Logarithm

Meaning of Logarithm:
Logarithm is a rule which is used to solve complex algebraic expression.

Exponential Form:
Every positive real number can be expressed as N = ax, a > 0, a ≠ 1, N > 0
a → base, x → exponent

Illustrations:
Q1. Express 16 using exponential form with base 2, base 4 and base 16.
Sol. (i) N = 16,  a1 = 2,  Suppose x1 = power
2x1   =  16  ⇒  24   =  16
(ii) a2 = 4,  power = x2
4x2   = 16  ⇒  42   =  16
(iii) a3 = 16, power = x3
16x3   =  16 ⇒  161   =  16
Q2. Express 81 using exponential form with base 3, base 9, and base 81.
Sol. (i) N = 81, a1 = 3, x1 = Power
3x1 =  81 ⇒   34   =  81
(ii) a2 = 9, x2 = Power
9x2   =  81 ⇒  92 = 81
(iii) a3 = 81, x3 = Power
81x3   =  81 ⇒  811   =  81
Q3. Express 16 using exponential form with base ‘3’. The types of ‘x’ can be find out
Sol. It means, 3x = 16
using logarithm.
We know that, 32 = 9 and 33 = 27
⇒ 2 < x < 3 ⇒ x ∈ (2, 3)
Note: (i) What if a = 1. Example:
Express 16 in exponential form with base a = 1 1
Suppose a = –2 and x= − then
1x = 16 ⇒ there does not exist any ‘x’. 2
For which 1x = 16
1
So we can not take base a = 1. (−2)
−
2 does not give real number.
(ii) What if a is negative.
Then for even root it will not be defined.
Hence for negative base it is not uniquely defined that with powers
it will give real number or not.
Logarithm

1.
 Logarithmic form:
Logarithm of a number to some base is the exponent by which the base
must be raised in order to get that number.

logaN = x ⇔ ax = N, N > 0, a > 0, a ≠ 1

a → base, x → exponent, N → number

Illustrations:
Q1. Find values of following:
(i) log101000
Sol. Suppose log101000 = x ⇔ 10x = 1000
⇒ 10x = 103 (by comparing)
⇒x=3
(ii) log232
Sol. Suppose log232 = y ⇔ 2y = 32
⇒ 2y = 25 (by comparing)
⇒y=5
(iii) log5625
Sol. Suppose log5625 = x ⇔ 5x = 625
⇒ 5x = 54 (by comparing)
⇒x=4
(iv) log 2 64

( 2)
y
Sol. Suppose log 2 64  =  y ⇔ =  64
y
⇒ 22   =  26
y
⇒ =  6  (by comparing)
2
⇒ y = 12
(v) log 2 3 1728

( )
x
Sol. Suppose log 1728 = x ⇔ 2 3   =  1728  =  123
2 3

( ) 
( )
x 2
⇒ 2 3   =    2 3 
 

( ) = (2 3 )
x 6
⇒ 2 3 (by comparing)

⇒x=6
(vi) log1632
Sol. Suppose log1632 = y ⇔ 16y = 32
⇒ (24)y = 25
⇒ 24y = 25
Logarithm

⇒ 4y = 5 (by comparing)
5
⇒y=
4 2.
(vii) log 3 7 2401

( )
x
3
Sol. Suppose log 3 7 2401  =  x ⇔ 7 = 2401
x
⇒ 7 3 =  74
x
⇒ =  4 (by comparing)
3
⇒ x = 12
(viii) log 3 (log 3 (27)3 )
Sol. First we will find the value of log3(27)3 = y
⇒ log3(33)3 = y
⇒ log339 = y
⇒y=9
Then it reduces to log39 and we know that log39 = 2
Hence, log3(log3(27)3) = 2

Q2. Find ‘x’ for which log(x – 1) (2x + 1) is defined.

 –1 
(A) x ∈ (1, ∞ ) (B) x ∈  , ∞ – {2}
2 
 –1 
(C) x∈ (1, ∞ ) – {2} (D) x ∈  , 1
2 
Sol. C
We will check when log(x – 1)(2x + 1) is defined.
x – 1 > 0 and (x – 1) ≠ 1 and (2x + 1) > 0
–1
⇒ x > 1 and x ≠ 2 and x >
2
 –1 
⇒ x ∈ (1, ∞ ) and x ≠ 2 and x ∈
 2 , ∞
Intersection gives x ∈ (1, ∞ ) and x ≠ 2 ⇒ x ∈ (1, ∞ ) – {2}
It can also be written as
x ∈ (1, 2) ∪ (2, ∞ )

Q3. Find complete set of real values of ‘x’ for which log(2x–3)(x2–5x–6) is
defined.
Sol. 2x – 3 > 0 and (2x – 3) ≠ 1 and (x2 – 5x – 6) > 0
3
⇒ x> and x ≠ 2 and (x – 6) (x + 1) > 0
2
3
⇒ x> and x ≠ 2 and x ∈ ( −∞, −1) ∪ (6, ∞ )
2
3 
Logarithm

⇒ x ∈  , ∞  and x ≠ 2 and x ∈ ( −∞, −1) ∪ (6, ∞ )

2 
Intersection gives, x ∈ (6, ∞ )
3.
 Q4. Let a = log1/216
 b = log3(tan30°)
(
  c =  log 2− 3 2 + 3 )
 d = log2(log24)
then a + b + c + d is
7 9 5
(A) − (B) − (C) − (D) –4
2 2 2
Sol. B
a = log1/216
a
1
⇒   = 16
2
⇒ 2–a = 24
⇒a=–4
b = log3(tan30°)
1
1 −
⇒ 3b = tan30° = =32
3
1
⇒ b =  −
2

c =  log 2− 3 (2 + 3 )
(2 + 3 )(2 − 3 )
( 3) =
c
⇒ 2−
(2 − 3 )
( 3 ) = ( 4 − 3) (2 − 3 )
c −1
⇒ 2−
c = –1
d = log2(log24)
we know that log24 = 2
so, d= log22 ⇒ d = 1
1 9
then a + b + c + d = −4 − −1+1 = −
2 2
Important Deduction:

(i)  logNN = 1
(ii)  logN1 = 0
(iii)   log1/N N = –1
Logarithm

4.
 (i)  Proof : Suppose logNN = x ⇔  Nx  = N 1 ⇒ x = 1
(ii)   Proof : Suppose logN1 = y ⇔  Ny   =  1  =  N0 ⇒ y = 0
z
 1
(iii) Proof : Suppose log 1 N = z ⇔     =  N ⇒  N−z   =  N1  ⇒ z = –1
N
 N

Q5. Find values of following

(i) logsin30°cos60°
1 we know that logNN =1
Sol. First simplify this, we get log 1  
2 2

1
so log 1   = 1
2 2

(ii) log4/3 1.3

Sol. Let N = 1.3 = 1.3333….
N = 1.3333… ...(i)
10 N = 13.33333....... ...(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii), we get
– 9N = –12
–12 4 we know that logNN =1
N =   =   
–9 3
 4
We get log 4   = 1
3 3

(iii) log 5 5 5 5 .  .  .

Sol. N  =   5
5
5 .  .  .

