What are Logarithms?

A logarithm is defined as the power to which a number must be raised to get some other values.
It is the most convenient way to express large numbers. A logarithm has various important
properties that prove multiplication and division of logarithms can also be written in the form of
logarithm of addition and subtraction.

“The logarithm of a positive real number a with respect to base b, a positive real number not
equal to 1[nb 1], is the exponent by which b must be raised to yield a”.

i.e. by= a ⇔logba=y

Where,

• “a” and “b” are two positive real numbers

• y is a real number
• “a” is called argument, which is inside the log
• “b” is called the base, which is at the bottom of the log.
In other words, the logarithm gives the answer to the question “How many times a number is
multiplied to get the other number?”.

For example, how many 3’s are multiplied to get the answer 27?

If we multiply 3 for 3 times, we get the answer 27.

Therefore, the logarithm is 3.

The logarithm form is written as follows:

Log3 (27) = 3 ….(1)

Therefore, the base 3 logarithm of 27 is 3.

The above logarithm form can also be written as:

3x3x3 = 27

33 = 27 …..(2)

Thus, the equations (1) and (2) both represent the same meaning.
Below are some of the examples of conversion from exponential forms to logarithms.

Exponents Logarithms

62 = 36 Log6 36 = 2

102 = 100 Log10 100 = 2

33 = 27 Log3 27 = 3

Logarithm Types

In most cases, we always deal with two different types of logarithms, namely

• Common Logarithm
• Natural Logarithm

Common Logarithm

The common logarithm is also called the base 10 logarithms. It is represented as log10 or simply
log. For example, the common logarithm of 1000 is written as a log (1000). The common
logarithm defines how many times we have to multiply the number 10, to get the required output.

For example, log (100) = 2

If we multiply the number 10 twice, we get the result 100.

Natural Logarithm

The natural logarithm is called the base e logarithm. The natural logarithm is represented as ln or
loge. Here, “e” represents the Euler’s constant which is approximately equal to 2.71828. For
example, the natural logarithm of 78 is written as ln 78. The natural logarithm defines how many
we have to multiply “e” to get the required output.
For example, ln (78) = 4.357.

Thus, the base e logarithm of 78 is equal to 4.357.

Logarithm Rules and Properties

There are certain rules based on which logarithmic operations can be performed. The names of
these rules are:

• Product rule
• Division rule
• Power rule/Exponential Rule
• Change of base rule
• Base switch rule
• Derivative of log
• Integral of log
Let us have a look at each of these properties one by one

Product Rule

In this rule, the multiplication of two logarithmic values is equal to the addition of their
individual logarithms.

Logb (mn)= logb m + logb n

For example: log3 ( 2y ) = log3 (2) + log3 (y)

Division Rule

The division of two logarithmic values is equal to the difference of each logarithm.

Logb (m/n)= logb m – logb n

For example, log3 ( 2/ y ) = log3 (2) -log3 (y)

Exponential Rule

In the exponential rule, the logarithm of m with a rational exponent is equal to the exponent
times its logarithm.
Logb (mn) = n logb m

Example: logb(23) = 3 logb 2

Change of Base Rule

Logb m = loga m/ loga b

Example: logb 2 = loga 2/loga b

Base Switch Rule

logb (a) = 1 / loga (b)

Example: logb 8 = 1/log8 b

Derivative of log

If f (x) = logb (x), then the derivative of f(x) is given by;

f'(x) = 1/(x ln(b))

Example: Given, f (x) = log10 (x)

Then, f'(x) = 1/(x ln(10))

Integral of Log

∫logb(x)dx = x( logb(x) – 1/ln(b) ) + C

Example: ∫ log10(x) dx = x ∙ ( log10(x) – 1 / ln(10) ) + C

Other Properties

Some other properties of logarithmic functions are:

• Logb b = 1
• Logb 1 = 0
• Logb 0 = undefined

Logarithmic Formulas
logb(mn) = logb(m) + logb(n)

logb(m/n) = logb (m) – logb (n)

Logb (xy) = y logb(x)

Logbm√n = logb n/m

m logb(x) + n logb(y) = logb(xmyn)

logb(m+n) = logb m + logb(1+nm)

logb(m – n) = logb m + logb (1-n/m)

Also check:

• Logarithm Table
• Logarithmic Differentiation
• Difference Between Log and Ln
• Antilog Table

Logarithms Examples

Example 1:

Solve log 2 (64) =?

