The logarithm of a number is the value of the exponent required to raise the value of a given base to the value of the number whose logarithm is being taken. Logarithms find extensive use in science and finance because they allow for exponential values to be expressed in a linear fashion. A common example of this is the Richter scale that measures the magnitude of an earthquake. The numeric evaluation of logarithms is first encountered in intermediate algebra courses.
Instructions
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1
Determine the base of the logarithm being evaluated. This base is given after the word "Log" as a subscript. If no base is given, it is understood to mean that the base is 10.
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2
Rewrite the logarithm as an equation solving for a variable. For example, rewriting Log (100) yields 10^x = 100.
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3
Solve for the newly introduced variable. Continuing from above, 10^x = 100 yields an answer of 2 because 10^2 = 100 or 10 x 10 = 100.