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Laws of Logarithm Solved Examples on Logarithm Characteristic and Mantissa

Properties of Logarithm Properties of Monotonocity of Logarithm

Logarithmic Functions Graph Logarithm Problems Asked in Exams

Introduction to Logarithm
The logarithm of any positive number, whose base is a number, which is greater than
zero and not equal to one, is the index or the power to which the base must be raised in
order to obtain the given number.

Mathematically, if ax = b (where a > 0, ≠ 1), then x is called the logarithm of b to the base
a, and we write loga b = x, clearly b > 0. Thus,

x
log ab = x ⇔ a = b, a > 0, a ≠ 1 and b > 0.

If a = 10, then we write log b rather than log10 b. If a = e, we write ln b rather than loge b.
Here, ‘e’ is called Napier’s base and has a numerical value equal to 2.7182. Also, log10 e is
known as the Napierian constant.

i.e., log10 e = 0.4343

∴ ln b = 2.303 log10 b

1 1
[since ln b = log 10b × log e10 = × log 10b = log 10b = 2.303 log 10b]
log10e 0.4343

⇒ Important Points
1. log 2 = log10 2 = 0.3010
2. log 3 = log10 3 = 0.4771
3. ln 2 = 2.303 log 2 = 0.693
4. ln 10 = 2.303

Laws of Logarithm
Corollary 1: From the definition of the logarithm of the number b to the base a, we have
the identity

logab
a = b, a > 0, a ≠ 1 and b > 0

which is known as the Fundamental Logarithmic Identity.

Corollary 2: The function defined by

f (x) = log x, a > 0, a ≠ 1

a

is called logarithmic function. Domain is (0, ∞), and the range is R (set of all real
numbers).
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Corollary 3: ax > 0, ∀ x ∈ R

1. If a > 1, then ax is monotonically increasing. For example,

2.7 2.5 222 111
5 > 5 ,3 > 3

2. If 0 < a < 1, then ax is monotonically decreasing. For example,

2.7 2.5 222 212
1 1
( ) < ( ) , (0.7) < (0.7)
5 5

Corollary 4:

1. If a > 1, then a–∞ = 0. i.e., loga 0 = –∞ (if a > 1)

2. If 0 < a < 1, then a∞ = 0. i.e., loga 0 = +∞ (if 0 < a < 1)

Corollary 5:

log ab → ∞, if a > 1, b → ∞

log ab → −∞, if 0 < a < 1, b → ∞

Remarks

1. ‘log’ is the abbreviation of the word ‘logarithm’.

2. Common logarithm (Brigg’s logarithms). The base is 10.
3. If x < 0, a > 0 and a ≠ 1, then loga x is imaginary.
4. log a1 = 0 (a > 0, a ≠ 1)

5. log aa = 1 (a > 0, a ≠ 1)

6. log (1/a)a = −1 (a > 0, a ≠ 1)

⎧ +ve, x > 1

If a > 1, log ax = ⎨ 0, x = 1 and if ,

⎩
−ve, 0 < x < 1

⎧+ve, 0 < x < 1

0 < a < 1, log ax = ⎨ 0, x = 1

⎩
−ve, x > 1

Solved Examples on Logarithm

Example: 1:

∘
Find the value of log ∘ cot 30
tan45

Solution:

Here, base tan 450 = 1

∴ the log is not defined.

Example: 2:

0
Find the value of log (sec2600–tan2600)cos60

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Solution:

Here, base

2 ∘ 2 ∘
= sec 60 − tan 60 = 1

∴ the log is not defined.

Example: 3:

Find the value of log (sec230∘+cos230∘)1

Solution:

Since,

log (sin230∘+cos230∘)1 = log 11 ≠ 1

Here, base = 1, ∴ the log is not defined.

Example: 4:

Find the value of log 301

Solution:

log 301 = 0

Characteristic and Mantissa

The integral part of a logarithm is called the characteristic, and the fractional part
(decimal part) is called the mantissa.

i.e., log N = Integer + Fractional or decimal part (+ve)

⇒ The mantissa of the log of a number is always kept positive.

i.e., if log564 = 2.751279, then 2 is the characteristic and 0.751279 is the mantissa of the
given number 564.

And if log0.00895 = -2.0481769 = -2 – 0.0481769 = (-2 – 1) + (1 – 0.0481769) = -3 +

0.9518231

Hence, -3 is the characteristic and 0.9518231

(Not 0.0481769) is mantissa of log 0.00895.