Solution:

since 26= 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64, 6 is the exponent value and log 2 (64)= 6.

Example 2:

What is the value of log10(100)?

Solution:

In this case, 102 yields you 100. So, 2 is the exponent value, and the value of log10(100)= 2

Example 3:
Use of the property of logarithms, solve for the value of x for log3 x= log3 4+ log3 7

Solution:

By the addition rule, log3 4+ log3 7= log 3 (4 * 7 )

Log 3 ( 28 ). Thus, x= 28.

Example 4:

Solve for x in log2 x = 5

Solution:

This logarithmic function can be written In the exponential form as 25 = x

Therefore, 25= 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 32, x= 32.

Example 5:

Find the value of log5 (1/25).

Solution:

Given: log5 (1/25)

By using the property,

Logb (m/n)= logb m – logb n

log5 (1/25) = log5 1 – log5 25

log5 (1/25) = 0 – log5 52

log5 (1/25) = -2log55

log5 (1/25) = -2 (1) [By using the property loga a = 1)

log5 (1/25) = -2.

Hence, the value of log5 (1/25) = -2

Logarithms Applications

Logarithms are nowadays widely used in the field of science and technology. We can even find
logarithmic calculators which have made our calculations much easier. These find their
applications in surveying and celestial navigation purposes. They are also used in calculations
such as measuring the loudness (decibels), the intensity of the earthquake regarding the Richter
scale, in radioactive decay, to find the acidity (pH= -log10[H+]), etc.
Know more about the basics of maths, formulas, calculators, stay tuned with BYJU’S – The
Learning App and download the app today to learn all Maths-related concepts easily by
exploring more videos.

Frequently Asked Questions on Logarithms

Q1
What are logarithms?

Logarithms are the other way of expressing exponents. A logarithm is defined as the power to
which a number must be raised to get some other values. In other words, it gives the answer to
the question “How many times a number is multiplied to get the other number?”. The logarithm
of a number is expressed as
logb x = y
Q2
What are the two different types of logarithms?
The two most common types of logarithms are:
Common Logarithm (or) Base 10 Logarithm
Natural Logarithm (or) Base e Logarithm
Q3
Mention any two properties of the logarithm?

The two important properties of logarithm are:

Logb (mn) = logb m+ logb n
Logb (m/n) = logb m – logb n
Q4
What is the logarithm of 0?
The logarithm of 0 is undefined. Because, we never get the value 0, by raising any value to the
power of anything else.
Q5
What is the logarithm of 10?

The logarithm of 10 is 1. (i.e.,) log10 10 = 1. Hence, the base 10 logarithm of 10 is 1.

What is Permutation?

In mathematics, permutation relates to the act of arranging all the members of a set into
some sequence or order. In other words, if the set is already ordered, then the rearranging of its
elements is called the process of permuting. Permutations occur, in more or less prominent ways,
in almost every area of mathematics. They often arise when different orderings on certain finite
sets are considered.

Click here to learn more about Permutation in maths.

What is a Combination?

The combination is a way of selecting items from a collection, such that (unlike
permutations) the order of selection does not matter. In smaller cases, it is possible to count
the number of combinations. Combination refers to the combination of n things taken k at a time
without repetition. To refer to combinations in which repetition is allowed, the terms k-selection
or k-combination with repetition are often used. Permutation and Combination Class 11 is one of
the important topics which helps in scoring well in Board Exams.

Click here to get more information about Combination.

Permutation and Combination Formulas

There are many formulas involved in permutation and combination concepts. The two key
formulas are:

Permutation Formula

A permutation is the choice of r things from a set of n things without replacement and where the
order matters.

nP = (n!) / (n-r)!
r

Combination Formula

A combination is the choice of r things from a set of n things without replacement and where
order does not matter.

