Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Unit 3 : Indices and Logarithms

Learning Outcomes
By the time you have completed this Unit, you should be able to:

show your understanding of the laws of indices and use them to

simplify expressions and transpose formulae

explain the rules of logarithms and how to use them

solve equations involving indices or logs, and move from one

to the other

manipulate formulae containing indices or logs.

What is an index ?

The idea of an index (or power) arises when we multiply a number by itself several
times.

i.e. a × a × a × a × a = a5

We call the number a the base and the small number indicating the number of
multiplications, the index or power. This notation becomes a shorthand, helping us
to write calculations of this sort without multiplication signs. However, the notation
soon 'takes over' and is applied to other forms that are no longer so easy to
understand. We replace the continued multiplication with a single operation - taking
an index, or raising to a power.

a5 index, power
base

By investigating what happens during the different operations of arithmetic, we can

derive the laws of indices.

Multiplication: a 2 ×a 3 = ( a ×a ) ×( a ×a ×a )

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

= a5

Similarly: 24 × 23 = 27

and t 7 × t1 1 = t 1 8

Rule for multiplication

The law is am × an = am +n when multiplying ⇒ add indices

a6 a × a × a/ × a/ × a × a
Division : = cancel by a twice
a2 a/ × a/

= a4

Rule for division

am
The law is am ÷ an or n
= am - n when dividing ⇒ subtract indices
a

28
For example: 3
= 2 8-3 = 2 5
2

t3
4
= t 3 - 4 = t -1 but what is a negative power?
t
b 4c 3
2
= b 4-2 c 3-1 = b 2 c 2
b c

Several points arise from these examples.

1. It is only meaningful to combine indices applied to the same base - hence

the powers of base b and c are subtracted separately.

2. A number or letter without a power is assigned the power of 1

i.e. c = c1 3 = 31 x = x 1 etc.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

3. Using the division law we can end up with both negative powers and a
power of 0, which require 'translating', so that we can understand them.

Zero Index : a 0 = 1

am
Arises in division : m
= a m-m = a 0
a

But dividing a number by itself gives 1 ⇒ a0 = 1

Rule Any base raised to the power of zero equals 1.

1
Negative powers : a- n =
an

t3 3- 4 -1 t3 t/ × t/ × t/ 1
From the example above = t = t or = =
t 4
t 4
t × /t × /t × /t t
1
so t -1 = the negative power is the reciprocal
t
1
In general: a- n =
an

Rule A negative power is the reciprocal of the positive power.

1 1
For example: 2 -3 = 3
=
2 8

2 1
and 3
= 2 × 3 = 2 x-3
x x

It becomes a little more difficult if the negative power is in the denominator.

2x 2x
=
For example: y− 4 1 turning negative index into reciprocal
y4
1 y4
or 2 x ÷ 4 = 2 x × = 2 xy 4 fraction division
y 1

In the fraction setting, a negative power becomes a positive power in the other 'part'
of the fraction - when moving from top to bottom or vice versa.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Let's look at some more examples using all the rules we have covered so far.

Worked Examples

12 st 5 5a -2 b
1. 3x 2 × 2 x 3y 2 2. 3.
3s 3t 2 20 ab −3

Solutions

1. 3x 2 × 2 x 3y 2 = 6x 5 y 2 multiply numbers and add indices

(same base only)

12 st 5
2. 3 2
= 4s1-3t 5−2 cancel numbers by 3 and subtract
3s t
indices

4t 3
= 4s -2 t 3 or turn negative power into positive
s2

5a -2 b a -2 -1 b1-( -3)
3. = cancel by 5 and subtract indices
20 ab −3 4
a -3b 4 b4
= or turn negative index to positive
4 4a 3

The last step of turning a negative power into a positive is not essential - it depends
on the requirements of the task - it is sometimes better not to have a denominator for
example.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

There is another way we can use indices - by applying them to numbers already
expressed as powers.

For example: (a )2 3
= (a 2 ) × (a 2 ) × (a 2 )
= a2 +2 +2 = a6 add indices when multiplying

Rule for power of a power

Applying a power: (a )m n
= a m ×n or a mn

When taking a power of a power the indices multiply.

Powers of brackets

Particular care is needed when applying a power to a bracket.