–
In short, -3 + 0.951823 is written as 3.9518231.

Important Conclusions on Characteristic and Mantissa

If the characteristics of log N be n, then the number of digits in N is (n+1) (Here, N >
1).

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If the characteristics of log N be –n, then there exists (n-1) number of zeroes after
the decimal part of N (here, 0 < N < 1).
If N > 1, the characteristic of log N will be less than the number of digits in an integral
part of N.
If 0 < N < 1, the characteristic of log N is negative, and numerically, it is one greater
than the number of zeroes immediately after the decimal part in N.

For example:

1. If log 235.68 = 2.3723227. Here, N = 235.68

∴ Number of digits in an integral part of N = 3

⇒ Characteristic of log 235.68 = N -1 = 3 – 1 = 2

2.

–
If log 0.0000279 = 5.4456042

Here, four zeroes immediately after the decimal point in the number 0.0000279 is

– –
(4 + 1), i. e. 5.

Problem: If log 2 = 0.301 and log 3 = 0.477, find the number of digits in 620.

Solution: Let P = 620 = (2×3)20

∴ log P = 20 log (2×3) = 20 {log 2+ log 3}

= 20 {0.301 + 0.477} = 20 × 0.778 = 15.560

Since the characteristic of log P is 15, the number of digits in P will be 15 + 1, i.e., 16.

Principle Properties of Logarithm

Following are the logarithm rules:

Let m and n be arbitrary positive numbers, be any real numbers, then

1. Loga (m n) = loga m + loga n

In general, loga (x1, x2, x3,…, xn) = loga x1 + loga x2 + loga x3 +… + loga xn (where x1,
x2, x3,…, xn > 0)
Or
n n

log a ( ∏ x i) = ∑ log ax i, ∀x i > 0

i=1 i=1

where, i = 1, 2, 3, …, n.
2. log a ( m
n
) = log am − log an

3. log am α = αlog am

4. log aβm
1
= log am
β

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logam
5. log bm =
logab

6. log ba. log ab

1
= 1 ⇔ log ba =
logab

7. log ba. log cb. log ac = 1

8. log yx. log zy. log az = log ax

x
9. e ln a = a
x

Some Additional Logarithm Properties

Logarithm properties are given below.

1. a logbx = x
logba
, b ≠ 1, a, b, x are positive numbers.

2. a logax = x, a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0

3. log akx =
1
k
log ax, a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0

4. log ax 2k = 2klog
a
|x|, a > 0, a ≠ 1, k ∈ I

5. log a2kx ~
1
= log |a|x, x > 0, a ≠ ±1 and k ∈ I {10}
2k

6. log aαx β = β
α
log ax, x > 0, a > 0, a ≠ 1, α ≠ 0

7. log ax 2 ≠ 2log ax, a > 0, a ≠ 1

The domain of loga (x)2 is R ~ {0}, and the domain of loga x is (0, ∞) are not the
same.
8. a b
log a 2
= √a, if b = a , a > 0, b > 0, b ≠ 1

9. a b
log a 2
= a , if b = √a, a > 0, b > 0, b ≠ 1

Example 1: Solve the equation

log5 2 log5 x
3.x + 2 = 64

Solution:

log5 2 log5 x
⇒ 3.x + 2 = 64

log5 x log5 x
⇒ 3.2 + 2 = 64

[by extra property (i)]

log5x
⇒ 4.2 = 64

log5x 2 4
⇒ 2 = 4 = 2

∴ log 5 x = 4

4
∴ x = 5 = 625

Example 2:

log16 4 log39 logx83

If 4 + 9 = 10 , f ind x.

Solution:

Since,
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log164
4 = √4 = 2

[by extra property (ix)]

and

log39 2
9 = 9 = 81

[by extra property (viii)]

log164 log39 logx83

∴ 4 + 9 = 2 + 81 = 83 = 10

⇒ log 1083 = log x83

∴ x = 10

Example 3:

√log b √log a
Prove that a a − b b = 0.