N

N  =   5 N
N2 = 5N
⇒ N2 –5N = 0
⇒ N(N–5) = 0
⇒ N = 0 or N = 5 but N = 0 is not possible
We get log55 = 1

(iv) log2(sin2x + cos2x)

Sol. We know that sin2x + cos2 x = 1  log 1 = 0
N
So we get , log21 = 0
(v) log(tan1°).log(tan2°).log(tan3°)…log(tan89°)
Sol. log(tan1°). log(tan2°)… log(tan45°)…log(tan89°)
Logarithm

= log(tan1°). log(tan2°)… log1…log(tan89°)

= 0
5.
 (vi) log(tan1°.tan2°.tan3°... tan89°)
Sol. We get
log(tan1°·tan2°·tan3°...tan43°·tan44°·tan45°·tan46°...tan89°) Using tan(90°–θ) = cotθ
= log(tan1°·tan2°... tan44°·tan45°·tan(99°–44°)...tan(90–1)°)
and tanθ.cotθ=1
= log(tan1°·tan2°... tan44°·1·cot44°·cot43°...cot1°)
= log(tan1°·cot1°·tan2°cot2°...tan44°cot44°)
= log1 = 0
(vii) log2(log3(log3(27)3))
Sol. Let’s assume
log3(27)3 = y
⇒ log3(33)3 = y
⇒ log339 = y
⇒y=9
Then it reduces to log 2 (log 3 9) = log 2 2 = 1

2

(viii)
(log 100 ( ) (
10 ) log 2 (log 4 2 ) log 4 log 22 ( 256 )
2
)
log 4 8 + log 8 4
Sol.
Let a = log10010 b = log2(log42)
⇒ 100a = 10 1
⇒ b = log 2
⇒ (10)2a = 101 2
⇒ 2a = 1 ⇒ 2b = 2–1
1 ⇒b=–1
⇒a=
2
2
Let x = log 22 ( 256 ) ⇒ x = log 2 ( 28 )  ⇒ x = (log 2 216 )
2 2 2

 
⇒ x = 162 = 256
     
(
c = log 4 log 22 ( 256 )
2
) d = log48
⇒ 4d = 8
e = log84
⇒ 8e = 4
So we get c = log4256 ⇒ (22)d = 23 ⇒ (23)e = 22
⇒ 4c = 44 ⇒ 22d = 23 ⇒ 3e = 2
⇒c=4 ⇒ 2d = 3 2
⇒e=
⇒d= 3 3
2

1
abc   ( −1) ( 4 ) ( −2)·6 12
2
Then given expansion reduces to =  = =−
d+e 3 2 (9 + 4) 13
+
2 3
Logarithm

6.
Q6. If log2(log2(log3x)) = 0 = log2(log3(log2y)) then find x + y.
Sol. log2(log2(log3x) = 0 ⇔ log2(log3x) = 20 = 1  (Change it into exponential form)
⇔ log3x = 21 = 2
⇔ x = 32 = 9
x=9
Similarly, log2(log3(log2y) = 0 ⇔ log3(log2y) = 20 = 1 (Change it into exponential form)
⇔ log2y = 31 = 3
⇔ y = 23 = 8
Then x + y = 9 + 8 = 17

Fundamental Identify:
alogaN = N
Proof:
Let logaN = x then it changes into
ax = N ⇔ logaN = x
So we get alogaN = N

Q Find the value of following: 3log3 10

Sol. Using Identify, alog N = N
We get 3log3 10 = 10

Properties of logarithm:
* If m, n are positive real numbers, a > 0, a ≠ 1 then

(i) logamn = logam + logan

Proof:

Suppose logam = x and logan =y

ax = m and ay = n
then mn = ax.ay = ax + y
again change it into logarithmic form, x + y = logamn
we get logamn = logam + logan

Q1. Solve : log102 + log105

Sol. log102 + log105
= log10(2×5) (using P(1))
= log1010
= 1
Logarithm

7.
 Note:

General version:
Suppose a > 0, a ≠ 1, N1, N2, N3, …, Nr > 0
loga(N1.N2.N3 ... Nr) = logaN1 + logaN2 + logaN3 + …. + logaNr

(ii) m
log a   = logam – logan
n

Proof:

Given a > 0, a ≠ 1, m > 0, n > 0

Then suppose logam = x & logan = y
⇒ ax = m & ay = n
m ax
⇒ = = ax – y
n ay
Change it into logarithmic form,
m
x – y = log a  
n
m
⇒ logam – logan = log a  
n

Q2. Solve log210 – log25

10
Sol. log210 – log25 = log 2
(using P(2))
5
     = log22
     = 1

(iii) logamn = n logam

Proof:

Let’s say logam = α ⇔ aα = m

then mn = (aα)n = anα
Change it into logarithmic form, then
nα = logamn

nlogam = logamn
Logarithm

8.
Q3. Solve log232
Sol. log232 = log225
= 5log22
=5

Q4. Find values of following :

(i) log3855 + log3857 + log38511
Sol. Using property logam + logan + logap = logamnp
We get log3855.7.11
= log385385
=1
(ii) log4(log2(log5625)))
Sol. log4(log2(log554))
= log4(log2(4log55))
= log4(log2(22 × 1))
= log4(2log22)
= log42
= 1/2

(iii) log 11 (11)log11 1331

Sol. log 11 (11)log11 1331
3
= log 11 11log11 11

= log 11 113log11 11 [Using logamn = nlogam]

= log11113
= 3log1111
= 3
(iv) log210 – log25 + log28
Sol. log210 – log25 + log28
10
= log 2 + log 2 8 [Using P(1)]
5
= log22 + log223
= 1 + 3log22
=1+3
=4
(v) log2[log4(log10164 + log10258)]
Sol. log2[log4(log10164 + log10258)]
= log2[log4(log10164.258)]
= log2[log4(log1024×4.52×8)]
= log2[log4(log10(10)16)]
= log2[log4(16log1010)]
= log2[log442]
Logarithm

= log22(log44)
= log22 = 1
9.
 1023
 1
Q5. ∑ log 2  1 +  is equal to:
n
n= 1 
(A) 8 (B) 9 (C) 10       (D) 12
Sol. C
1023
n + 1
∑ log
n= 1
2 
 n 


2 3 4  1024 

= log 2   + log 2   + log 3   + ... + log 2  
1
  2
  3
   1023 
 2 3 4 1024 
= log 2  . . ... 
 1 2 3 1023 
= log21024
= log2210
= 10log22 = 10
 16   25   81 
Q6. Find the value of log 10 2 + 16log 10   + 12log 10   + 7 log 10  .
 15   24   80 
Sol. log102 + 16log1016 – log1015 + 12log1025 – 12log1024 + 7log1081 – 7log1080
= log102 + 16log1024 – log10(3×5) + 12log1052 – 12log10(23.3) + 7log1034 – 7log10(24.5
= log102 + 64log102 – log103 – log35 + 24log105 – 36log102
      – 12log103 + 28log103 – 28log102 – 7log105
= (1 + 64 – 36 – 28) log102 + (–16 – 12 + 28) log103 + (–16 – 24 – 7) log105
= log102 + log105
= log1010 = 1

Base Changing theorem:

log c a
logba = , a > 0, b > 0, c > 0, a ≠ 1, b ≠ 1, c ≠ 1
log c b

Proof:

Suppose logba = x ⇔ a = bx
 logca = logcbx
 logca = xlogcb (By taking logarithm)
log c a
  = x = logba
log c b
log c a
⇒ logb a =
log c b
Logarithm

10.
Note:

1
log a b =
logb a

Proof:

log c b 1
=
log c a log c a (By using base Changing Theorem)
log c b

log c b log c b (Both are equal to each other)

=
log c a log c a
Hence proved.

