Can you explain what a logarithm is?

We can think of taking the logarithm base a of a number b (logab) as "the number of times we need to multiply a by itself to get b". So for example, log2 16 = 4, since we need to multiply 2 by itself 4 times to get 16 (2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16, or 24 = 16).In more detail, logarithms are the inverse operations to exponentiation. This means that if you are given a number x and told to raise y to the power of x to get z, then logy z = x. i.e. if we have the operation "raise y to the power of ___", then performing the operation "take the logarithm base y" gives us back our original input ____. So if yx = z, then performing the inverse operation to both sides gives us back x: logy yx = logy z ==> x = logy z

DH
Answered by Daniel H. Maths tutor

3059 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the equation of the tangent at the point (2,1) of the curve with equation x^2 + 3x + 4.


If y=cos(3x)cosec(4x), find dy/dx.


By first expanding the brackets, differentiate the equation: y=(4x^4 + 3x)(2x^2 - 9)


Work out the equation of the tangent at x = 3, knowing that f(x) =x^2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning