Nature of Chapter:

1) This is not practically a chapter of JEE Main syllabus rather it is a topic

which we study under Basic Mathematics.

2) This topic is primarily a collection of few properties of logarithms which

we use to simplify many expressions, time to time.

3) Primarily we need to practice these properties and their manipulations.

4) Direct questions are not really asked much in Jee, but its applications
(direct/indirect ) is used a lot.
 Logarithms
● Basics of Logarithms
● Properties of Logarithms
● Graph of log function
● Inequalities involving log
Basics of Logarithms

loga b = c
 Basics of Logarithms

loga b = c if b = ac (b > 0 and a > 0 and a ≠ 1)

 Basics of Logarithms

loga b = c if b = ac (b > 0 and a > 0 and a ≠ 1)

Ex. Consider the following examples.

(a) log749 = (b) log1010000 =

(c) (d)

(e) log25125 = (f) =

Q log0.011000 + log0.10.0001 is equal to :

A -2

B 3

C -5/2

D 5/2
Q log0.011000 + log0.10.0001 is equal to :

A -2

B 3

C -5/2

D 5/2
Solution:
We have,
log0.011000 + log0.10.0001
 Q

A 1/8

B 5/8

C 7/8

D 3/2

Ex
 Q

A 1/8

B 5/8

C 7/8

D 3/2

Ex
Solution:

Ex
Q If , then b =

A 2

B 8

C 32

D 64
Q If , then b =

A 2

B 8

C 32

D 64
Solution:
Q If x, y, z be positive real numbers such that log2x(z) = 3,
log5y(z) = 6 and logxy(z) = 2/3 , then the value of z is

A 1/5

B 1/10

C 3/5

D 4/9
Q If x, y, z be positive real numbers such that log2x(z) = 3,
log5y(z) = 6 and logxy(z) = 2/3 , then the value of z is

A 1/5

B 1/10

C 3/5

D 4/9
Solution:

We have, log2x(z) = 3, log5y(z) = 6 and logxy(z) = 2/3

 Basics of Logarithms

Observations :
(a)loga a = 1

(b)loga 1 = 0
Q State True or False:
(a) Value of logba is negative if b > 1 and 0 < a < 1.
Q State True or False:

(b) Value of logba is positive if b > 1 and a > 1.

Properties of Logarithms
 Properties of logarithms

(a) logam + logan = loga mn

(b)

(c) loga(m)n = n logam

Q Find the values of the following expressions
(a) log10 30 - log10 3
(b) log10 tan 1o + log10 tan 2o + . . . . + log10tan 89o

(c)

(d)

(e) 3 log101.5 + log10240 - 2 log10 9

Q Find the values of the following expressions
(a) log10 30 - log10 3
(b) log10 tan 1o + log10 tan 2o + . . . . + log10tan 89o

(c)
Solution:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Ex
Q Find the values of the following expressions

(d)

(e) 3 log101.5 + log10240 - 2 log10 9

Solution:

(d)

(e)

Ex
 Q Find the value of log3 (log5 125).

Ex
Solution:
log3 (log5 125)
= log3 (3)
=1

Ex
 Q Find the value of log2 [log4 (log10164 + log10258)]

Ex
Solution:

log2 [log4 (log10164 + log10258)]

= log2 [log4(log10 (164 x 258))]
= log2 [log4(log10(1016))]
= log2[log416]
= log2 2 = 1

Ex
Q The value of (log10 2)3 + log10 8. log105 + (log105)3 is ____.

Recall :
a3 + b3 = (a + b)3 - 3ab(a + b)
Solution:
Q If a2 + 4b2 = 12ab, then log (a + 2b) is

A ½ (4 log 2 + log a + log b)

B 0

C (log 2 + log a + log b)

D (4 log 2 + log a - log b)

Q If a2 + 4b2 = 12ab, then log (a + 2b) is

A ½ (4 log 2 + log a + log b)

B 0

C (log 2 + log a + log b)

D (4 log 2 + log a - log b)

Solution:
Given, a2 + 4b2 = 12ab
Adding 4ab on both sides, we get
a2 + 4b2 + 4ab = 16ab
(a + 2b)2 = 16ab
Taking log on both sides
log(a + 2b)2 = log(16ab)
2log(a + 2b) = log 16 + log a + log b
2log(a + 2b) = 4 log 2 + log a + log b
log(a + 2b) = ½ (4log 2 + log a + log b)
 Multiple correct question JEE Advanced 2013

Q If 3x = 4x - 1 , then x =

D
 Multiple correct question JEE Advanced 2013

Q If 3x = 4x - 1 , then x =

D
Solution:
Q If log10 sin x + log10 cos x = -1 and
then the value of ‘n’ is

A 24

B 36

C 20

D 12
Q If log10 sin x + log10 cos x = -1 and
then the value of ‘n’ is

A 24

B 36

C 20

D 12
Solution:
Q Solve the following equations:
(a) 2 + log2 8 = log2 (3x + 5)

