BASIC MATHEMATICS (311302)
UNIT 1 — ALGEBRA
LESSON 2 — INTRODUCTION TO LOGARITHMS
This topic is part of MSBTE K-Scheme Algebra unit.
1. Introduction
What is the Topic?
The topic is:
Logarithms
Logarithms are related to:
powers
exponents
Logarithm tells:
“What power should be given to a number to get another number?”
Simple Meaning of Logarithm
Suppose:
23 = 8
Question:
“2 raised to which power gives 8?”
Answer:
This is written as:
log2 8 = 3
23 = 8
log2 8 = 3
Why is Logarithm Used?
Logarithms are used to:
solve large calculations
simplify multiplication/division
solve exponential problems
calculate growth and decay
Real Life Uses of Logarithms
Logarithms are used in:
computer science
cybersecurity
sound measurement
earthquake measurement
mobile signal calculations
data science
engineering formulas
Why is it Important in Mathematics & Engineering?
In engineering:
many formulas contain powers
logarithms make calculations easier
In computer science:
binary systems use powers of 2
algorithms use logarithmic calculations
In cybersecurity:
encryption and hashing use mathematical powers
2. Important Terms and Definitions
Term Meaning
Base Main number being raised
Exponent/Power Number of times multiplication happens
Logarithm Power needed to get a number
Common Logarithm Base 10 logarithm
Natural Logarithm Base e logarithm
Important Symbols
Symbol Meaning
log Logarithm
ax Exponential form
loga b
Logarithmic form
3. Formula Section
Formula 1 — Relation Between Power and Logarithm
Formula
ax = b
can be written as:
loga b = x
ax = b
loga b = x
Meaning of Symbols
Symbol Meaning
a Base
x Power
b Result
Why This Formula is Used?
This formula converts:
exponential form
to
logarithmic form
and vice versa.
Simple Explanation
If:
23 = 8
then:
log2 8 = 3
because:
2 raised to power 3 gives 8.
Important Point to Remember
Logarithm always asks:
“Power kitna hai?”
(Which power?)
4. Concept Explanation
Step-by-Step Understanding
Step 1 — Understand Powers
We know:
23
means:
2×2×2
=8
Step 2 — Ask Reverse Question
Now ask:
“2 raised to what power gives 8?”
Answer:
Step 3 — Write in Logarithm Form
log2 8 = 3
Meaning:
2 should be raised to power 3 to get 8.
Real-Life Analogy
Suppose:
base = machine
power = work done
result = output
Logarithm asks:
“How much work was done to get this output?”
5. Solved Examples
Example 1
Question
Convert into logarithmic form:
24 = 16
Solution
We know formula:
ax = b
becomes:
loga b = x
Now compare:
Part Value
Base 2
Power 4
Result 16
Now write:
log2 16 = 4
log2 16 = 4
Final Answer
log2 16 = 4
Example 2
Question
Convert into exponential form:
log3 81 = 4
Solution
We know:
loga b = x
becomes:
ax = b
Now compare:
Part Value
Base 3
Result 81
Power 4
Now write:
34 = 81
34 = 81
Final Answer
34 = 81
Example 3
Question
Find:
log10 1000
Step-by-Step Solution
Ask:
“10 raised to what power gives 1000?”
We know:
103 = 1000
Therefore:
log10 1000 = 3
log10 1000 = 3
Final Answer
3
Shortcut Method
Remember powers of:
2
3
10
This makes logarithms very easy.
6. Important Rules and Properties
Rule 1
loga a = 1
Because:
a1 = a
loga a = 1
Rule 2
loga 1 = 0
Because:
a0 = 1
loga 1 = 0
Rule 3
log10 100 = 2
because:
102 = 100
Trick to Remember
Logarithm = Power Finder
7. Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
Writing:
log2 8 = 8
Wrong.
Correct:
log2 8 = 3
because:
23 = 8
Mistake 2
Confusing:
base
result
Always identify:
base
power
answer
Mistake 3
Forgetting powers table.
Learn:
21 to 28
31 to 35
101 to 105
8. Important Notes
Revision Points
Logarithm is reverse of powers
Logarithm finds exponent
Base is very important
Common logarithm has base 10
Formula Trick
If:
loga b = x
then think:
ax = b
Exam Tips
In MSBTE:
write formulas first
write proper steps
box final answer
9. Practice Section
Easy Questions
1.
log2 4
2.
log2 16
3.
log10 100
4.
log3 27
Medium Questions
1. Convert into logarithmic form:
53 = 125
2. Convert into exponential form:
log4 64 = 3
Exam-Type Problems
1. Evaluate:
log5 25
2. Evaluate:
log10 10000
3. Convert:
25 = 32
into logarithmic form.