Solution:

Since,

√(log b) √log b × √log b × √log a

a a = a a a b

logab . √logba
= a

√log a
= b b

[by extra property (ii)]

Hence,

√(log b) √(log a)
a a − b b = 0

Example 4:

log224 log2192
Prove that − = 3.
log962 log122

Solution:

log224 log2192
LH S = −
log962 log122

= log 24 × log 96 − log 192 × log 12

2 2 2 2

Now, let 12 = λ, then

LH S = log 2λ × log 8λ − log 16λ × log λ

2 2 2 2

= (log 2 + log λ) (log 8 + log λ) − (log 16 + log λ)log λ

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 4
= (log 2 + log λ) (log 2 + log λ)– (log 2 + log λ)log λ
2 2 2 2 2 2 2

= (1 + log λ) (3log 2 + log λ) − (4log 2 + log λ)log λ

2 2 2 2 2 2

= (1 + log λ) (3 + log λ) − log λ (4 + log λ)

2 2 2 2

=3
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= RHS

Properties of Monotonocity of Logarithm

Logarithm with Constant Base

x > y > 0, if a > 1
1. log ax > log ay ⇔ {
0 < x < y, if 0 < a < 1

0 < x < y, if a > 1

2. log ax < log ay ⇔ {
x > y > 0, if 0 < a < 1

p
x > a , if a > 1
3. log ax > p ⇔ {
p
0 < x < a , if 0 < a < 1

p
0 < x < a , if a > 1
4. log ax < p ⇔ {
p
x > a , if 0 < a < 1

Logarithm with Variable Base

1. logx a is defined, if a > 0, x > 0, x ≠ 1
2. If a > 1, then logx a is monotonically decreasing in (0, 1) U (1, ∞)
3. If 0 < a < 1, then logx a is monotonically increasing in (0, 1) U (1, ∞)

Key Points
1. If a > 1, p > 1, then loga p > 0
2. If 0 < a < 1, p > 1, then loga p < 0
3. If a > 1, 0 < p < 1, then loga p < 0
4. If p > a > 1, then loga p > 1
5. If a > p > 1, then 0 < loga p < 1
6. If 0 < a < p < 1, then 0 < loga p < 1
7. If 0 < p < a < 1, then loga p > 1

Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

1. Graph of y = loga x, if a > 1 and x > 0

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2. Graph of y = loga x, if 0 < a < 1 and x > 0

If the number x and the base ‘a’ are on the same side of the unity, then the logarithm is
positive.

y = loga x, a > 1, x > 1

y = loga x, 0 < a < 1, 0 < x < 1

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If the number x and the base a are on the opposite sides of the unity, then the logarithm
is negative.

y = loga x, a > 1, 0 < x < 1

y = loga x, 0 < a < 1, x > 1

3. Graph of

y = log a |x|

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Graphs are symmetrical about Y-axis.

4. Graph of

y = |log | x‖
a

Graphs are the same in both cases, i.e., a > 1 and 0 < a < 1.

5. Graph of

|y| = log a| x‖

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6. Graph of

y = log [x], a > 1 and x ≥ 1

a

(Where [ . ] denotes the greatest integer function)

Since, when 1 ≤ x < 2, [x] = 1 ⇒ loga [x] = 0

When 2 ≤ x < 3, [x] = 2 ⇒ loga [x] = loga 2

When 3 ≤ x < 4, [x] = 3 ⇒ loga [x] = loga 3 and so on.

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Important Shortcuts to Answer Logarithm Problems

1. For a non-negative number ‘a’ and
n 1/n
n ≥ 2, n ∈ N , √ a = a .

2. The number of positive integers having base a and characteristic n is

n+1 n
a − a .

3. The logarithm of zero and negative real numbers is not defined.

4. |log ba + log ab| ≥ 2, ∀a > 0, a ≠ 1, b > 0, b ≠ 1

√√√
5. log 2log 2 √ … √ 2 = −n



  
n times

6. a √logab = b
√log a
b

7. Logarithms to the base 10 are called common logarithms (Brigg’s logarithms).

8. If
2 2 2
x = log b + log c, y = log c + log a, z = log b + log a, then x + y + z − 4 = xyz.
c b a c a b

Practice Problems on Logarithm

Logarithm examples with solutions are given below.

Problem 1: If log 11 = 1.0414, prove that 1011 > 1110.

Solution:

11
log 10 = 11 log 10 = 11

and log1110 = 10log11 = 10 × 1.0414 = 10.414

It is clear that 11 > 10.414

11 10
⇒ log 10 > log 11

[Since, base = 10]

11 10
⇒ 10 > 11

Problem 2: If log2 (x – 2) < log4 (x – 2), find the interval in which x lies.