For example: ( 2 xy )
2 3
= ( 2 xy 2 ) × ( 2 xy 2 ) × ( 2 xy 2 )
= 2 3 × x 3 × ( y 2 ) = 8x 3y 6
3

So the power of 3 has been applied to every term in the bracket, including the
number 2. A common mistake is to 'ignore' the numbers when applying powers.
32 ( a −1 ) b 2
2 2
 3a −1 b 
 −2  =
2 2 ( c −2 )
2
 2c  apply power of 2 to every term first
including the 2 and the 3

9a −2 b 2
= power of power law
4c −4
multiply indices

Note: In the above example every number in the bracket is squared and every
letter in the bracket is squared.

The next ideas of indices involve roots.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

1 1
Roots: a = a 2 and 3
a = a3

Looking at square roots, we have: a× a=a

To turn a root into a power, then a? × a? = a1

?+?=1 ⇒ 1 1
so ?= 2 and a = a2

Similarly, a cube root implies 3

a×3 a×3 a=a
1 1
or a? × a? × a? = a1 so ? = 3 and 3
a = a3

a m = (a m ) n = a n
1 1 m
Rule for roots n
a = an and n

A root is a fractional index, and vice versa.

( )
1
8× 12
For example: 28 = 28 2 = 2 = 24
= ( 2 7a ) ( )
1 1 1
and 3
2 7a 6 6 3
= 2 73 a 6 3 = 3a 2
( )
1  1 m

Note that n m m n can also be written as a  which may be easier.
n

a = a 




For example: ( )
1 3
2 53 = 2 53 2 = 2 52 = 2 52 = 53 = 1 2 5 ( ) 1 3

Summary
Laws of Indices

Multiplication
am × an = am+n ⇒ add indices

Division
am
am ÷ an or n
= am - n ⇒ subtract indices
a

Power of power
(a )m n
= a m×n or a mn ⇒ indices multiply

Zero index a0 = 1

Any base raised to the power of zero equals 1.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

1
Reciprocal or Negative power a −n =
an

Roots - fractional powers

n
1
a = a n an dn am = am n = a n = a n ( )
1 m
() 1 m

Lets try some more examples now, using the laws of indices.

Worked Examples
1 1 − 32 2
Evaluate: a) 9 2 b) 1 2 5 3 c) 64 d) 83

Solutions
1
a) 9 2 = 9 = 3 (square root of 9)
( ) =5 =5 =5
1 1
3× 13
b) 1 2 53 = 53 3 1

64 = ( 2 ) = 2 = 2 =
− 23 1 2
6 −3 -6× 23 -4 1
c) 4
=
2 16
8 = (2 ) = 2 = 2 = 4
2 2
3× 23
d) 3 3 3 2

At this point we ought to look at some useful powers :

Powers of integers

Powers of 2 3 4 5
2 2 2
2 =4 3 =9 4 =16 52 = 2 5
23 = 8 33 = 2 7 43 = 64 53 = 1 2 5
4 4 4
2 =16 3 = 81 4 = 2 56 54 = 62 5
2 5 = 32 35 = 2 43
6
2 = 64
27 = 128

Let's now continue with some more worked examples.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Worked Examples

4x 2 y −2
Simplify: a)
6x 3y
(
b) 16a 2 b -4 ) − 12
c) 27
− 23
+4
− 32

Solutions
( 4x )
1

4x 2 y −2 y− 2
2 2
a) = change root to a power
6x 3 y 6x 3 y
2 x 1 y −1
= apply power - multiply indices
6x 3 y
x 1− 3
y−1−1
= subtract powers and cancel by 2
3
x −2 y −2 1
= or turn negative powers to positive
3 3x 2 y 2

(1 6a b ) (2 ) × (a ) × (b )
1 1 1 1
b) 2 -4 − 2 = 4 −2 2 −2 −4 − 2

apply power throughout bracket

= 2 −2 a −1 b 2 multiply indices
2
b
= turn negative powers to positive
4a

(3 ) + ( 2 )
2 3
− 23 − 32 3 −3 2 −2
c) 27 + 4 = convert numbers to powers

= 3− 2 + 2 − 3 multiply indices

1 1
= + convert negative powers to positive
9 8
8 9 17
= + = fraction arithmetic
72 72 72

Now that we have looked at several different types of operations using the laws of
indices, it is time that you tried some for yourself. Work through the following self-
assessment questions. The solutions are available for checking at the back of the
book. Provided you have the correct answers or can see where you went wrong, you

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

should then continue through the rest of this Unit. If you have difficulty
understanding the solutions, then contact your tutor for assistance.