Learn how to calculate the factorial of numbers here.

Difference Between Permutation and Combination

Go through the differences between permutation and combination given below.

Permutation Combination

Arranging people, digits, numbers, alphabets, letters, and Selection of menu, food, clothes, subjects,
colours team.

Picking a team captain, pitcher and shortstop from a

Picking three team members from a group.
group.
 Permutation Combination

Picking two favourite colours, in order, from a colour Picking two colours from a colour
brochure. brochure.

Picking first, second and third place winners. Picking three winners.

Uses of Permutation and Combination

A permutation is used for the list of data (where the order of the data matters) and the
combination is used for a group of data (where the order of data doesn’t matter).

Solved Examples of Permutation and Combinations

Example 1:

Find the number of permutations and combinations if n = 12 and r = 2.

Solution:

Given,

n = 12
r=2

Using the formula given above:

Permutation:

n
Pr = (n!) / (n-r)! =(12!) / (12-2)! = 12! / 10! = (12 x 11 x 10! )/ 10! = 132

Combination:

���=�!�!(�−�)!
12!2!(12−2)!=12!2!(10)!=12×11×10!2!(10)!=66
Example 2:

In a dictionary, if all permutations of the letters of the word AGAIN are arranged in an order.
What is the 49th word?

Solution:

Start with the letter A The arranging the other 4 letters: G, A, I, N = 4! = 24 First 24 words

Start with the letter G arrange A, A, I and N in different ways: 4!/2! = 12 Next 12 words

Start with the letter I arrange A, A, G and N in different ways: 4!/2! = 12 Next 12 words

This accounts up to the 48th word. The 49th word is “NAAGI”.

Example 3:

In how many ways a committee consisting of 5 men and 3 women, can be chosen from 9 men
and 12 women?

Solution:

Choose 5 men out of 9 men = 9C5 ways = 126 ways

Choose 3 women out of 12 women = 12C3 ways = 220 ways

Total number of ways = (126 x 220)= 27720 ways

The committee can be chosen in 27720 ways.

Permutation and Combination – Practice Questions

Question 1: In how many ways can the letters be arranged so that all the vowels come together?
Word is “IMPOSSIBLE.”

Question 2: In how many ways of 4 girls and 7 boys, can be chosen out of 10 girls and 12 boys
to make the team?
Question 3: How many words can be formed by 3 vowels and 6 consonants taken from 5 vowels
and 10 consonants?

Frequently Asked Questions on Permutations and Combinations

Q1
What do you mean by permutations and combinations?

A permutation is an act of arranging objects or numbers in order.

Combinations are the way of selecting objects or numbers from a group of objects or collections,
in such a way that the order of the objects does not matter.
Q2
Give examples of permutations and combinations.

An example of permutations is the number of 2 letter words that can be formed by using the
letters in a word say, GREAT; 5P_2 = 5!/(5-2)!
An example of combinations is in how many combinations we can write the words using the
vowels of the word GREAT; 5C_2 =5!/[2! (5-2)!]
Q3
What is the formula for permutations and combinations?

The formula for permutations is: nPr = n!/(n-r)!

The formula for combinations is: nCr = n!/[r! (n-r)!]
Q4
What are the real-life examples of permutations and combinations?

Arranging people, digits, numbers, alphabets, letters, and colours are examples of permutations.
Selection of menu, food, clothes, subjects, the team are examples of combinations.
Q5
Write the relation between permutations and combinations.
The formula for permutations and combinations are related as:
nCr = nPr/r!
Q6
Give the applications of permutation and combination in mathematics.
In Mathematics, the concept called “permutation and combinations” are applied in probability,
relations and functions, set theory and so on.
Q7
What is the factorial formula?

The factorial formula is used in the calculation of permutations and combinations, which is
obtained by taking the product of all numbers in the sequence (i.e., from 1 to n). For example, 3!
= 3 × 2 × 1 = 6.
Q8

What does nCr represent?

n
Cr represents the number of combinations from “n” objects taken “r” at a time.