Q7. Prove the following: logba . logcb . logdc = logda

log a log b log c log a
Sol. logba . logcb . logdc = . . =
log b log c log d log d
= logda (Using Base-Changing Theorem)

Q8. If log23. log34 . log45...logn(n + 1) = 10. Find ‘n’.

Sol. log23. log34 . log45...logn(n + 1) = 10
log 3 log 4 log 5 log(n + 1)
. . . ... . = 10
log 2 log 3 log 4 log n
log(n + 1)
⇒ = 10 (Using Base-Changing Theorem)
log 2
⇒ log2(n + 1) = 10
⇒ 210 = n + 1
⇒ n = 1024 –1 ⇒ n = 1023

Property of logarithm:

alogbc = clogba

Proof:

log a c

a logbc
=a log ab
 
1
= (a )
log a c log b
a
(Using Base-Changing theorem)
Logarithm

1
= (c ) log ab = clogba
Hence alogbc = clogba
11.
 Property of logarithm:
n
( )
log ak mn =
k
log am   wherever defined

Proof:
log cmn nlog cm n
L.H.S.= = = log am = R.H.S.
log ca k
klog ca k   Using Base-changing theorem,
Hence proved.

Q9. The value of 7log3 5 + 3log5 7 − 5log3 7 − 7log5 3 is equal to

(A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 7       (D) 0
Sol. A
7log3 5 + 7log5 3 − 7log3 5 − 7log5 3 = 0 (Using property a log cb = blog c a )

Q10. Let x1 = log1632, x2 = log625125, x3 = log816, x4 = log 2 8 .

4
Find ∑x .
i= 1
i

5 5
Sol. x1 = log 24 25 = log 2 2 =
4 4
3 3
x2 = log 54 53 = log 5 5 =
4 4
4 4
x3 = log 23 24 = log 2 2 =
3 3
x4 = log 21/2 23 = 6log 2 2 = 6
4
5 3 4 28
then ∑x
i= 1
i = x1 + x2 + x3 + x4 = + + +6 =
4 4 3 3

log 3 7 −1
1 log 1/2 7
Q11. Let A =   , B=2 , C=8 log 3 2
, D = 4−log2 6
9
1 1 1 1
Find + − − .
A B C D
1
( ) ( )−2
log 3 7
Sol. A = 3−2 =3
log 3 7
=
49
log
(2−1 )
7
1 −1
B=2 = 2log2 7 =
7
1
C = 23( −log2 3) = 2log2 3 =
−3

27
−2 1
D = 2−2log2 6 = 2log2 6 =
36
1 1 1 1
Logarithm

+ − − = 49 + 7 – 27 – 36 = –7
A B C D

12.
 2
log 3 7
Q12. If p = 81 , then find value of p(log3 7) .

Sol. plog3 7.log3 7 = (plog3 7 )

log 3 7 log 3 7
= ( 81)
4
= 34log3 7 = 3log3 7 = 74 = 2401

Q13. 
If a, b, c are real positive numbers such that alog3 7 = 27,  blog 7 11 = 49,  clog11 25 = 11 ,
2 2 2
then find the value of a(log3 7 ) + b(log 7 11) + c(log11 25) .
(A) 343 (B) 121 (C) 469        (D) 569
Sol. C
alog3 7.log3 7 + blog 7 11.log 7 11 + clog11 25.log11 25
= ( alog3 7 ) + (blog 7 11 ) + ( clog11 25 )
log 3 7 log 7 11 log 11 25

( 11 )
log 3 7 log 7 11 log 11 25
= ( 27 ) + ( 49) +

= 33log3 7 + 72log 7 11 + 11½log11 25

1/2
= 3log3 7 + 7log 7 11 + 11log11 (25)
3 2

= 73 + 112 + 5
= 343 + 121 + 5 = 469
Q14. If logax = b for permissible values of a and x then identify the statement(s) which
can be correct?
(A) If a and b are two irrational numbers then x can be rational.
(B) If a rational and b irrational then x can be rational.
(C) If a irrational and b rational then x can be rational.
(D) If a rational and b rational then x can be rational.
Sol. ABCD
Change this into exponential form
(A) x = ab
Suppose a = 2,   b = log 2 3
First we will prove that log23 is not rational
Suppose log23 is rational, then log23 = p/q ⇒ 3 = 2p/q
⇒ 3q = 2p
It is not possible for any value of p, q except p = 0 and q = 0
So, log23 is irrational.
1
Hence log 2 3 is irrational
2
So, we can say log 2 3 will be irrational

( 2)
log 3
Then 2
= 3 is rational.
(B) a = 2, b = log23
Then 2log2 3 = 3 is rational.
Logarithm

13.
 (C)
a = 3, b = 2

( )
2
3 = 3 is rational.
(D) a = 2, b = 3
Then (2)3 = 8 is rational.

1 2 3 log 3 12 log 3 4
Q15. B = + − , C= −
log 3 2 log 9 4 log 27 8 log 36 3 log 108 3
Find B + C.
(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 1
Sol. B
B = log23 + 2log49 – 3log827
= log 2 3 + 2log 22 32 − 3log 23 33
= log23 + 2log23 – 3log23 = 0
log 3 12 log 3 4
C= −
log 36 3 log 108 3
C = log312 log336 – log34.log3108
C = log3(4×3).log3(4×9) – log34.log3(4×27)
C = (log34 + log33)(log34 + log39) – log34(log34 + log327)
C = (log34 + 1)(log34 + 2) – log34.(log34 + 3)
Put log34 = t,
C = (t + 1)(t + 2) – t(t + 3) = t2 + 3t + 2 – t2 – 3t = 2
So, B + C = 0 + 2 = 2

1 1 1
Q16. A = + +
1 + logba + logbc 1 + log ca + log cb 1 + log ab + log a c
Where a > 0, a ≠ 1, b > 0, b ≠ 1, c > 0, c ≠ 1, abc ≠ 1, then A is :
1
(A) abc (B) (C) 1       (D) 0
abc
Sol. C
1 1 1
+ +
logbb + logba + logbc log cc + log ca + log cb log a a + log ab + log a c
1 1 1
= + +
logbabc log cabc log a abc
= logabca + logabcc + logabca
= logabcabc = 1

Q17. Let a = log35, b = log1725 and c = log51000, d = log72058 then which of

the following is/are true?
(A) a > b (B) a < b (C) c > d      (D) c < d
Logarithm

Sol. AC

14.
 1 2
a = log35 = and b = log1725 = log1752 = 2log175 =
log 5 3 log 5 17
1 1 1
Then = log 5 3 and = log 5 17 = log 5 17
a b 2
1 1
From here log 5 17 > log 5 3 ⇒ >
b a
⇒a>b
c = log51000 and d = log7(2058)
∵ 625 < 1000 < 3125
⇒ log5625 < log51000 < log53125
⇒ log554 < c < log555
⇒ 4 < c < 5
343 < 2058 < 2401
⇒ log7343 < log72058 < log72401
⇒ log773 < d < log774
⇒ 3 < d < 4
Hence c > d

Q18. Establish the trichotomy between:

(i) m = (log25)2 & n = log220
Sol. m – n = (log25)2 – (log220)
   = (log25)2 – log2(5×4)
   = (log25)2 – (log25 + 2log22)
   = (log25)2 – log25 – 2
Let log25 = t
then, m – n = t2 – t – 2 = (t –2)(t + 1)
log25 > 2 ⇒ t > 2 hence m – n > 0 ⇒ m > n
(ii) a = logπ2 + log2π & b = 1
Sol. Suppose α = logπ2
1
Then a = α + > 2 and b = 1
α
So a > b
Q19. If log615 = α and log1218 = β, then find log2524 in terms of α, β.
log 3 15 log 3 ( 3 × 5 ) log 3 3 + log 3 5
Sol. = α  ⇒ =α⇒ =α
log 3 6 log 3 ( 2 × 3 ) log 3 3 + log 3 2