Solution:

Here, x – 2 > 0

⇒ x > 2 ……………… (i)

and

1
log 2 (x − 2) < log 22 (x − 2) = log 2 (x − 2)
2

1
⇒ log 2 (x − 2) < log 2 (x − 2)
2

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1
⇒ log 2 (x − 2) < 0 ⇒ log 2 (x − 2) < 0
2

0
⇒ x − 2 < 2

⇒x–2<1

⇒ x < 3 ……………… (ii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we get

2 < x < 3 or x ∈ (2, 3)

Problem 3: If

log c
log43 log43 b
logbc log43 log43 log43
a = 3.3 .3 .3 …∞

where, a, b, c ∈ Q, the value of abc is

(a) 9 (b) 12 (c) 16 (d) 20

Solution:

Option: (c)

2 3
logbc 1+log43 (log43) (log43)
a = 3 + + + …∞

1/(1−log43) 1/log4(4/3) log4/34

= 3 = 3 = 3

∴ a = 3, b = 4/3 and c = 4

Hence,

4
abc = 3. .4 = 16
3

Problem 4: Number of real roots of equation

2
log3(x −4x+3)
3 = (x − 3)

is

(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) infinite

Solution: Option (a)

2
log3(x −4x+3)
3 = (x − 3) … … … . (i)

Equation (i) is defined if x2 – 4x + 3 > 0

⇒ (x − 1) (x − 3) > 0

⇒ x < 1 or x > 3 ……….(ii)

Equation (i) reduces to

2 2
x − 4x + 3 = x − 3 ⇒ x − 5x + 6 = 0

∴ x = 2, 3 ……….(iii)

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From equations (ii) and (iii), we get x ∈ Φ.

∴ The number of real roots = 0

Problem 5: If

bcd acd abd abc

x = log ( ), y = log ( ), z = log ( ), w = log ( )
2a 2 3b 3 4c 4 5d 5
1 1 1 1
and + + + = log abcdN + 1,
x+1 y+1 z+1 w+1

the value of N is

(a) 40 (b) 80 (c) 120 (d) 160

Solution:

Option: (c)

Since,

bcd
x = log 2a ( )
2

2abcd
⇒ x + 1 = log 2a ( ) = log 2a (abcd)
2

1
∴ = log abcd2a
x+1

Similarly,

1 1
= log 3b, = log 4c
y+1 abcd z+1 abcd

and

1
= log abcd5d
w+1

1 1 1 1
∴ + + + = log (2a ⋅ 3b ⋅ 4c ⋅ 5d)
x+1 y+1 z+1 w+1 abcd

= log abcd (120abcd)

= log abcd120 + 1

= log abcdN + 1

[given]
On comparing, we have N = 120

Problem 6: If a = log12 18, b = log24 54, then the value of ab +5 (a–b) is

(a) 0

(b) 4

(c) 1

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(d) None of the above

Solution:

Option: (c)

We have

log218 1+2log23
a = log 18 = =
12 log212 2+log23

and

log254 1+3log23
b = log 2454 = =
log224 3+log23

Putting x = log2 3, we have

1+2x 1+3x 1+2x 1+3x

ab + 5 (a − b) = ⋅ + 5( − )
2+x 3+x 2+x 3+x

2 2 2
6x +5x+1+5(−x +1) x +5x+6
= = = 1
(x+2)(x+3) (x+2)(x+3)

Problem 7:

log224 log2192
The value of − is
log962 log122

(a) 3 (b) 0 (c) 2 (d) 1

Solution:

Option: (a)

Set log2 12 = a,

1 3
= log 296 = log 2(2 × 12) = 3 + a,
log962

log 224 = 1 + a, log 2192 = log 2 (16 × 12) = 4 + a

and

1
= log 212 = a.
log122

Therefore, the given expression

= (1 + a) (3 + a) − (4 + a)a = 3

Problem 8: The solution of the equation

log2logx 2
4 = log x − (log x) + 1

is

(a) x = 1 (b) x = 4 (c) x = 3 (d) x = e2

Solution:

Option: (c)
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log2 log x is meaningful if x > 1

Since

2 2
log2logx 2log2logx log2logx
4 = 2 = (2 ) = (log x)

logax
[a = x, a > 0, a ≠ 1]

So the given equation reduces to

2
2(log x) − log x − 1 = 0

⇒ log x = 1, log x = −1/2.

But for x > 1,

log x > 0 so log x = 1 i.e., x = 3

Problem 9: If log0.5 (x – 1) < log0.25 (x – 1), then x lies in the interval.

