Logarithm of a Power
How to solve the logarithm of a power (loga xm): formula, 3 examples, and their solutions.
Log of 1 (loga 1)
Formula
a0 = 1
Zero Exponent
The exponent is 0.
So loga 1 = 0.
The logarithm of 1 is 0.
Logarthmic Form
This formula is used
when solving logarithm problems.
Log of Itself (loga a)
Formula
a1 = a
The exponent is 1.
So loga a = 1.
The logarithm of itself is 1.
This formula is also used
when solving logarithm problems.
Formula
Formula
loga xm = m loga x
Take the exponent m
out from the log.
Example 1
Example
Solution
8 = 23
Power
Take the exponent 3
out from the log.
log2 23 = 3 log2 2
log2 2 = 1
3⋅1 = 3
So 3 is the answer.
This means 23 = 8.
Example 2
Example
Solution
1/81 = 1/34
1/34 = 3-4
Negative Exponent
Take the exponent -4
out from the log.
log3 3-4 = -4 log3 3
log3 3 = 1
-4⋅1 = -4
So -4 is the answer.
This means 3-4 = 1/81.
Example 3
Example
Solution
32 = 25
Take the exponent 5
out from the log.
log3 25 = 5 log3 2
log3 2 = a
So 5 log3 2 = 5⋅a.
5⋅a = 5a
So 5a is the answer.