1 + log 3 5
⇒ = α             ... (i)
1 + log 3 2

log 3 18 log 3 ( 9 × 2 ) log 3 9 + log 3 2

Also = β⇒ = β⇒ =β
log 3 12 log 3 ( 3 × 4 ) log 3 3 + log 3 4
Logarithm

2 + log 3 2
⇒ = β            ... (ii)
1 + 2log 3 2
15.
 log 3 24 log 3 ( 8 × 3) 1 + 3log 3 2
Now, log 25 24 = = =
log 3 25 log 3 52 2log 3 5
By equation (ii), 2 + log32 = β + 2βlog32
⇒ (log32)(1 – 2β) = β – 2
β−2
⇒ log 3 2 =
1 − 2β
 β−2 
By equation (i), 1 + log35 = α(1 + log32) = α 1 + 
 1 − 2β 
 1 − 2β + β − 2   −1 − β 
⇒ 1 + log35 = α   = α 
 1 − 2β   1 − 2β 
−αβ − α − 1 + 2β
⇒  log 3 5 =
1 − 2β
 β−2
1 + 3
1 + 3log 3 2  1 − 2β 
Then log 24 25 = =
2log 3 5  2β − 1 − αβ − α 
2 
 1 − 2β

⇒ log 25 = 1 − 2β + 3β − 6 β−5
=
24
(
2 2β − 1 − αβ − α) (
2 2β − 1 − αβ − α )
Q20. If log712 = a and log1224 = b then find the value of log54168 in terms of a, b.
log 2 12 log 2 ( 4 × 3) 2 + log 2 3
Sol. Given, a = log 7 12 = = =         … (i)
log 2 7 log 2 7 log 2 7
log 2 24 log 2 ( 8 × 3) 3 + log 2 3
and b = log1224 = = =         … (ii)
log 2 12 log 2 ( 4 × 3 ) 2 + log 2 3
log 2 168 log 2 ( 7 × 3 × 8) 3 + log 2 7 + log 2 3
log54168 = = =       … (iii)
log 2 54 log 2 ( 27 × 2) 1 + 3log 2 3
From equation (ii), 3 + log23 = 2b + b log23
⇒ (1–b)log23 = 2b – 3
2b − 3
⇒ log 2 3 =
1−b
Replace this in equation (i),
2b − 3
2+
1 − b = log 2 7
a
2 − 2b + 2b − 3
⇒ = log 2 7
a ( 1 − b)
−1
Logarithm

⇒ log 2 7 =
a ( 1 − b)

16.
 2b − 3 1
3+  −  
1−b a ( 1 − b)
Then from equation (iii), log 54 168 =
 2b − 3 
1 + 3 
 1−b 
3a ( 1 − b ) + a ( 2b − 3) − 1
⇒ log 54 168 =
a ( 1 − b ) + 3 ( 2b − 3 ) 
3a − 3ab + 2ab − 3a − 1
⇒ log 54 168 =
a [1 − b + 6b − 9]
−1 − ab
⇒ log 54 168 =
(
a 5b − 8 )
   
Q21. If log 7  log 7 7 7 7  = 1 – a log72 and log 15  log 15 15 15 15 15  = 1 – b log152.
   
Find a + b.
 
Sol. Let x = log 7  log 7 7 7 7 
 
1 
x = log 7  log 7 7 7 7 
 2 

1
( 
x = log 7  log 7 7 + log 7 7 7 
2 
)
1 1 
x = log 7   1 + log 7 7 7  
2 2 
1 1 1 
x = log 7   1 +  log 7 7 + log 7 7   
2 2 2 
1 1 1 
x = log 7   1 +  1 +   
2
  2  2 
1 1 3 
x = log 7   1 + .  
2 2 2 
 1  7  7
x = log 7     = log 7
 2  4  8
x = 1 – log78
x= 1 – 3log72
Compare it with x = 1 – a log72 then a = 3
 
Similarly, suppose y = log 15  log 15 15 15 15 15 
 
Logarithm

17.
 1 
then y = log 15  log 15 15 15 15 15 
2 
1 1 
y = log 15   1 + log 15 15 15 15  
2 2 
1  1 1  
y = log 15   1 +  1 + log 15 15 15   
2  2 2  
1  1 1 1   
y = log 15   1 +  1 +  1 +    
2  2 2 2   
1  1 1 3  
y = log 15   1 +  1 + .   
2  2 2 2  
1  7   1 15 
y = log 15   1 +   = log 15  . 
2
  8  2 8 
y = log1515 – log1524
y = 1 –4 log152, compare it with y = 1 – b log152
Hence b = 4 and a = 3
So a+b=4+3
a+b=7

log a log b log c

Q22. If = = , show that aa.bb.cc = 1.
b−c c−a a −b
log a log b log c
Sol. Assume, = = =k
b−c c−a a −b
then  log a = k(b –c) ⇒ a log a = k (ab – ac) … (i)
log b = k(c –a) ⇒ b log b = k (bc – ab) … (ii)
log c = k(a –b) ⇒ c log c = k (ac – bc) … (iii)
Adding (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
⇒ log(aa.bb.cc) = k[ab – ac + bc – ab + ac – bc]
⇒ log(aa.bb.cc) = 0 (change it into exponential form)
⇒ aa.bb.cc = 1
Q23. If a, b, c are positive real numbers other than unity such that
a (b + c − a ) b ( c + a − b ) c ( a + b − c )
= = , prove that abba = bccb = caac.
log a log b log c
Sol. Assume,
a (b + c − a ) b ( c + a − b ) c ( a + b − c )
= = =k
log a log b log c
a (b + c − a ) b (c + a − b) c (a + b − c )
⇒ log a =   … (i),  log b =   …(ii),  log c =   … (iii)
k k k
Logarithm

ab (b + c − a ) ab ( c + a − b ) c (a + b − c )
⇒ b log a = ,   a log b = ,   log c =
k k k

18.
 ab (b + c − a ) ab ( c + a − b )
⇒ log ab =   … (iv),  log ba =   … (v)
k k
Add equations (iv) & (v)
ab 2abc
log (ab.ba) = [b + c – a + c + a –b] =
k k
Consider the base as ‘e’,
2abc
we get, abba = e k … (A)
Now multiply (ii) by c and (iii) by b, we get
bc ( c + a − b ) bc ( a + b − c )
c log b =   … (vi) and b log c =   … (vii)
k k
Add (vi) and (vii), we get
bc 2abc
log (bc .cb ) = [c +a – b + a + b – c] =
k k
Change this into exponential form, we get
2abc
bc .cb = e k
… (B)
2abc
Similarly we get, ca .ac = e … (C)
k

From equations (A), (B) and (C), we get

ab.ba = bc.cb = ca.ac

Logarithmic Equation

Q1. Find ‘x’ in following :