(a) (2, ∞)

(b) (3, ∞)

(c) (-∞, 0)

(d) (0, 3)

Solution:

log0.5 (x – 1) < log0.25 (x – 1)

⇔ log 0.5 (x − 1) < log 2 (x − 1)

(0.5)

log0.5(x−1) 1
⇒ log 0.5 (x − 1) < 2 = log 0.5 (x − 1)
log0.5(0.5) 2

⇔ log 0.5 (x − 1) < 0

⇔ x − 1 > 1 ⇔ x ∈ (2, ∞)

Problem 10: If n = 2002 !, evaluate

1 1 1 1
+ + + … +
log2n log3n log4n log2002n

Solution:

We have,

1 1 1 1
+ + + … +
log2n log3n log4n log2002n

= log n2 + log n3 + log n4 + … + log n2002

, Since,
1
= log ab
logba

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= log n (2.3.4 … .2002)

= log n (2002!) = log nn = 1

Problem 11: If x, y, z > 0 and, such that

logx logy logz

= = ,
y−z z−x x−y

prove that xx yy zz = 1.

Solution:

Let

logx logy logz

= = = λ
y−z z−x x−y

⇒ log x = λ (y − z), log y = λ (z − x), log z = λ (x − y)

⇒ x log x + y log y + z log z

= λx (y − z) + λy (z − x) + λz (x − y) = 0

x y z
⇒ log x + log y + log z = 0

x y z
⇒ log (x y z ) = 0

x y z
⇒ x y z = 1

Problem 12: Solve: log3 {5 + 4 log3 (x – 1)} = 2

Solution:

Clearly, the given equation is meaningful, if x – 1 > 0 and 5 + 4 log3 (x – 1) > 0

5
⇒ x > 1 and log 3 (x − 1) > −
4

−5/4
⇒ x > 1 and x − 1 > 3

1
⇒ x > 1 and x > 1 +
35/4

1
⇒ x > 1 + … . . (i)
35/4

Now,

log3 {5 + 4 log3 (x – 1)} = 2

2
⇒ 5 + 4log (x − 1) = 3
3

⇒ log 3 (x − 1) = 1

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⇒x–1=3

∴ x=4

Clearly, x = 4 satisfies (i).

Hence, x = 4 is the solution to the given equation.

Problem 13: Solve log3 (3x – 8) = 2 – x

Solution: Clearly, the given equation is meaningful, if

x x
3 − 8 > 0 ⇒ 3 > 8 ⇒ x > log 38 … . . (i)

Now,

log3 (3x – 8) = 2 – x
2
x 3
⇒ 3 − 8 = x
3

x 2 x
⇒ (3 ) − 8 (3 ) − 9 = 0

x x
⇒ (3 − 9) (3 + 1) = 0

x x x
⇒ 3 − 9 = 0 [Since, 3 > 8 T heref ore, 3 + 1 ≠ 0]

x 2
⇒ 3 = 3

∴x=2

Clearly, 2 > log3 8

Hence, x = 2 is the solution of the given equation.

Problem 14: Solve: x2 log x = 10x2

Solution:

Clearly, the given equation is meaningful for x > 0.

Now,

x2 log x = 10x2

2logx 2
⇒ log {x } = log (10x )

2
⇒ 2 log x. log x = log 10 + log x

2
⇒ 2(log x) = 1 + 2 log x

2
⇒ 2y − 2y − 1 = 0, where y = log x

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2±√4+8
⇒ y =
2

⇒ y = 1 ± √3

⇒ log 10x = 1 ± √ 3

1±√3
⇒ x = 10

Problem 15: Solve: log2 (9-2x) = 10log (3-x)

Solution:

We observe that the two sides of the given equation are meaningful, if

9 – 2x > 0 and 3 – x > 0

x
⇒ 2 < 9 and x < 3

⇒ x < log 9 and x < 3

2

x < 3 ………. (i)

Now,

log2 (9-2x) = 10log (3-x)

x 3−x
⇒ 9 − 2 = 2

3
x 2
⇒ 9 − 2 = x
2

x x 2
⇒ 9 (2 ) − (2 ) = 8

x 2 x
⇒ (2 ) − 9 (2 ) + 8 = 0

2 x
⇒ y − 9y + 8 = 0, where y = 2

⇒ (y − 8) (y − 1) = 0

⇒ y = 8, 1

x
⇒ 2 = 8, 1

⇒ x = 3, 0

But, x = 3 does not satisfy (i).