(b) log3 (x + 1) + log3 (x + 3) = 1

(c) 2 log (x + 1) - log(x2 - 1) = log 2

(d) log2 (log3 x) = 3

(e) log4 (log3 (log2x)) = 0

Q Solve the following equations:
(a) 2 + log2 8 = log2 (3x + 5)
Solution:
2 + log2 8 = log2 (3x + 5)
⇒ log2 4 + log2 8 = log2 (3x + 5)
⇒ log2 32 = log2 (3x + 5)
⇒ 3x + 5 = 32
⇒ 3x = 27
⇒x=9
Q Solve the following equations:
(b) log3 (x + 1) + log3 (x + 3) = 1
Solution:

log3 (x + 1) + log3 (x + 3) = 1
⇒ log3[(x + 1)(x + 3)] = log3 3
⇒ (x + 1)(x + 3) = 3
⇒ x2 + 4x + 3 = 3
⇒ x2 + 4x = 0
⇒ x(x + 4) = 0
⇒ x = 0 , - 4 (x = -4 rejected)
Q Solve the following equations:
(c) 2 log (x + 1) - log(x2 - 1) = log 2
Solution:
2 log(x + 1) - log(x2 - 1) = log 2

⇒ (x + 1)2 = 2(x2 - 1)
⇒ x2 + 2x + 1 = 2x2 - 2
⇒ x2 - 2x - 3 = 0
⇒ (x - 3)(x + 1) = 0
⇒ x = 3, x≠ -1
Q Solve the following equations:
(d) log2 (log3 x) = 3
Solution:
log2 (log3 x) = 3
⇒ log3 x = 23
⇒ log3 x = 8
⇒ x = 38
Q Solve the following equations:
(e) log4 (log3 (log2x)) = 0
Solution:
log4 (log3 (log2x) = 0
⇒ log3 log2 x = 40
⇒ log2 x = 31
⇒ x = 23 = 8
Q Solve the following equation:
Solution:
 If the product of the roots of the equation,
Q

(where a, b ∈ N) then the value of (a + b).

Solution:
Q Find the value of
Solution:
 Q Solve the following system of equations:
loga x loga(xyz) = 48
loga y loga(xyz) = 12, a > 0, a ≠ 1.
Solution: loga z loga(xyz) = 84
 Properties of logarithms
Lets prove :

(a) logam + logan = loga mn

 Properties of logarithms

(a) logam + logan = loga mn

(b)

(c) loga(m)n = n logam

Now lets study further properties

 Properties of logarithms

(d) where c > o and c ≠ 1

(*) This is called Base Change Property

(e)

(*) Whenever log is in power, property (e) is useful)

(f)
 Properties of logarithms
We may straight away observe three important deductions
using the base change property.
 Properties of logarithms
We may straight away observe three important deductions
using the base change property.

(1) logc b × logb a = logc a (we may prove it by cross multiplying)

Generalized result is loga b × logb c × logc d = loga d
 Properties of logarithms
We may straight away observe three important deductions
using the base change property.

(1) logc b × logb a = logc a (we may prove it by cross multiplying)

Generalized result is loga b × logb c × logc d = loga d

(2) (we may prove it by taking c = b)

 Properties of logarithms
We may straight away observe three important deductions
using the base change property.

(1) logc b × logb a = logc a (we may prove it by cross multiplying)

Generalized result is loga b × logb c × logc d = loga d

(2) (we may prove it by taking c = b)

(3) (we may prove it using base change)

Q If logba . logca + logab . logcb + logac . logbc = 3,
where a, b, c are different positive real numbers ≠ 1),
then find the value of abc.

Recall :
x3 + y3 + z3 = 3xyz iff x = y = z or x + y + z = 0.
Solution:
Q The value of is____

A 1

B 6

C 2/3

D 3
Q The value of is____

A 1

B 6

C 2/3

D 3
Solution:
 Find the value of
Q
log3 4 x log4 5 x log5 8 x log2 9 x log9 11 x log11 17 x log17 81 .

Result :
logc b × logb a = logc a
Solution:
Q If x, y, and z are the sides of a right angled triangle, where ‘z’ is

the hypotenuse, then find the value of

A 1

B 2

C 3

D 4

Recall :
Q If x, y, and z are the sides of a right angled triangle, where ‘z’ is

the hypotenuse, then find the value of

A 1

B 2

C 3

D 4
Solution:
Here x, y, and z are the sides of a right angled triangle
So, z2 = x2 + y2
Q
Prove that:

Recall :
Solution:
Q Prove that:

Recall :
Solution:
Q

then the value of N is _________

Recall :
Q

then the value of N is _________

Ans: 120
Solution:
Solution:
Q Solve for x: logx 2 × log2x 2 = logx 2.