(i) x2 + 7log 7 x − 2 = 0
Sol. Using alogaN = N , we get
x2 + x – 2 = 0 and x > 0
⇒ x2 + 2x – x – 2 = 0
⇒ x(x + 2) – 1(x + 2) = 0
⇒ (x + 2) (x – 1) = 0
⇒ either x = 1 or x = –2
Since x > 0, so we get x = 1
( )
log 2 x2
(ii) 2 − 3x − 4 = 0
Sol. Using property alogaN = N
We get x2 –3x – 4 = 0
⇒ x2– 4x + x – 4 = 0
⇒ x(x –4) + 1(x –4) = 0
⇒ (x –4)(x + 1) = 0
⇒ x = 4 and x = –1
Logarithm

19.
 log 2 ( 9 − 2x )
(iii) =1
3−x
Sol. log2(9–2x) = 3 – x (change it into exponential form)
⇒ 9 – 2x = 23–x
8
⇒ 9 – 2x = 23.2–x = x
2
⇒ Put 2x = t, we get
8
9 – t =
t
⇒ 9t – t = 8
2

⇒ t2 – 9t + 8 = 0
⇒ t2 – 8t –t + 8 = 0
⇒ t(t –8) –1(t –8) = 0
⇒ t = 8, t = 1
⇒ 2x = 23 and 2x = 1
⇒ x = 3 and x = 0, but x ≠ 3, hence x = 0
log 10 ( x + 1)
(iv) ( x + 1) = 100 ( x + 1)
Sol. By taking logarithm both sides with base 10, we get
log 10 ( x + 1)
log 10 ( x + 1) = log 10 100 ( x + 1)
⇒ log10(x + 1).log10(x + 1) = log10100 + log10(x + 1)
Consider, log10(x + 1) = t, we get
t2 = 2 + t
⇒ t2 – t – 2 = 0
⇒ t2 – 2t + t – 2 = 0
⇒ t(t –2) + 1(t –2) = 0
⇒ (t –2)(t + 1) = 0
⇒ t = 2, t = –1
log10(x + 1) = 2 and log10(x +1) = –1
1
⇒ x + 1 = 100 and (x + 1) =
10
1
⇒ x = 100 – 1 = 99 and x = −1
10
−9
⇒ x = 99 and x =
10
9
⇒ x = 99 and x = −
10

(v) logx–14 = 1 + log2(x –1)

Sol. logx–122 = 1 + log2(x–1)
2
⇒ = 1 + log 2 ( x − 1)
Logarithm

log 2 ( x − 1)

20.
 2
Consider log2(x –1) = t, we get =1+t
t

⇒ 2 = t + t2

⇒ t2 + t – 2 = 0

⇒ t2 +2t – t –2 = 0
⇒ t(t + 2) –1(t + 2) = 0
⇒ (t + 2)(t –1) = 0

⇒ t = –2, t = 1
⇒ log2(x –1) = –2 and log2(x –1) = 1
⇒ (x–1) = 2–2 and (x –1) = 21
1
⇒ x = 1 + and x = 1 + 2 = 3
4
5
⇒ x = and x = 3
4

1 1 1 
(vi) 1 – log 5 = log  + log x + log 5
3 2 3 
Sol. Base is given as 10
1 1 1 
log 10 – log 5 = log  + log x + log 5
3  2 3 
10 1
⇒ log  =  −log 2 + log x + log 51/3 
5 3
⇒ 3 log 2 + log 2 = log x + log 51/3
⇒ 4 log 2 – log 51/3 = log x
16
⇒ log x = log 1/3
5
16
⇒ x = 1/3
5

(vii) 3log3x + x(log3x ) = 162

2

Sol. ( 3log3x )
log 3 x
+ xlog3x − 162 = 0

⇒ xlog3x + xlog3x − 162 = 0

⇒ 2xlog3x = 162
⇒ xlog3x = 81 
Take logarithm on both sides with base 3, we get
log3x.log3x = log381 = 4
⇒ (log3x)2 = 4
⇒ log3x = ±2
⇒ x = 3±2
⇒ x = 9, 1
Logarithm

21.
 26
(viii) 51+log 4x + 5(log1/ 4x)−1 =
5
26
Sol. 51+log 4x + 5−1−log 4x =
5
Put 51+log 4x = t , we get
1 26
t+ =
t 5
26t
⇒ t2 + 1 =
5
⇒ 5t + 5 = 26t
2

⇒ 5t2 – 26t + 5 = 0
⇒ 5t2 – 25t – t + 5 = 0
⇒ 5t(t –5) – 1 (t –5) = 0
⇒ (t –5)(5t –1) = 0
⇒ t = 5 or t = 1/5
1
⇒ 51+log4 x = 51  or  51+log4 x =
= 5−1
5
⇒ 1 + log4x = 1 or 1 + log4x = –1
⇒ log4x = 0 or log4x = –2
⇒ x = 1 or x = 4–2
1
⇒ x = 1 or x =
16

1
(ix) log4(2log3(1 + log2(1 + 3log2x))) =
2
Sol. Change it into exponential form,
2log3(1 + log2(1 + 3log2x)) = 41/2 = 2
Again, 1 + log2(1 + 3log2x) = 3
log2(1 + 3log2x) = 2
Again, 1 + 3log2x = 4
⇒ 3log2x = 3
⇒ log2x = 1
⇒x=2
1
(x) log 5 ( 51/x + 125 ) = log 5 6 + 1 +
2x
 1 
Sol. log5(51/x + 125) = log56 +  1 +  log55
 2x 
 1 
 1+ 
⇒ log5(51/x + 125) = log56 + log 5 5 2x 

⇒ log5(51/x + 125) = log5(6×5×51/2x)

⇒ 51/x + 125 = 30×51/2x
Logarithm

Put 51/2x = t, then t2 + 125 = 30t

22.
 ⇒ t2 – 30t + 125 = 0
⇒ t2 – 25t – 5t + 125 = 0
⇒ t(t –25) – 5(t –25) = 0
⇒ (t–25)(t –5) = 0
Either t = 25 or t = 5
⇒ 51/2x = 52 or 51/2x = 51
1 1

⇒ = 2 or =1
2x 2x
1 1
⇒ x = or x =
4 2

(xi) x2+log x 4 = x2 + 27
Sol. x2 .xlog x 4 = x2 + 27
⇒ x2.4 = x2 + 27
⇒ 3x2 = 27
⇒ x2 = 9
⇒ x = +3 or x = –3
As x > 0 and x ≠ 1, so we get x = 3

(xii) a2log2x = 5 + 4xlog2a

Sol. ( alog2x ) = 5 + 4 ( alog2x ) (Using property alogcb = blogca )
2

Put alog2x = t , we get

t2 = 5 + 4t
⇒ t2 – 4t – 5 = 0
⇒ t2 – 5t + t – 5 = 0
⇒ t(t –5) + 1(t–5) = 0
⇒ (t–5)(t + 1) = 0
⇒ t = 5 or t = –1
⇒ alog2x = 5  or alog2x = −1  (not possible)
⇒ log5a.log2x = log55
⇒ log2x.log5a = 1
1
⇒ log 2 x =
log 5a
⇒ log2x = loga5
⇒ x = 2log 5 or 5log
a a 2

Common logarithm and Natural logarithm:

log10N is referred as a common logarithm. logeN is called as a natural
logarithm. It is also written as lnN.
Note: e is an irrational quantity lying between 2.7 to 2.8. Also elnx = x
Logarithm

23.
 Characteristics and Mantissa

Real number = Integer + Fraction

logaN = Characteristics + Mantissa
R=I+f
where R is a real number
I is an integer
f is a fraction i.e. 0 ≤ f < 1

Here, characteristics is an integer and mantissa is fraction, so

0 ≤ mantissa < 1
Ex. (i) 3.4 = 3 + 0.4
R = 3.4, I = 3 and f = 0.4
(ii) 5.1 = 5 + 0.1
R = 5.1, I = 5 and f = 0.1
(iii) –1.2 = –1 –0.2
–1.2 = –1 – 1 + 1 –0.2
–1.2 = –2 + 0.8
R = –1.2, I = –2, f = 0.8
(iv) –3.8 = –3 – 0.8
–3.8 = –3 –1 + 1 –0.8
–3.8 = –4 + 0.2
R = 3.8, I = –4, f = 0.2
(v) –6.2 = –7 + 0.8
R = –6.2, I = –7, f = 0.8
Note:

(i) Characteristic can be zero, positive and negative.