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Hence, x = 0

Problem 16: Solve:

log(x+1)
(x + 1) = 100 (x + 1)

Solution:

The given equation is meaningful for x + 1 > 0 i.e. x > -1

Now,

log(x+1)
(x + 1) = 100 (x + 1)

log(x+1)
⇒ log {(x + 1) } = log {100 (x + 1)}

⇒ log (x + 1). log (x + 1) = log 100 + log (x + 1)

2
⇒ {log (x + 1) } = 2 + log (x + 1)

2
⇒ y − y − 2 = 0, where y = log (x + 1)

∴ y = 2, -1

⇒ log (x + 1) = 2, log (x + 1) = −1
10 10

2 −1
⇒ x + 1 = 10 , x + 1 = 10

⇒ x = 99, x = -0.9

Problem 17: Evaluate

3 –
√ 72.3, if log 0.723 = 1.8591.

Solution:

Let

3
x = √ 72.3.

Then,

log x = log(72.3)1/3

1
⇒ log x = log 72.3
3

1
⇒ log x = × 1.8591
3

⇒ log x = 0.6197

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⇒ x = anti log (0.6197)

⇒ x = 4.166

Problem 18:

5
Evaluate √ 10076, if log 100.76 = 2.0029.

Solution:

Let

5
x = √ 10076.

Then,

log x = log (10076)1/5

1
⇒ log x = log 10076
5

1
⇒ log x = × 4.0029
5

⇒ log x = 0.8058

⇒ x = anti log (0.8058)

⇒ x = 6.409

Problem 19: What is logarithm of

5
32√ 4 to the base 2√ 2

Solution:

Here we can write

5 27/5 3
5 1/5
32√ 4 as 2 4 = (2) and 2√ 2 as 2 2

By using the formula

x 1
log aM = xlog a. M and log axM = log aM
x

we can solve it.

5 5 1/5 27/5 2 27 18
log √ 32√ 4 = log 3/2 (2 4 ) = log 3/2 (2) = log 22 = = 3.6
2 2 (2 ) (2 ) 3 5 5

Problem 20: Prove that,

–
log 4/3 (1.3) = 1

Solution:

By solving we get

– 4
1.3 = ,
3

and use the formula

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log aa = 1.

–
log 4/31.3 = 1

Let x = 1.333 ….. (i)

10x = 13.3333 ….. (ii)

From equations (i) and (ii), we get

So

9x = 12 ⇒ x = 12/9, x = 4/3;

Now

–
log 4/3 1/3 = log 4/3 (4/3) = 1

Problem 21: If

−1 −1 −1
N = n! (n ∈ N , n ≥ 2) then lim N→∞ [(log N ) + (log N ) + … + (log N) ]
2 3 n

is

Solution:

Here, by using

1
log ab =
logba

we can write given expansion as

log N2 + log N3 + … … + log Nn

and then by using

log a (M . N ) = log aM + log aN

and N = n!.

−1 −1 −1
⇒ (log 2N ) + (log 3N ) + … … + (log nN )

= log 2 + log 3 + … … + log n = log (2.3 … . N ) = log N = 1.

N N N n N

Problem 22:

2
If log x − log 2x = 3 log 3 − log 6 then x equals

Solution:

By using

x
log a (M . N ) = log aM + log aN and log aM = xlog a. M

Clearly, x > 0. Then, the given equation can be written as

2 log x − log 2 − log x = 3 log 3 − log 2 − log 3 ⇒ log x = 2 log 3 ⇒ x = 9

Problem 23: Prove that,

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log (2 + √ 3) = −1
2−√3

Solution:

By multiplying and dividing by 2 + √3 to 2 – √3, we will get

1
2 + √3 = .
2−√3

Therefore, by using

log N = −1
1/N

we can easily prove this.

1
⇒ log
2−√3 2−√3

−1
= log (2 − √ 3)
2−√3

= −[Link] (2 − √ 3) = −1
2−√3

Example 24: Prove that,

√ √ √
log 5 5 5 5……..∞ = 1

Solution:

Here,

√
5√ 5√ 5 … … . . ∞

can be represented as
√
y = √ 5y where y = 5√ 5√ 5 … … . . ∞.

Hence, by obtaining the value of y, we can prove this.

Let

√
y = 5√ 5√ 5 … … . . ∞

2 2
⇒ y = √ 5y ⇒ y = 5y or y − 5y = 0

⇒ y (y − 5) = 0 ⇒ y = 0, y = 5

∴ log 55 = 1

Problem 25: Prove that,

–
log 2.25 (0.4) = −1

Solution:

Similar to example 3, we can solve it by using

log 1/NN = −1.

