Identify the exponent of the exponential term. The term is the mathematical expression containing the base and its exponent. The exponent is the power to which the base is raised. For example, the term "m^n" has the base "m" and an exponent "n."
Apply a logarithmic function (log) to the term. You may also use a natural logarithm (referred to as the ln function). The term becomes the argument of the logarithmic function. For example, applying a logarithmic function to the term m^n yields the expression "log (m^n) or ln (m^n)." Note that the natural logarithm "ln" uses the logarithmic base "e" which is approximately equal to 2.7.
Simplify the logarithmic function by applying the logarithmic rule for exponents. Move the exponent of the argument of the logarithm to the position of coefficient of the logarithm. For example, applying the logarithmic rule for exponents to the expression "log (m^n)" yields "n x log (m)." In like manner, the expression "ln (m^n)" becomes "n x ln (m)." In these examples, "n" is moved from an exponent position to a coefficient position in the mathematical expression.