(ii)   Mantissa is always non-negative and less than 1.

Finding Number of digits

• Number of digits = Characteristics + 1
Logarithm

24.
Observation:

Range Taking log Characteristics Number of digits

1 ≤ N < 10 0 ≤ log10N < 1 0 1

10 ≤ N < 100 1 ≤ log10N < 2 1 2

100 ≤ N < 1000 2 ≤ log10N < 3 2 3

By observation, we can say that

Number of digits = Characteristics + 1

Remember the following values

log102 = 0.3010
log103 = 0.4771
log105 = 0.6989
log107 = 0.8450

Q1. Find number of digits in

(i) N = 650
Sol. Taking logarithm on both sides, we get
log10N = log10650 = 50 log106
   = 50[log102 + log103]
   = 50[0.3010 + 0.4771]
   = 50[0.7781] = 38.905
log10650 = 38 + 0.905
Characteristics = 38, So Number of digits = 39
(ii) N = 525
Sol. Taking logarithm on both sides, we get
10
log10N = log10525 = 25log10 = 25[log1010 – log102]
2
log10N = 25[1–0.3010]
= 25[0.699]
Logarithm

log10525 = 17.475 = 17 + 0.475

Here characteristics = 17
Hence, Number of digits = 18
25.
 Number of zeroes after decimal before a significant digit starts:

Number of zeroes = |Characteristics + 1|

Observation:

Range Taking log Characteristics Number of zeroes

0.1 ≤ N < 1 –1 ≤ log10N < 0 –1 0

0.01 ≤ N < 0.1 –2 ≤ log10N < –1 –2 1

0.001 ≤ N < 0.01 –3 ≤ log10N < –2 –3 2

Hence by observation we can say that

Number of zeros = |Characteristics + 1|
Q2. Find number of zeroes after decimal point before a significant digit starts in
(i) N = 3–50
Sol. Taking logarithm on both sides, we get
log10N = log103–50 = (–50)log103
⇒ log10N = (–50) × (0.4771) = –23.855
⇒ log10N = –23 – 0.855 + 1 – 1 = –24 + 0.145
Here characteristics = –24
Hence Number of zeros = |–24 +1| = |–23| = 23
−100
9
(ii) N= 
8
Sol. Taking logarithm on both sides with base ‘10’
−100
9 9
log10N = log 10   = −100log 10    = –100[2log3 – 3log2]
8 8
⇒ log10N = –100[2 × 0.4771 – 3 × 0.3010]
⇒ log10N = –100[0.9542 – 0.9030]
⇒ log10N = –5.12
Characteristics = –6
Number of zeros = |–6 + 1| = |–5| = 5
Q3. Find ‘N’ for which characteristics in 2 and base is 10
(A) N ∈ [1000, 10000) (B) N ∈ [10, 100)
(C) N ∈ [100, 1000) (D) N ∈ [1, 10)
Logarithm

Sol. C

26.
 According to given condition,
⇒ 2 ≤ log10N < 3
⇒ 100 ≤ N < 1000
⇒ N ∈ [100, 1000)

Q4. Find the number of integral values of N, for which characteristic is 5

under base 3.
Sol. According to given condition,
5 ≤ log3N < 6
⇒ 35 ≤ N < 36
⇒ 243 ≤ N < 729
Number of integral values of N = 729 – 243 = 486

Q5. Find ‘N’ for which characteristics is –5 under base 3.

Sol. According to given statement,
–5 ≤ log3N < –4
⇒ 3–5 ≤ N < 3–4
1 1
⇒ 5 ≤N< 4
3 3
1 1
⇒ ≤N<
243 81
 1 1 
⇒ N ∈  , 
 243 81 

Significance of Modulus function in Logarithmic Equation:

Q1. Solve log4x2 =2
Sol. x2 =42
x2 = 16
x = ±4
Wrong method:
log4x2 = 2
⇒ 2log4x = 2
⇒ log4x = 1
⇒ x = 41
⇒x=4
Incomplete solution
That’s why
log(x2) = 2log |x|
Now it can be solved as
log4x2 = 2 ⇒ 2log4|x| = 2
⇒ log4|x| = 1
⇒ |x| = 41
⇒ x=±4
Logarithm

27.
 Note:

(i) logx2 = 2 log|x|
(ii)   logx2m = 2m log|x|, m ∈ N
(iii)  logx2m+1 = (2m +1) logx, m ∈ N
(iv) x2 = x

Absolute value function/modulus function

y

 x ; x  0
 y = –x y=x
Y x  x  0 ; x 0
2

x ; x0

x
(0, 0)

Q2. Solve |x–5| = 10. Find ‘x’

Sol. x – 5 = ± 10
⇒ x – 5 = 10 or x – 5 = –10
⇒ x = 15 or x = –5

Q3. Find ‘x’ if |3x – 2| + x = 11

Sol.
– +
–∞ ∞
2
3

2
Case-(i) when x <
3
Then, –(3x –2) + x = 11
⇒ –3x + 2 + x = 11
⇒ –2x = 9
⇒ x = –9/2
2
Case-(ii) When x ≥
3
(3x –2) + x = 11
⇒ 4x = 13
⇒ x = 13/4
Hence, x = –9/2 and x = 13/4 are the solution.
Logarithm

28.
Q4. Find ‘x’ if |x – 3| +2|x + 1| = 4
Sol. –∞ ∞
–1 3

Case-(i) When x <–1, then

–(x –3) –2(x + 1) = 4
⇒ –x + 3 – 2x – 2 = 4
⇒ –3x = 3
⇒ x = –1, but x < –1 hence no solution.
Case-(ii) When –1 ≤ x < 3, then
–(x –3) + 2(x + 1) = 4
⇒ –x + 3 + 2x + 2 = 4
⇒ x = –1 is a solution.
Case-(iii) When x ≥ 3, then
(x –3) +2(x +1) = 4
⇒ x –3 + 2x + 2 = 4
⇒ 3x = 5
5
⇒ x= but x ≥ 3
3
Hence no solution
So, x = –1 is the only solution.

Q5. Find ‘x’

4
(i) 2log8(2x) + log8(x2 + 1 – 2x) =
3
4
Sol. 2log 8  2x   log 8  x  1 
2

3
  2log8 x  1  43
 2log 8  2x (Change it into exponential form)

2
 log 8 2x x  1  –∞ ∞
3
2
 2x x  1   8  4
3 1

x x1 2

Case (i): When x < 1, then

–x (x – 1) = 2
⇒ x2 – x + 2 = 0
It’s discriminant D = (–1)2 – 4 × 2 = 1 – 8 = –7 < 0
Hence, no real roots exist, so no solution.
Case (ii): When x ≥ 1, then
x (x –1) = 2
⇒ x2 – x = 2
Logarithm

⇒ x2 – x – 2 = 0

29.
 ⇒ (x –2)(x + 1) = 0
⇒ x = – 1 or x = 2, but x ≥ 1
So, x = 2 is the only solution.