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x = 0.4444 ….. (i)

10x = 4.4444 ….. (ii)

Equation (ii) – Equation (i)

So

9x = 4 ⇒ x = 4/9

Also,

225 9
– 4
2.25 = = ; log 2.25 (0.4) = log ( 9) ( ) = −1
100 4 4 9

Problem26: Find the value of

log618 log63
2 .3

Solution:

We can solve above problem by using

logec logea
log a (M . N ) = log aM + log aN and a = c

step by step.

log618 log63 log6(6×3) log63

⇒ 2 (3) = 2 .3

1+log63 log63 log63 log63 logec logea

= 2 .3 = 2.2 .3 (Since, a = c )

log62 log63 log62+log63 log6(6)

2.(3) . (3) = 2(3) = 2(3) = 2. (3) = 6

Problem 27: Find the value of,

3
log sec α (cos α) where α ∈ (0, π/2)

Solution: Consider

3
log sec α (cos α) = x.

Therefore, by using formula

y
y = log ax ⇔ a = x

we can write
3 x
cos α = (sec α) .

Hence, by solving this, we will get the value of x.

Let

3
log sec αcos α = x

x 3 1 x 3 −x
3
cos α = (sec α) ⇒ (cos α) = ( ) ⇒ (cos α) = (cos α) ⇒ x = −3
cos α

Problem 28: If k ∈ N, such that

′ 1/b
log x + log x + log x = log x and ∀x ∈ R I f k = (a)
2 4 8 k

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then find the value of a + b; a ∈ N, b ∈ N and b is a prime number.

Solution:

By using

logca loga
log ba = =
logcb logb

We can obtain the value of k, and then by comparing it to

1/b
k = (a)

, we can obtain the value of a + b.

Given,

logx logx logx logx

+ + =
log2 2log2 3log2 logk

logx 1 1 1 logx 11 logx

⇒ [ + + ] = ( ) =
log2 1 2 3 log2 6 logk

11 1 1
⇒ log x [ − ] = 0
6 log2 logk

Also,

11 1 1 11 log2 11
− = 0 ⇒ = ⇒ = log k2
6 log2 logk 6 logk 6

So

1 1
11
6/11 6 11
2 = k 6;2 = k ⇒ (2 ) = k ⇒ (64) 11 = k

1/b
Comparing by k = (a) ,

a = 64, b = 11

a + b = 64 + 11 = 75

Problem 29:

1+x 1−x
log [(1 + x) (1 − x) ] =
e

Solution:

1+x 1−x
log e{(1 + x) (1 − x) }

= (1 + x)log e(1 + x) + (1 − x)log e(1 − x)

2 3 4 2 3 4
x x x x x x
= (1 + x) {x − + − + … …} + (1 − x) {−x − − − − …….}
2 3 4 2 3 4

2 4 6 4 6
x x x 2 x x
= 2 {− − − − … . . } + 2 {x + + + … …}
2 4 6 3 5

2 1 4 1 1 6 1 1
= 2 [x (1 − ) + x ( − ) + x ( − ) + … …]
2 3 4 5 6

2 4 6
x x x
= 2[ + + + …….]
1.2 3.4 5.6

Problem 30: In the expansion of

2log x − log (x + 1) − log (x − 1)

e e e

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, the coefficient of x-4 is

Solution:

1 1
2log ex − log e {(1 + )x} − log e {(1 − )x}
x x
1 1
= 2log ex − {log e (1 + ) + log ex} − {log e (1 − ) + log ex}
x x
1 1
= − {log e (1 + ) + log e (1 − )}
x x
1 1
= 2{ 2 + 4 + …….}
2x 4x

−4 1 1
The coef f icient of x = 2. =
4 2

Problem 31:

1 1 1
log e2 + log e (1 + ) + log e (1 + ) + … . +log e (1 + ) =
2 3 n−1

Solution:

3 4 n
log e2 + log e ( ) + log e ( ) + … . +log e ( )
2 3 n−1

= log 2 + log 3 − log 2 + log 4 − log 3 + … … + log (n) − log (n − 1)

e e e e e e e

= log en.

