Easy way to remeber logarithms?

[DixieGirl]

Is there any easy way to remember logarithms?

[tryingtesc]

Hey DixieGirl,

Not to be a smart butt, but, practice, practice, practice.

What "part" seems to be troubling you? Logs are used with unknown exponents, they are the inverse of exponentials.

Practicing re-writing functions from exponential form (y=b^x) to logarithmic form (x=log b y) ,the base "b" should be subscript, can help.
For example:
Exp. Form---4=2^x into Log Form----x=log2 4 (the "2" should be subscript)

Then the way to solve for "x" on the calculator is log4 divided by log2.

When written on paper it is easy to remember to divide log4 by log2 because the log4 is "on top", just like fractions(division).

^ = raised to that exponent

Which test are you preparing for? If Solving systems of equations containing logs, you will need more help than I have provided, and I suggest getting a tutor. If you just need refreshing, online resources should be enough to help. I do not know what sort of math background you have. Good Luck.

Best Regards,
Jason

[DixieGirl]

Okay, thanks. I am really really dreading studying these!

[Drummerboy]

That's a good question. Princeton Review's ACT book has a little section on logarithms (page 139).

Say a logarithm is logx 64 = 6. Just remember that the 6 on the right will be the exponent of the little "x". Then, use your calculator to see what number multiplied by itself six times equals 64. Hope this helps and is not more confusing!

Click on link below for example picture if it does not show up on this page.

Logarithm.JPG