Recall :
Solution:
Solution:
Q If y2 = xz and ax = by = cz , then

A logba = logc b

B logcb= loga c

C loga c = logb a

D loga b = 2 loga c
Q If y2 = xz and ax = by = cz , then

A logba = logc b

B logcb= loga c

C loga c = logb a

D loga b = 2 loga c
Solution:
Q If b2 = ac and ax = by = cz , then

D
Q If b2 = ac and ax = by = cz , then

D
Solution:
Let ax = by = cz = k

Given, b2 = ac
 Properties of logarithms

(e)

(*) Whenever log is in power, property (e) is useful)

Q Simplify the following:

Recall :
,
Solution:

(a) (b)
Q
The value of is:

A 814

B 625

C 216

D None

Recall :
,
Q
The value of is:

A 814

B 625

C 216

D None
Solution:
Q The value of is ____

A 27/2

B 25/2

C 625/16

D None of these
Q The value of is ____

A 27/2

B 25/2

C 625/16

D None of these
Solution:
Q Calculate:
Solution:
 JEE Advanced 2018

Q
The value of is
 JEE Advanced 2018

Q
The value of is

Ans: 8
Solution:
Q Solve the equation:

Result :
Solution:
Q Prove that: =1

Result :
Solution:
Q Prove that:
Solution:
Q Find the number of digits in 256, given that log102 = 0.301
Solution:
Q Given that log(2) = 0.3010…., the number of
digits in the number 20002000 is

A 6601

B 6602

C 6603

D 6604
Q Given that log(2) = 0.3010…., the number of
digits in the number 20002000 is

A 6601

B 6602

C 6603

D 6604
Solution:
Q If log(2) = 0.301 and log(3) = 0.477, then the
number of digits in (108)10 is

A 21

B 19

C 22

D 20
Q If log(2) = 0.301 and log(3) = 0.477, then the
number of digits in (108)10 is

A 21

B 19

C 22

D 20
Solution:
 Q Express log30 8 in terms of log30 3 & log30 5.
Solution:
 Q Express log30 3 in terms of log30 2 & log30 5.
Solution:
 Q Express log10 36 in terms of log10 3 & log10 5.
Solution:
Graph of Logarithmic Function
Graph of Logarithmic Function

y = logax, a > 0, a ≠ 1, x > 0

Y Y

a>1 0<a<1

X X
O O
Inequalities involving Log
 Inequalities involving Log

Result :

(a) loga x2 > logax1

(b) loga x > p

 Inequalities involving Log

Remark :
While solving equations and inequations involving log,
be careful about domain.
Q Solve for x:
Solution:
Q Solve for x: log5(3 - 2x) ≥ log5 (4x + 1)
Solution:
Q Solve for x: log10(x2 - 5x) < log106
Solution:

… (1)

Also,

x < 0 or x > 5 … (2)

Now,
Q
Solve for x:
Solution:

Also,

… (2)

… (1)
 Solve the following:
Q
log10 x + log10(x + 1) > log10 (2x)
Solution:
Q Solve: log4(log2(log3(x2 + 4x - 23))) > 0

A (-8, 4)

B (-∞, -8) ∪ (4, ∞)

C (-4, 8)

D (-∞, -4) ∪ (8, ∞)

Q Solve: log4(log2(log3(x2 + 4x - 23))) > 0

A (-8, 4)

B (-∞, -8) ∪ (4, ∞)

C (-4, 8)

D (-∞, -4) ∪ (8, ∞)

Solution:

log4(log2(log3(x2 + 4x - 23))) > 0

log2(log3(x2 + 4x - 23)) > 40
log3(x2 + 4x - 23) > 21
x2 + 4x - 23 > 32
x2 + 4x - 32 > 0
x2 + 8x - 4x - 32 > 0
x(x + 8) - 4(x + 8) > 0
(x - 4)(x + 8) > 0
∴ x ∈ (-∞, -8) ∪ (4, ∞)
Q Solve: log4log2(log2(log3(x2 -5x + 87))) > 0

A (2, 3)

B (-∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞)

C (-2, 3)

D (-∞, -2) ∪ (2, ∞)

Q Solve: log4log2(log2(log3(x2 -5x + 87))) > 0

A (2, 3)

B (-∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞)

C (-2, 3)

D (-∞, -2) ∪ (2, ∞)

Solution:

log4log2(log2(log3(x2 -5x + 87))) > 0

log2(log2(log3(x2 - 5x + 87))) > 40
log2(log3(x2 - 5x + 87)) > 21
log3(x2 - 5x + 87) > 22
x2 - 5x + 87 > 34
x2 - 5x + 6 > 0
x2 - 3x - 2x + 6 > 0
x(x - 3) - 2(x - 3) > 0
(x - 2)(x - 3) > 0
∴ x ∈ (-∞, 2) ∪ (3, ∞)