The laws of indices are very important for later work, so make sure that you have a
firm grasp of them and plenty of practice - consult textbooks for more examples if
necessary. Keep your workings for future reference and revision - and - learn from
your mistakes!

Self-Assessment Questions
Exercise 3.1

1. Simplify: a) 3p 2 × 2 p 4q 2 b) 2 7 ÷ 2 3 c)
4x 3y 5
2 xy 2
d) 3t 2 ( ) 3

( )
−23

e) 
2 1 − 43 64 
2. Evaluate: a) 2 −3 b) 32 5 c) 81- 4 d) 2 3  
125 

( 4e )
− 13 3
 8a 3 
( ) t
1 2

3. Simplify: a) 64a 6 2
b) c)  3  d)
t −1 .5  b  ( 2e) 2
3
−1 6x 2 y −2
x −2 y 2
4. Simplify: a) a ÷ a
2
b) c)
3
b b 2 25x 4 3
8x −3

Calculating powers

You should make sure you can use your calculator for the following tasks.

x2 Square of x

x Square root of x

x3 Cube of x

3
x Cube root
x y
x to the power y - base x, index y

10 x 10 to the power of x

ex e to the power of x

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

These last two functions are index calculations - we will look at them more closely
when we do logarithms.

Task

Evaluate with your calculator (rounding to 3 decimal places) :-

1 4
1. 89 .3 2 . 52 .7 3. 4. 10 0.345 5. e1 6. 4 13 7. 35 8. 2 .34 -0.85
276
.

Solutions

1. 9.450 2. 77.129 3. 0.036 4. 2.213 5. 2.718

6. 1.899 (convert to index form - 1 3 4 )
1
7. 2.408 ( 3 to the power 0.8 )

8. 0.485

Scientific notation

Scientific notation is a way of representing numbers using indices. All numbers can
be represented by a number between 1 and 10 in value, multiplied by a suitable
power of 10 - saving many zeros or decimal points in the case of very large and very
small numbers.

For example: 1. 12345600 2. 23.015226 3. 0.00005678

are, to 4 significant figures:

1. 1.235 × 1 0 7
Explanation: insert the point after first digit, and round to 4 significant figures then
count the number of digits from the new point to the original position of the point
to give the power of 10

2. 2.302 × 10

3. 5.678 × 1 0 − 5 the point has moved 5 places to the right

Calculations with quantities in scientific notation require use of the laws of indices.

For example: (1.23 × 1 0 5 ) ×( 4.5×10 3 ) ÷(5.2 ×10 −3 )

becomes (1.23 × 4.5 ÷ 5.2) × (1 0 5 × 1 0 3 ÷ 1 0 − 3 )

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

= 1.0644 × 10 5+3−( −3) laws of indices

= 1.064 × 1 0 1 1

Note Most calculators work in scientific notation if required by

changing mode - consult your manual again.

Manipulating equations with indices

Remember that if x 3 = a then we know that x = 3 a . Working in the other direction,

if x = c then x = c 2 . It is possible to manipulate some equations (or formulae)
involving indices, by applying reasoning of the same kind.

4
For example: V= πr 3 : make r the subject
3
3V = 4πr 3 multiply through by 3
4πr 3 = 3V swap sides

3V 3V
r3 = so r=3 has r as the subject.
4π 4π

Now here are some more worked examples on changing the subject (transposing).

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Worked Examples

L
1. T = 2π g : transpose for L

2. p = 2 q (k +1 )
1 2
: transpose for k

Solutions

L
1. T = 2π g : transpose for L
T L
= divide by 2,π to isolate root
2π g
2
 T  L
  = square both sides
 2π  g
2

L = g
T 
  swap sides and multiply by g
 2 π

2. p =
1
2q
(
k 2 +1 ) : transpose for k
2pq = k 2 +1 multiply through by 2 and q

k 2 +1 = 2pq swap sides

k = 2 pq − 1 subtract 1 and take square

root

Here are some examples of 'undoing' more difficult powers.

p 3 = 2 st ⇒ p = ( 2 st) 2 = ( 2 st) 3
2 3
'undo' power 2
3
× 32 =1

( m f − 2 m u) −
1
and v −3 = (mf-2mu) ⇒ v = 3 − 3 × − 31 = 1

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Guidelines for manipulating equations with indices

1. Manipulate the equation in order to isolate the term containing the

new subject.
2. Undo the root or power with the appropriate application of a power.
3. Final manipulations

Now try some yourself.