2log 3 ( x − 2 ) + log 3 ( x − 4 ) = 0
2
(ii)

Sol. 2log 3 ( x − 2) + 2log 3 x − 4 = 0

⇒ log 3 ( x − 2 ) x − 4 = 0 (Change it into exponential form)

⇒ (x – 2) |x – 4| = 1
–∞ ∞

4
Case (i): When x < 4, then

− ( x − 2 )( x − 4 ) = 1
⇒ x2 − 6x + 8 = −1
⇒ x2 − 6x + 9 = 0
⇒ (x – 3)2 = 0 ⇒ x = 3
Case (ii): When x ≥ 4

( x − 2)( x − 4 ) = 1
⇒ x2 − 6x + 8 = 1
⇒ x2 − 6x + 7 = 0

6± 8
⇒x=
2

⇒ x = 3 + 2,   x = 3 − 2
but x ≥ 4 So, x = 3 + 2
Hence, x = 3 or x = 3 + 2 is the solution.

( ) ( ) = log ( 4 − x )
2 2
(iii) log 4 x2 − 1 − log 4 x − 1 4

(x − 1) − log ( x − 1) = log 4 − x
2
Sol. log 4 2
4 4

⇒ log 4
( x − 1) = log 4 − x = log x − 4
2

( x − 1)
2 4 4

⇒
(x 2
−1 ) = x−4
( x − 1)
2
Logarithm

30.
 ⇒
( x − 1)( x + 1) = x − 4
( x − 1)
2

⇒
( x + 1) = x − 4
( x − 1)
–∞ ∞
4
Case (i): When x < 4
x+1
= − ( x − 4)
x−1
⇒ −x − 1 = ( x − 1)( x − 4 )

⇒ –x – 1 = x2 – 5x + 4
⇒ x2 – 4x + 5 = 0, Since D < 0
Hence no real roots.

Case(ii): When x ≥ 4
x+1
 
x−1
= x−4 ( )

⇒ ( x + 1) = ( x − 4 )( x − 1)

⇒ ( x + 1) = x2 − 5x + 4

⇒ x2 − 6x + 3 = 0

⇒ x =3± 6

⇒ x = 3 + 6  , 3 − 6   
Since x ≥ 4 so x = 3 + 6
10x2 − 1 3x
(iv) x − 2 =x−2
Sol. Comparing the powers,
10x2 − 1 = 3x
⇒ 10x2 − 3x − 1 = 0

⇒ 10x2 − 5x + 2x − 1 = 0
 5x ( 2x − 1) + ( 2x − 1) = 0

⇒ ( 2x − 1)( 5x + 1) = 0

1 or 1
⇒x= x=−
2 5
Logarithm

31.
 When base is equal to 1, we get
|x –2| = 1
⇒x–2=±1
⇒ x = 3 and x = 1
2
(v) | x − 3 |3x − 10x + 3
=1
2 0
Sol. | x − 3 |3x = x − 3
− 10x + 3
(Comparing the powers)
⇒ 3x – 10x + 3 = 0
2

⇒ 3x2 – 9x – x + 3 = 0
⇒ 3x(x –3) –1(x –3) = 0
⇒ (x – 3)(3x – 1) = 0
1
⇒x= ,3
3
When base is equal to 1,
|x – 3| = 1
⇒x–3=±1
⇒ x = 4, 2
When x = 3, base is 0, so we reject this.
1
So x = 4, 2, is the solution.
3
Graphs of logarithm:

( )
f x = log a x,   x > 0,   a ≠ 1,   a > 0
Case-1:
a>1 y

()
Ex.: f x = log 2 x = y

x=
1 , y = –1
y = logax, when a > 0, a  0
2
1 x
x= , y = –2 (1, 0)
4
x = 1, y = 0
x = 2, y = 1
x = 4, y = 2
x = 8, y = 3
x = 16, y = 4 y
y =f(x) = logax
Case-2: where 0 < a < 1
0<a<1
Ex.: f (x ) = log 1 x = y (1, 0)
2
x
x = 2, y = – 1
Logarithm

x = 4, y = – 2
x = 8, y = – 3
x = 16, y = – 4
32.
Note:

1. W
 henever the number and base are on 2. W
 henever the number and base are on
the same side of unity then logarithm of the opposite side of unity then logarithm
that number to the same base is positive. of that number to the base is negative.

( )
(i)  y = f x = log a x > 0 ⇒ x,  a are on the same side of unity.

(ii)  y = f ( x ) = log a
x < 0 ⇒ x,  a are on the opposite side of unity.

  17
( )
Q1. Solve log 4 log 3 x + log 1  log 1 y  = 0 and x + y =
2 2
.
  4
4  3 

 
( )
Sol. log 4 log 3 x + log 1  log 1 y  = 0 .... (i)
4  3 

17
x2 + y 2 = ....(ii)
4
 
log 4 (log 3 x ) − log 4  log 1 y  = 0
 
 3 

 
⇒ log 4 (log 3 x ) = log 4  log 1 y 
 
 3 

log 3 x = log 1 y 
3

 log 3 x = − log 3 y

1
log 3 x = log 3
y

1
 x =
y

1 17
Equation (ii), x2 + = , put x2 = t
x 2
4
1 17
t+ =
t 4

t 2 + 1 17
⇒ =
t 4

Logarithm

33.
 ⇒ 4t 2 + 4 = 17t

⇒ 4t 2 − 17t + 4 = 0
1
⇒ t = 4,
4

1
⇒ x2 = 4,   
4
1 1
⇒ x = ±2,   ± but x > 0 ⇒ x = 2  and y =  
2 2
Graphs of Exponential
f ( x ) = ax   a > 0, a≠1

Case-1: a > 1
y

f(x) = ax
a>1
(0, 1)
x

Ex.: ( )
y =  f x = 2
x

x = 1, y=2
x = 2, y=4 Increasing
x = 3, y = 8

Case-2: 0<a<1
y
y = ax = f(x)
0<a<1

(0, 1)

x
Logarithm

34.
 x
 1
( )
Ex.:  f x =  
2
1
x = 1, y=
2
1
x = 2, y=
4
1
x = 3, y= Decreasing
8

()
x → ∞  ⇒ f x → 0

x → −∞  ⇒ f (x ) → ∞

Logarithmic Inequalities
1.
f ( x ) = log a x
(i)  When a > 1 and x1 > x2 ⇔ log a x 1 > log a x2
(ii)   When 0 < a < 1 and x1 > x2 ⇔ log a x 1 < log a x2

2.
f ( x ) = ax
x1 x2
(i)  When a > 1 and x1 > x2 ⇔ a >a
x1 x2
(ii)  When 0 < a < 1 and x1 > x2 ⇔ a <a

Q1. Find ‘x’

(
(i) log 1 2x + 1 > 0 )
2

( )
Sol. log 1 2x + 1 > log 1 1
2 2

⇒ ( 2x + 1) < 1

⇒x<0

and
( 2x + 1) > 0
1
⇒x>−
2
 1 
By Intersection, x ∈  − , 0 
Logarithm

 2 

35.
 (ii) log 2 ( x + 2) > 0
( )
Sol. log 2 x + 2 > log 2 1
⇒ (x + 2) > 1
⇒x>–1
and x + 2 > 0
⇒x>–2
By intersection, we get x > – 1 or x ∈ (–1, ∞).

