Laws of logarithms

A comprehensive guide on the laws of logarithms for CBSE Class 11 Applied Mathematics, covering product, quotient, power, and base-change properties with step-by-step solutions.

Product and Quotient Laws

Logarithmic functions simplify complex multiplications and divisions into additions and subtractions. The Product Law states that the log of a product is the sum of the logs of its factors. The Quotient Law states that the log of a quotient is the difference between the log of the numerator and the denominator.

log_b(MN) = log_b(M) + log_b(N); log_b(M/N) = log_b(M) - log_b(N)
Example 1: Evaluate log_2(8 * 16)
Show Step-by-Step Solution

• Apply the product rule: log_2(8) + log_2(16)
• Identify that 8 = 2^3 and 16 = 2^4
• Evaluate the logs: 3 + 4
• Calculate final sum: 7

Answer: 7

Power and Change of Base Laws

The Power Law allows exponents inside a logarithm to be moved as a multiplier in front of the log. The Change of Base Law is critical when calculating logarithms with different bases, allowing conversion to a common base like 10 or 'e'.

log_b(M^k) = k * log_b(M); log_a(b) = log_c(b) / log_c(a)
Example 1: Simplify log_3(81^2)
Show Step-by-Step Solution

• Apply power law: 2 * log_3(81)
• Express 81 as 3^4: 2 * log_3(3^4)
• Bring exponent 4 to the front: 2 * 4 * log_3(3)
• Since log_3(3) = 1, calculate 8 * 1

Answer: 8