Self-Assessment Questions
Exercise 3.2

d
1. h = t 3 +3 transpose for t
2

2. (
p = 1 - h2 ) − 13
transpose for h

M
3. T = 2 π transpose for F
gF

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Logarithms

Logarithms were invented by John Napier

(1550-1617) when he was living in Merchiston
Castle, Edinburgh - now incorporated in Napier
University! He was searching for ways of
extending calculations beyond the methods of
long multiplication and long division, and
managed to invent a calculating 'machine'
called Napier's Bones, an original version of
the slide rule(which is now more or less
redundant). He is known world wide for the
theoretical basis of the technique - the
invention of logarithms.

John Napier

What is a logarithm?

A logarithm is a power or index.

Let's look at an example:

23 = 8

In this case, 2 is called the base, and 3 the index/power/exponent or logarithm.

Because 2 3 = 8 , we say that the logarithm of 8 to the base 2 is 3 and

write this as log 2 8 = 3 .

In general : if N = ax then log a N = x

or if N is a to the power x, then x is the logarithm of N, to base a.

Here we are translating between two statements. One is an equation involving a

power, the other has a logarithm and they are both saying the same thing.

So: log 3 9 = 2 is the same as 9 = 32

and log x 16 = 4 is the same as 16 = x4 ⇒ x=2

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Also y = 33 is the same as log 3 y = 3

and p = 2 t is the same as log 2 p = t

In each case we are using the 'dual statement' to translate power to logarithm or vice
versa. Thus:

N = ax ⇔ loga N = x
log statement index statement

log2 2 = 1 2 = 21

log5 2 5 = 2 2 5 = 52

log1 0 1 000 = 3 1 000 = 1 0 3

1 1
log2 = -2 = 2 -2
4 4
1
log9 3 = 3=92
1

log2 x = y x= 2y

loge p = 3 p = e3

Try the following exercise to practice using log notation.

Self-Assessment Questions

Exercise 3.3

1 1
1.Write the following in log form : a) 34 = 81 b) 9 2 = 3 c) 5-2 =
25
1
2.Evaluate: a) log2 1 6 b) log3 2 7 c) log2
8

3.Change to log form: a) s = a3 b) V = e-2

4.Write in index form: a) b = log2 x b) y = loge x c) p = log5 z

5.Find x:

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

1
a) logx 8 = 3 b) log3 x = 2 c) logx 81 = 4 d) log4 x = 3 e) log2 =x
16

For more than 300 years logarithms were used for calculations by pupils, students,
scientists and engineers to avoid 'long multiplication' and 'long division'. The use of
logs was stopped when pocket calculators became available. To multiply two
numbers by the old method you looked up the logs of the numbers in a book of log
tables and then added the logs together. You then found the antilog of your answer.
An example follows to illustrate the method.

Note: The logarithms (logs) used are to base 10.

To multiply 235.72 by 27.4

Number Log
235.72 2.3724
27.4 +1.4378
10 3.8102 = 6459 3.8102
The log of the answer is 3.8102 so the answer is 6459 (4 significant figures).
In this old method we have used one of the laws of logs which follow.

Logarithms are indices, so the laws of indices apply.

Suppose: X = a p and Y = a q

Then we can follow the laws of indices, producing the laws of logarithms.

Indices Logarithms

X × Y = a p × a q = a p+ q log a XY = log a X + log a Y (1)

X
X ÷ Y = a p ÷ a q = a p−q log a = log a X - log a Y (2)
Y

X n = ( ap )
n
= a pn log a X n = nlog a X (3)

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

In addition to the three laws of logarithms, there are some more key results.

loga a = 1 or a = a1

loga 1 = 0 or 1 = a0

1
loga = loga X − 1 = - loga X by third law of logarithms
X

or = loga 1 − loga X = 0 - loga X by second law of logs.