(iii) 23−6x > 1

Sol. 23−6x > 20
⇒ 3 – 6x > 0
⇒ 6x < 3
⇒x<
3
6
1
⇒x<
2
 1
 x ∈   –∞, 
 2

2x + 1
 1
(iv)   > 125
5
Sol. 5 ( ) > 53
− 2x + 1

⇒ −2x − 1 > 3
⇒ −2x > 4
⇒ x < −2
⇒ x ∈ ( −∞, −2 )

(v) log 0.3 x − 2 > 0

Sol. log 0.3 x − 2 > log 0.3 1
⇒ |x – 2| < 1
⇒–1<x–2<1
⇒1<x<3
and |x –2| = 1 ⇒ x – 2 = ± 1 ⇒ x = 3 or 1
and |x – 2| ≠ 0 ⇒ x ≠ 2
( ) ( ) ( ) {}
By Intersection, x ∈ 1, 2 ∪ 2, 3 or x ∈ 1, 3  – 2
Logarithm

36.
 (
(vi) log 8 x2 − 4x + 3 ≤ 1 )
Sol. log 8 (x 2
− 4x + 3) ≤ log 8
8

⇒ x − 4x + 3 ≤ 8 and x2 − 4x + 3 > 0
2

⇒ x2 − 4x − 5 ≤ 0 and x − 4x + 3 > 0
2

⇒ x2 − 5x + x − 5 ≤ 0 and x2 − 3x − x + 3 > 0
⇒ x (x-5) + 1 (x-5) ≤ 0 and x ( x − 3) − 1 ( x − 3) > 0
⇒ ( x − 5 )( x + 1) ≤ 0 and ( x − 3 )( x − 1) > 0

(
⇒ x ∈  −1,  5 and x ∈ −∞, 1 ∪ 3, ∞ ) ( )
By intersection, x ∈  −1, 1) ∪ ( 3, 5

  x2 + x  
(vii) log 1 
log 6    < 0
 x + 4
2    
0
 x2 + x   1 
Sol. (i) log 6  > 
 x + 4  2
x2 + x
>6
x + 4
 x2 + x 
(ii) log 6  >0
 x + 4 
x2 + x
>1
x + 4
x2 + x
(iii) > 0
x+4
By intersection of (i), (ii) and (iii) we can clearly state that
x2 + x
>6
x+4
x2 + x
⇒ −6 >0
x+4
x2 + x − 6x − 24
⇒ >0
x+4
x2 − 5x − 24
⇒ >0
( x + 4)
Logarithm

37.
 ⇒
( x − 8)( x + 3) > 0
( x + 4)
⇒ x ∈ ( −4, −3 ) ∪ ( 8, ∞ )

  3x +6  

( )
log 1  log 2  
(viii) 0.3 3   x2 + 2   >1
  3x +6  
 3x + 6  3x + 6
( ) > ( 0.3 ) and log 2  2
log 1  log 2  0
 
Sol. 0.3  > 0 and x2 + 2 > 0
2
3  x +2  

x +2
  3x + 6   3x + 6 3x + 6
So, log 1  log 2  2   < 0 and 2 > 1 and 2 >0
3   x + 2   x + 2 x + 2

 3x + 6 
⇒ log 2  2 >1
x +2
3x + 6
⇒ >2
x2 + 2
By intersection, we get
3x + 6
>2
x2 + 2
⇒ 3x + 6 > 2(x2 + 2)
⇒  2x2 + 4 < 3x + 6
⇒ 2x2 – 3x – 2 < 0
⇒ 2x2 – 4x + x – 2 < 0
⇒ 2x(x –2) + 1(x – 2) < 0
⇒ (x –2)(2x + 1) < 0
 1 
⇒ x∈ − , 2
 2  3
  1 x    1 x 
Find the solution of the equation, 2log 9  2   − 1  = log 27    − 4  . Also state
Q2. 
 2   4  
   
whether the solution is rational or irrational.
x x
 1  1
Sol. Suppose   = t so   = t 2
2 4
2 3
2
log 3 ( 2t − 1) = log 3 t 2 − 4
3
( )

⇒ 2t – 1 = t2 – 4
⇒ t2 – 2t – 3=0
⇒ (t – 3) (t + 1) = 0
Logarithm

38.
 ⇒ t = 3, t = – 1
x x
 1  1
⇒   = 3 or   =  – 1 (Not possible)
2 2
⇒ 2− x = 3
⇒ – x log2 = log3
log 3
⇒x= −
log 2
( )
⇒ x  =  − log 2 3   which is irrational.

( 2020) x =
( 2020)
log x 2021
Q3. 
If the product of all solutions of equation can
2021
m
be expressed in the lowest form as . (m,  n ∈ I) then find the value
n
of (m + n).

 2020x 
Sol. log 2021  ( ) (
 = log x 2021 ·log ( 2021) 2020 )
 2021 
⇒ log 2021 2020 + log 2021x − 1 = log x 2021·log 2021 2020

1
Suppose log 2021x = t then log x 2021 =
t
1
Then, log 2021 2020 + t − 1 =  log 2021 2020
t
t ·log 2021 2020 + t 2 − t − log 2021 2020 = 0

⇒ (t – 1) log2021(2020) + t(t – 1) = 0
⇒ (t – 1) (log20212020 + t) = 0
⇒ t = 1 or t = –log20212020
⇒ log2021x = 1 or log2021x = log2021(2020)–1
1
⇒ x = 2021 or x=
2020
Product of solutions
m 2021
=
n 2020
m + n = 2021 + 2020 = 4041
Logarithm

39.
 Q4. The sum of the integral values(s) of a ∈ [–9, 9] so that equation
(x–2)log133 + log13(3x – 7a) = log132 + 2log13 a has integral solution.

( ) (
Sol. log 13 3 · 3 − 7a = log 13 2·a
x −2 x 2
)
( )
⇒ 3x −2 3x − 7a = 2a 2
Put 3 = t, we get
x

t
9
( )
t − 7a = 2a 2

⇒ t 2 − 7at = 18a 2

⇒ t 2 − 9at + 2at − 18a 2 = 0

⇒ (t – 9a) (t + 2a) = 0
⇒ t = 9a or t = – 2a
⇒ 3 = 9a or
x
3x = – 2a
3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , ... = – 2a or
0 1 2 3

1, 3, 9, 27, ... = –2a or

30, 31, 32, ... = 9a

1, 3, 9, ... = 9a
1 3 9
a = ,    ,    , …  
No integral value of a 9 9 9
1 1
a= ,    , 1,   3,   9, …
9 3

a = 1, 3, 9
Sum = 1 + 3 + 9 = 13

Q5.  For i = 1 to 6, let loga(logb(logcxi))=0, where a, b and c represent

every possible different arrangement of 2, 4 and 8. The product
x1x2x3x4x5x6 can be expressed in the form 2N. The value of N, is
(A) 20 (B) 28 (C) 33       (D) 50
Sol. D
loga(logb(logcxi)) = 0
⇒ logb(logcxi) = a = 1
0

⇒ logcxi = b
⇒ xi = cb
a = 2 a = 4 a=8
x = 4 , 8
8 4
x = 2 , 8
8 2
x = 24, 42
x1x2x3x4x5x6 = 82 · 48 · 84 · 28 · 42 · 24 = 216 · 212 · 28 · 26 · 24 · 24 = 250
N = 50
Logarithm

40.