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2.2 Laws of Logarithms

This document covers the laws of logarithms and their applications in solving logarithmic and exponential equations. It outlines key logarithmic identities, provides examples, and emphasizes the importance of checking the validity of solutions. Additionally, it highlights the use of logarithmic laws in simplifying expressions and solving hidden quadratic equations.

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Vikram Karthikgayan
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12 views12 pages

2.2 Laws of Logarithms

This document covers the laws of logarithms and their applications in solving logarithmic and exponential equations. It outlines key logarithmic identities, provides examples, and emphasizes the importance of checking the validity of solutions. Additionally, it highlights the use of logarithmic laws in simplifying expressions and solving hidden quadratic equations.

Uploaded by

Vikram Karthikgayan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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YOUR NOTES
A Level Maths CIE 

2.2 Laws of Logarithms

CONTENTS
2.2.1 Laws of Logarithms
2.2.2 Exponential Equations

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2.2.1 Laws of Logarithms YOUR NOTES


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Laws of Logarithms YOUR NOTES


What are the laws of logarithms? 

There are many laws or rules of indices, for example


am x an = am+n
(am)n = amn
There are equivalent laws of logarithms (for a > 0)
loga xy = loga x + loga y
⎛x ⎞
loga ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = loga x − loga y
⎝y ⎠
loga x k = k loga x

There are also some particular results these lead to


loga a = 1
loga ax = x
log x
a a =x
loga 1 = 0

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⎛1
loga ⎜⎜
⎞⎟
⎟ = − loga x
YOUR NOTES
⎝x ⎠ 

Two of these were seen in the notes Logarithmic Functions


Beware …
… log (x + y) ≠ log x + log y
Results apply to ln too
ln x ≡ logex
In particular eln x = x and ln(ex ) = x
How do I use the laws of logarithms?
Laws of logarithms can be used to …
… simplify expressions
… solve logarithmic equations
… solve exponential equations

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YOUR NOTES

 Exam Tip
Remember to check whether your solutions are valid. log (x+k) is only defined if x
> -k.
You will lose marks if you forget to reject invalid solutions.

 Worked Example

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2.2.2 Exponential Equations YOUR NOTES


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Exponential Equations YOUR NOTES


What are exponential equations? 

An equation where the unknown is a power


In simple cases the solutions can be “spotted”

How do I solve exponential equations?


Laws of Indices are often needed to rewrite equations
Laws of Logarithms are used to solve exponential equations
ln (loge) is often used
Answers are often written in terms of ln

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YOUR NOTES

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YOUR NOTES

What about hidden quadratics?


Look out for “hidden” squared terms, these are hidden quadratics which will need to be
solved
4x = (22)x = 22x = (2x)2
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e2x = (e2)x = (ex)2 YOUR NOTES


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YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

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