Let us now look at some examples, using the log laws.

log3 + log2 = log(3× 2) = log6 the sum of logs

is the log of the product

log10 - log2 = log(10÷ 2) = log5 difference of logs is the log of

the division

3log3 = log( 33 ) = log27 third law

4
2log2 - 3log3 = log 2 2 - log 33 = log using 2nd and 3rd laws
27

log xyz = logx + logy + logz using 1st law

log xy + log yz - log xz = logxyyz - log xz

xy 2 z
= log = logy 2 = 2logy
xz

Note that in these examples the base has been omitted - because the statements are
true for all bases - and it made it easier to type!

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Logarithmic form of an equation

This is often called 'taking logs' of an equation. By the basic principle of applying the
same operation to both sides of an equation, we 'log' both sides and rearrange using
the log laws.

For example: 3 x2 y = 1 - x

( - x) 2
1
log 3x 2 y = lo g1 taking logs of both sides

1
log3 + 2logx + logy = log(1-x) the log form of equation
2

It is possible to reverse the process and move from a logarithmic equation back to one
with powers.

e.g. logx + 2logy -logz = log2

logx + logy 2 - logz = log2 using3rd law

logxy 2 - logz = log2 using 1st law

xy 2
log = log2 using 2nd law
z

xy 2
and so =2 or xy 2 = 2z
z

The ideas of logarithms, where we are working in indices, can be rather difficult to
grasp, so it is important to practice using the laws and moving 'in and out' of
logarithms as much as you can.

Here are some examples for you to try using the laws.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Self-Assessment Questions
Exercise 3.4

1. Simplify:
1
a) log12 - log3 b) 3log2 c) -log4 d) 2log5 + log1 e) log1 6
2

log 8 log5 log a

2. Simplify : a) b) c)
log 2 log 5 log 3 a2

3. Simplify a) log x2 − 2 log xy + log y 2 b) log ( x 2 − 1) − log ( x + 1)

4. Rewrite in a form without logs : a) logy = log2 + 3logx

b) log1 0 p + log1 0 q = 3 c) 2 log 3 y = log 3 ( x + 1) + 2

Natural or Napierian Logarithms

The examples used so far have involved many different bases for the logs. Before
pocket calculators were used, base 10 was the most common base for working with
logarithms. Now we no longer need to use logarithms for calculating, the most
common bases are base 2 (for work with computers) and base e. The number e is a
special mathematical number called Euler's number, which is an irrational number,
approximately equal to 2.718 to 3 decimal places. It is important for various reasons
which you will meet later on in the course, and is commonly used as a base for
naturally occurring exponential functions (coming later!).

Logarithms of base e are called natural or Napierian logarithms. To save time in

writing or typing equations a new notation is used for logarithms of base e.
loge x ≡ ln x ( or LN X) using the 'equivalent to' sign
Note the initials are ‘el en’ NOT ‘eye en’!

So: y = ex ⇔ x = loge y or x = lny

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

lnx + 2lny = 2 is an equation involving logarithms that can be

translated into a form without logarithms.
2
i.e. lnx + ln y = 2 using 3rd law

ln xy 2 = 2 using 1st law

xy 2 = e2 translating log base e into

index form

Calculator use

On your calculator you will find the facility of using both base 10 (log) and base e
(ln) logarithms. The second function (or shift) on the same buttons gives you the
index forms - 1 0 x and e x .

Try entering:

e1 giving 2.718281828
log1 0 5 giving 0.698970004
ln4 giving 1.386294361
1 0 3.2 giving 1584.893192

Summary
Laws of logarithms

loga XY = loga X + loga Y (1)

X
loga = loga X - loga Y (2)
Y

loga X n = nloga X (3)

N = ax ⇔ loga N = x

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Solving index equations

We need logarithms to handle any equation with a power, either to solve it or

manipulate it.
For example: 10x = 5

To solve this equation, first translate to the log form x = log1 0 5

which, using the calculator gives x = 0.69897

By contrast: 2x = 5

cannot be solved by using logs base 2, as they are not

available on calculators. Instead, take logs of the equation
(either base 10 or base e).

Thus: log 2 x = log 5 taking logs of both sides

xlog2 = log5 using 3rd law

log 5 0. 698970004
x= = = 2.322 using LOG
log 2 0. 301 02 9995

1. 60943791 2
= = 2.322using LN
0. 6931 471 8

Note the calculation can be done using either base of logs, giving the same result.

Let's try some more index (or indicial) equations.