10. Summary
Quick Revision Notes
Logarithm is reverse of exponent
It finds power
Base is important
Use powers table
Important Formula Table
Formula Name Formula
Exponential Form ax = b
Logarithmic Form loga b = x
Log of Same Number loga a = 1
Log of 1 loga 1 = 0
One-Line Concept Explanations
Concept Meaning
Exponent Number of multiplications
Base Main multiplying number
Logarithm Power finder
Homework
Solve step-by-step:
1.
log2 32
2.
log3 81
3.
log10 100000
4. Convert into logarithmic form:
72 = 49
Next lesson:
Laws of Logarithms
(VERY IMPORTANT for MSBTE exams and numericals).
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BASIC MATHEMATICS (311302)
UNIT 1 — ALGEBRA
LESSON 3 — LAWS OF LOGARITHMS
This topic is part of Algebra in MSBTE K-Scheme syllabus.
1. Introduction
What is the Topic?
The topic is:
Laws of Logarithms
These are special rules used to:
simplify logarithmic expressions
solve problems faster
reduce difficult calculations
Simple Meaning of the Topic
Logarithm laws are shortcut rules.
They help us:
change multiplication into addition
change division into subtraction
bring powers in front
This makes calculations easier.
Why are Logarithm Laws Used?
Without logarithm laws:
calculations become long
solving equations becomes difficult
Using logarithm laws:
problems become shorter
calculations become easier
Real-Life Uses
Logarithm laws are used in:
computer algorithms
engineering formulas
electronics
sound calculations
earthquake scales
data science
cybersecurity mathematics
Why Important in Mathematics & Engineering?
In engineering:
formulas become easier to solve
In computer science:
logarithms are used in binary calculations
In networking and cybersecurity:
logarithmic calculations help in algorithms and data structures
2. Important Terms and Definitions
Term Meaning
Product Multiplication
Quotient Division
Exponent Power
Base Main logarithm number
Argument Number inside logarithm
Important Symbols
Symbol Meaning
log Logarithm
+ Addition
− Subtraction
× Multiplication
/ Division
3. Formula Section
Law 1 — Product Law
Formula Name
Product Rule of Logarithm
Formula
loga (MN ) = loga M + loga N
loga (MN ) = loga M + loga N
Meaning of Symbols
Symbol Meaning
a Base
M, N Numbers inside logarithm
Why This Formula is Used?
It converts:
multiplication
into
addition
This simplifies calculations.
Simple Explanation
If two numbers are multiplied inside logarithm,
we can separate them into addition.
Example
log2 (8 × 4)
becomes:
log2 8 + log2 4
log2 (8 × 4) = log2 8 + log2 4
Important Point
Multiplication inside log becomes addition outside log.
Law 2 — Quotient Law
Formula Name
Division Rule of Logarithm
Formula
M
loga ( ) = loga M − loga N
N
loga ( M
N
) = loga M − loga N
Why Used?
It converts:
division
into
subtraction
Example
16
log2 ( )
4
becomes:
log2 16 − log2 4
log2 ( 16
4
) = log2 16 − log2 4
Important Point
Division inside log becomes subtraction outside log.
Law 3 — Power Law
Formula Name
Power Rule of Logarithm
Formula
loga (M n ) = n loga M
loga (M n ) = n loga M
Why Used?
It brings powers in front of logarithm.
Example
log2 (83 )
becomes:
3 log2 8
log2 (83 ) = 3 log2 8
Important Point
Power inside log comes in front.
4. Concept Explanation
Understanding Product Law Slowly
Suppose:
log2 (8 × 4)
First multiply:
8 × 4 = 32
So:
log2 32
We know:
25 = 32
Therefore:
log2 32 = 5
Now use law:
log2 8 + log2 4
We know:
log2 8 = 3
and
log2 4 = 2
Add:
3+2=5
Both answers same.
Real-Life Analogy
Suppose:
multiplication = combining boxes
logarithm law = opening boxes separately
Instead of solving one huge problem,
we solve small easy parts.
