RULES OF LOGARITHMS - Example

Let a be a positive number such that a does not equal 1, let n be a real number, and let u and v be positive real numbers.

Logarithmic Rule 2: tex2html_wrap_inline132

Example 4: Expand tex2html_wrap_inline134 and write the answer in terms of base e.

Solution: Write tex2html_wrap_inline134 as tex2html_wrap_inline140 using Rule 2.
Now expand further by using Rule 1.

displaymath142

Now convert the above terms to the base e.

displaymath146

as long as x > 0, y > 0, z > 0, and w > 0.
Since

displaymath156

the two expressions are equivalent. This means that if you substitute the same values of x, y, w, and z in both expressions, the results will be equal.

Let's check the answer by letting x = 2, y = 3, w = 4, and z =5. Substituting these values in the original problem yields

displaymath158

Now let's substitute the same values in the final expression.

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Since the check works, you have successfully worked this problem.

If you would like to review another example, click on Example.

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