Problem 32: The coefficient of xn in the expansion of

2
log e(1 + 3x + 2x )

is

Solution:

2
log(1 + 3x + 2x ) = log(1 + x) + log(1 + 2x)

∞ ∞ n
n−1 xn n−1 (2x)
= ∑ (−1) + ∑ (−1)
n n
n=1 n=1

∞
n−1 n
1 2 n
= ∑ (−1) ( + ) x
n n
n=1

∞
n−1 n
1+2 n
= ∑ (−1) ( ) x
n
n=1

n−1 n
n 2 +1
So, coef f icient of x = (−1) ( )
n
n n+2
[ (−1) = (−1) = …]

Problem 33:

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 + ( + ) + ( + ) 2 + ( 6 + ) 3 + ….∞ =
2 3 4 4 5 4 7 4

Solution:

1 2 1 4 1 3 1 5
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 1 2 2
S = {1 + + + …..} + 2{ + + + …..} − 1
2 4 2 3 5

1
1 1 1 1+
2
= 1 − log e (1 + ) (1 − ) + log e ( 1 ) − 1
2 2 2 1−
2

1 3
= − log + log 3
2 e 4 e

= log e2√ 3.

Problem 34:

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2 log x − log(x + 1) − log(x − 1)is equal to

2 1 4 1 6
(1)x + x + x + ……∞
2 3

1 1 1
(2) 2 + 4 + 6 + ……∞
x 2x 3x
1 1 1
(3) − ( 2 + 4 + 6 + … … ∞)
x 2x 3x

(4)None of these

Solution :

2
2 log x − log(x + 1) − log(x − 1) = log x − [log(x + 1) + log(x − 1)]

2
= log x − log{(x + 1)(x − 1)}
2
2 2 x
= log x − log (x − 1) = log
x2−1

2
x −1 1
= − log ( ) = − log (1 − )
x2 x2

−1 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 4
= −[ 2 − ( 2) − ( 2) − ( 2) … … … ∞
x 2 x 3 x 4 x

1 1 1 1
= 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + ………∞
x 2x 3x 4x

Answer : [2]

Problem 35:

−r n
The coef f icient of n in the expansion of log 10 ( )
n−1

1
(1)
r loge10

loge10
(2)
r

loge10
(3) −
r

(4) None of these

Solution :

n n
log 10 ( ) ⇒ log e ( ) ⋅ log 10 e
n−1 n−1

n−1
⇒ − log ( ) log 10 e
n
1
⇒ − log (1 − ) log 10 e
n
1 1 1 1
= [ + 2 + 3 + …… + r + … … … ∞] log 10 e
n 2n 3n m

−r 1
∴ The coef f icient of n = log 10 e
r
1
=
r loge10

Answer : [1]

Problem 36:

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(1−x)/2
(1+x)
log is equal to
(1−x)(1+x)/2

3 5 7
5x 9x 13x
(1)x + + + + … … . . +∞
2.3 4.5 6.7
3 5 7
5x 9x 13x
(2)x − + − + … … . . +∞
2.3 4.5 6.7
3 5 7
5x 9x 13x
(3)x − − − − … … . . −∞
2.3 4.5 6.7

(4) None of these

(1−x)/2
(1+x)
Solution : log
(1−x)(1+x)/2

1 1
= (1 − x) log(1 + x) − (1 + x) log(1 − x)
2 2
1 1
= [log(1 + x) − log(1 − x)] − [log(1 + x) + log(1 − x)]
2 2

3 5 4
1 x x 1 1 2 x
= ⋅ 2 [[x + + + …….] − ⋅ x(−2) [ x + + …..]
2 3 5 2 2 4

1 1 2 1 1 5 1 1 7
= x + ( + )x + ( + )x + ( + )x + …….
3 2 5 4 7 6
3 5 7
5x 9x 13x
= x + + + + ……….
2.3 4.5 6.7

Answer : [1]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Who invented logarithms?

John Napier invented logarithms.

Q2 Give the product rule of logarithms.

Product rule: loga(mn) = logam + logan.

Q3 Give the quotient rule of logarithms.

Quotient rule: loga(m/n) = logam – logan.

Q4 Give two applications of logarithms.

Logarithms are used by biologists to find out the population growth rates.
It is also used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes.

Q5 State the power rule of the logarithm.

The logarithm of a quantity in exponential form is equal to the product of the exponent and the
logarithm of the base of the exponential term, i.e., log (xa) = a log x.

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Post My Comment

Parinil Kala
October 5, 2019 at 11:43 pm
([Link]

Outstanding and step by step explanation of logarithm.

Reply
([Link]
replytocom=29253#respond)

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