Logarithms: Basics & Math
Examples
Understanding logs step by step — a beginner's guide for students
What Is a Logarithm?
A logarithm asks the question: "What exponent do I need?" It is simply the
inverse of exponentiation — the opposite operation of raising a number to a
power.
Exponential Form
"2 raised to the power 3 equals 8"
Logarithmic Form
"Log base 2 of 8 equals 3"
The general rule: if ab = c, then loga(c) = b. They say the same thing in
different ways!
Parts of a Logarithm
Every logarithm has three key parts. Let's break down log2(8) = 3 to label each one clearly.
Base → 2 Argument → 8 Exponent → 3
The base is the small subscript The argument is the number inside The answer (or exponent) tells you
number. It's the number being the log. It's the result of the the power the base was raised to.
multiplied by itself. exponentiation.
log2 (8) = 3
log2 (8) = 3
log2 (8) = 3
Converting Between Forms
Switching between exponential and logarithmic form is a key skill. Study each pair below — they express exactly the same
relationship.
Exponential Form ⇔ Logarithmic Form
24 = 16 ⇔ log2(16) = 4
103 = 1000 ⇔ log10(1000) = 3
32 = 9 ⇔ log3(9) = 2
💡 Tip: To convert, ask yourself — "What power does the base need to reach the argument?"
Common
Logarithms
When no base is written, it's assumed to
be base 10. These are called common
logarithms and appear everywhere in
science and engineering.
log(10) = 1 log(100) = 2 log(1000) = 3 log(0.1) = −1
Because 101 = 10 Because 102 = 100 Because 103 = 1000 Because 10−1 = 0.1
Basic Logarithm Rules
Three powerful rules let you simplify and solve almost any logarithm expression. Learn these well!
Product Rule Quotient Rule Power Rule
loga (xy) = loga (x) + loga (y) loga (xn ) = n ⋅ loga (x)
loga ( ) = loga (x) −
x
y
Example: loga (y)
Example:
log2(8 × 4) = log2(8) + log2(4)
log2(82) = 2 ⋅ log2(8)
=3+2=5 Example: =2×3=6
log2(8 ÷ 2) = log2(8) − log2(2)
=3−1=2
Solving Simple Log Equations
To solve for x, convert the log equation into exponential form — then calculate!
Write Calculate
Convert Form
Equation Answer
1 log2(x) = 5
→ x = 25 = 32
2 log3(x) = 2
→ x = 32 = 9
3 log10(x) = 4
→ x = 104 = 10,000
Quick Practice 🎯
Try these on your own before checking the answers. Apply what you've learned!
Problems Answers ✅
1. Evaluate: log2(16)
1. log2(16) = 4 (since 24 = 16)
2. Evaluate: log3(27)
2. log3(27) = 3 (since 33 = 27)
3. Evaluate: log10(1000)
3. log10(1000) = 3 (since 103 = 1000)
4. Evaluate: log5(25)
4. log5(25) = 2 (since 52 = 25)
5. Solve for x: log2(x) = 6
5. x = 26 = 64
Key Points to Remember
Logs are exponents
loga(c) = b means ab = c. Never forget this core idea.
Master the conversion
Practice switching between exponential and logarithmic forms until it feels natural.
Know the three rules
Product, Quotient, and Power rules let you break down complex expressions.
Always check base & argument
The argument must be positive. The base must be positive and not equal to 1.
Build confidence with examples
Start simple — use small whole numbers to verify your understanding before moving on.
Final Example & Recap
Let's put it all together. Solve: log2(x) + log2(4) = 5
Apply Combine into Convert to
Solve for x
Product Rule one log exponential
The final answer is x = 8. Check: log2(8) + log2(4) = 3 + 2 = 5
✅
Logarithms = Finding the Exponent.
Every log question asks: "What power does the base need to reach this number?"