" button for logs to base 10, and a "ln" button for logs to base e (natural logs).

It is easy to calculate logs to any other base: $\log_b x = \log x / \log b = \ln x / \ln b$.
(You will probably learn formulas like that soon in your math class).

 

[Borek]

https://epsstore.ti.com/OA_HTML/csksxvm.jsp?nSetId=100544

 

[AlephZero]

https://epsstore.ti.com/OA_HTML/csksxvm.jsp?nSetId=100544

Press [ALPHA] [WINDOW] [5] to access the FUNC menu and insert the logbase( function.

That sort of thing gives people the wrong idea that you need to be a genius to do math or computer programming

The TI-83 method makes sense, though.

 

[Borek]

Sadly, people thinking log is a button on calculator, and not a function with well known properties, are in majority.

 

[teetar]

$\log_b x = \log x / \log b = \ln x / \ln b$

Thank you all very much for your responses, this formula is going to indeed come in handy. I guess the confusion I had was why certain calculators that were the same type as mine were capable of performing logs to a base other then 10 by inputting "Log(2, 4)" however it isn't too much of an issue now anyway, I'm just a curious person and I like to understand things like that :P

Anyways, thank you all for your responses and help!