5. Solved Examples
Example 1 — Product Law
Question
Simplify:
log2 (8 × 2)
Step-by-Step Solution
Using product law:
loga (MN ) = loga M + loga N
Now apply:
log2 8 + log2 2
We know:
log2 8 = 3
because:
23 = 8
Also:
log2 2 = 1
Now add:
3+1=4
Final Answer
4
Example 2 — Quotient Law
Question
Simplify:
32
log2 ( )
4
Solution
Using quotient law:
M
loga ( ) = loga M − loga N
N
Apply formula:
log2 32 − log2 4
We know:
log2 32 = 5
and
log2 4 = 2
Subtract:
5−2=3
Final Answer
3
Example 3 — Power Law
Question
Simplify:
log2 (43 )
Solution
Using power law:
loga (M n ) = n loga M
Apply:
3 log2 4
We know:
log2 4 = 2
Now multiply:
3×2=6
Final Answer
6
Shortcut Method
Remember:
multiplication → addition
division → subtraction
powers → move front
6. Important Rules and Properties
Rule Name Formula
Product Rule loga (MN ) = loga M + loga N
Quotient Rule loga (M /N ) = loga M − loga N
Power Rule loga (M n ) = n loga M
Tricks to Remember
Inside Log Outside Log
Multiplication Addition
Division Subtraction
Power Comes Front
7. Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
Wrong:
log(a + b) = log a + log b
This is WRONG.
There is NO addition law.
Mistake 2
Forgetting bases must be same.
Mistake 3
Not moving powers correctly.
How to Avoid Mistakes
write formula first
identify operation
solve slowly
check base carefully
8. Important Notes
Quick Revision Points
Product → addition
Division → subtraction
Power → comes outside
Exam Tips
In MSBTE:
formulas carry marks
steps carry marks
always show substitutions
Formula Trick
Remember sentence:
“Multiply Add, Divide Subtract, Power Outside”
9. Practice Section
Easy Questions
1.
log2 (4 × 8)
2.
16
log2 ( )
2
3.
log3 (92 )
Medium Questions
1.
log5 (25 × 5)
2.
64
log2 ( )
8
3.
log2 (25 )
Exam-Type Problems
1. Simplify:
log3 (27 × 9)
2. Simplify:
128
log2 ( )
4
3. Simplify:
log5 (252 )
10. Summary
Quick Revision Notes
Log laws simplify calculations
Product becomes addition
Division becomes subtraction
Power comes outside
Important Formula Table
Formula Meaning
loga (MN )
Product rule
loga (M /N )
Quotient rule
loga (M n )
Power rule
One-Line Concepts
Concept Meaning
Product Law Multiply → Add
Quotient Law Divide → Subtract
Power Law Power moves front
Homework
Solve step-by-step:
1.
log2 (16 × 2)
2.
64
log2 ( )
8
3.
log3 (92 )
4.
log5 (125 × 5)
Next lesson:
Change of Base Formula and Common Logarithms.
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Next lesson
BASIC MATHEMATICS (311302)
UNIT 1 — ALGEBRA
LESSON 4 — COMMON LOGARITHMS AND CHANGE OF
BASE FORMULA
1. Introduction
What is the Topic?
In previous lessons, we learned:
What is a logarithm?
Laws of logarithms
Now we will learn:
1. Common Logarithms
2. Change of Base Formula
These are very important for solving logarithmic problems.
Simple Meaning of the Topic
Sometimes a logarithm has a difficult base.
Example:
log2 50
This is difficult to calculate directly.
Using the Change of Base Formula, we can convert it into a simpler form.
Why is it Used?
It helps us:
solve difficult logarithms
use calculators easily
simplify calculations
Real-Life Uses
Used in:
Engineering calculations
Computer science
Electronics
Signal processing
Scientific calculations
Why Important in Mathematics and Engineering?
Many engineering formulas contain logarithms.
Sometimes the base is:
2
3
5
7
Using the Change of Base Formula, we can convert them into base 10 and solve them
easily.
2. Important Terms and Definitions
Common Logarithm
A logarithm whose base is 10.
Example:
log10 100
Usually written as:
log 100
The base 10 is understood automatically.
Base
The number below the log.
Example:
log2 8
Base = 2
Argument
The number inside the logarithm.
Example:
log2 8
Argument = 8
3. Formula Section
Formula 1 — Common Logarithm
Formula
log N = log10 N
log N = log10 N
Meaning of Symbols
Symbol Meaning
N Any positive number
log Common logarithm
Why is it Used?