Worked Examples
Solve: 1. 3x = 7 2. 2 x = 5x+1 3. e x = 31-x

Solutions

1. 3x = 7 ⇒ log3x = log7 take logs of both sides

so xlog3 = log7 using 3rd law

log 7
and x= = 1.771to 3 d.p.
log 3

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

2. 2 x = 5x+1 ⇒ log2 x = log5x+1 take logs of both sides

xlog2 = (x+1)log5 using 3rd law

xlog2 = xlog5 +log5 multiply bracket out

xlog2 - xlog5 = log5 move x terms to left

x(log2 - log5) = log5 combine by factorising

2
xlog = log5 using 2nd law
5

log 5
x= = -1.756 use either LOG or LN
log 0. 4

3. e x = 31-x ⇒ loge x = log31-x

x = (1-x)ln3

x = ln3 -xln3

x +xln3 = ln3 move x terms together

x(l +ln3) = ln3

ln3
x=
1 + ln3

= 0.523

Now its your turn to try some.

Self-Assessment Questions

Exercise 3.5

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

1. Solve for x:
a) 1 0 x = 2 3.4 b) log1 0 x = 1.45 c) e x = 5.2 3 d) ln62.1 = x

2. Solve for x: a) e2 x = 6 b) 5x = 3 c) 2 1-x = 4.5

Manipulating formulae with indices or logs

Many formulae involving powers can only be manipulated using logarithms, and
formulae with logarithms often need to convert into index form when transposing.

For example: pV n = 1 500 - a formula from physics relating pressure

and volume.

Find n if p = 6 and V = 80

n 1 500
⇒V = isolate term with n first
p

1 500
log V n = log 'take logs' of equation
p

1 500
n log V = log 3rd law of logs
p

 1500   1500 
log   log   log ( 250 )
n=  p  =  6 =
log 80
log V log 80

= 1.26

Another well known formula is that for compound interest calculations:

n
 r 
A = P1 +  where A is the value at present time after n years
 100 
P is the: initial sum invested
r is the annual interest rate as %
(-ve if depreciation)

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

How many years will it take for an initial investment of £1000 to grow to £5000 at an
annual interest rate of 8%?
n

5000 = 1000 1 +

8 
 putting in the numbers
 100 

n
 8 
or 1 +  =5 an index equation
 1 00 

n
 8 
so log 1 +  = log5 take logs of equation
 100 

nlog(1.08) = log5

log 5
n= = 20.9 or 21 years
log 1 .08

Worked Examples

1. T = T0 eµ θ : transpose for µ.

x  M
2. 2ln   = : transpose for x.
y N

Solutions
T
1. T = T0 eµ θ ⇒ = µθ isolate term with µ
T0 e
T
eµ θ = T
0
T
µ θ= ln translate to log form
T0
T
µ = 1 ln
θ T0
x  M x  M
2. 2ln  y  = N ⇒ ln   = divide through by 2
   y  2N

x M
= e 2N translate to index form
y

M
x = ye 2N

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

Now try some yourself, and ask your tutor for help if you have difficulties.

Self-Assessment Questions
Exercise 3.6

t
1. Formula for discharge of a capacitor: q = Qe- CR
Make t the subject of the formula and evaluate for:
C = 0.5, R = 6.5, q = 0.9, Q = 11.

x 
2. z = b ln 
 y −1 
 : transpose for x
 

N
3. = x at : transpose for t
M

Don't expect to completely understand logarithms from the word go - nobody does.
You will slowly develop an understanding by working through lots of examples,
taking great care to always use the laws correctly.

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Foundation Mathematics Unit 3 Indices and Logarithms

End of Unit Summary

In this Unit we have covered:

The laws of indices and their use in algebraic manipulation

and calculations.

The laws of logarithms, how to use them, and the translation

from indices to logarithms and vice versa.

The solution of equations involving indices or logarithms.

The transposition of formulae involving indices or logarithms.

Looking ahead

Apart from their use in calculations and in manipulating equations/expressions

involving powers, logarithms have important applications in the experimental world.

There are many formulae ( or laws) which involve powers. Transforming them into
logarithmic form helps the scientist decide which of these laws is consistent with his
observations.

law logarithmic form

y = axn logy = loga + nlogx
y = ab x logy = loga + xlogb
y = aekx logy = loga + kxloge

or lny = lna + kx log base e form

(note that lne = 1)

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