To make writing shorter and easier.
Important Point
Whenever base is not written:
log 100
means:
log10 100
Formula 2 — Change of Base Formula
Formula
log b
loga b =
log a
l b
log b
loga b =
log a
Meaning of Symbols
Symbol Meaning
a Base
b Number inside log
Why is this Formula Used?
It changes a difficult base into base 10.
Important Point to Remember
Base goes in denominator.
Very Important.
log b
loga b =
log a
NOT
log a
log b
4. Concept Explanation
Understanding Common Logarithm
Suppose:
log 100
Base is not written.
Whenever base is missing:
Assume:
log10 100
Now ask:
"10 raised to what power gives 100?"
We know:
102 = 100
Therefore:
log 100 = 2
Understanding Change of Base Formula
Suppose:
log2 8
Using formula:
log 8
log2 8 =
log 2
Calculator can easily solve this.
Real-Life Analogy
Suppose:
English book
Marathi book
You use translation.
Similarly:
Change of Base Formula acts like a translator.
It converts one base into another base.
5. Solved Examples
Example 1
Question
Find:
log 100
Solution
Missing base means:
log10 100
We know:
102 = 100
Therefore:
log 100 = 2
Final Answer
2
Example 2
Question
Find:
log 1000
Solution
Missing base means:
log10 1000
We know:
103 = 1000
Therefore:
log 1000 = 3
Final Answer
3
Example 3
Question
Convert using Change of Base Formula:
log2 16
Solution
Formula:
log b
loga b =
log a
Substitute values:
log 16
=
log 2
This is the converted form.
Final Answer
log 16
log 2
Example 4
Question
Convert:
log3 81
Solution
Using formula:
log 81
log3 81 =
log 3
Final Answer
log 81
log 3
Shortcut Method
Remember:
"Inside number goes on top"
"Base goes below"
log b
loga b =
log a
6. Important Rules and Properties
Property 1
log 10 = 1
Because:
101 = 10
Property 2
log 100 = 2
Because:
102 = 100
Property 3
log 1000 = 3
Because:
103 = 1000
Property 4
log 1 = 0
Because:
100 = 1
Tricks to Remember
Number Log Value
1 0
10 1
Number Log Value
100 2
1000 3
10000 4
7. Common Mistakes
Mistake 1
Writing:
log 100 = 100
Wrong.
Correct:
log 100 = 2
Mistake 2
Using Change of Base Formula incorrectly.
Wrong:
log 2
log 16
Correct:
log 16
log 2
Mistake 3
Forgetting that:
log = log10
How to Avoid Mistakes
Learn powers of 10
Write formula first
Substitute carefully
8. Important Notes
Quick Revision Points
Common logarithm means base 10.
If base is missing, assume 10.
Change of Base Formula converts one base into another.
Formula Trick
Remember:
Number on Top
Base Below
log b
loga b =
log a
Exam Tips
For MSBTE Exams:
Always write formula first.
Show substitution.
Box final answer.
Learn powers of 10.
9. Practice Section
Easy Questions
1.
log 10
2.
log 100
3.
log 1000
4.
log 1
Medium Questions
1.
log2 32
Convert using Change of Base Formula.
2.
log5 25
Convert using Change of Base Formula.
Exam-Type Problems
1.
log4 64
Convert using Change of Base Formula.
2.
log7 49
Convert using Change of Base Formula.
3.
log3 27
Convert using Change of Base Formula.
10. Summary
Quick Revision Notes
Common logarithm → base 10
Missing base means 10
Change of Base Formula converts difficult bases into base 10
Important Formula Table
Formula Name Formula
Common Logarithm log N = log10 N
log b
Change of Base Formula loga b =
log a
One-Line Concept Explanations
Concept Meaning
Common Logarithm Logarithm with base 10
Change of Base Formula Converts one base into another
Base Number below log
Argument Number inside log
What We Have Finished in Logarithms
✅ Meaning of logarithm
✅ Conversion between exponential and logarithmic forms
✅ Laws of logarithms
✅ Common logarithms
✅ Change of Base Formula
Next Lesson:
Introduction to Matrices (Start of the next Algebra topic in
MSBTE syllabus)
In the next lesson, we will start from absolute basics:
What is a matrix?
Why matrices are used?
Rows and columns
Types of matrices
Matrix notation
This is one of the most important topics for Polytechnic, Engineering, Programming, AI,
and Computer Science.