Mhf4ub Unit 1 Lesson 02

2
MHF4U-B
Introduction to Logarithms
Lesson 2, page 1
Advanced Functions MHF4U-B
Introduction
Scientists such as chemists, astronomers, and geologists are
often confronted with either extremely large or extremely
small numbers. A chemist may work with chemicals whose
concentration of ions is in the realm of 0.000 000 001 or
0.000 000 1. These numbers are very difficult to compare as
they stand, so you can look at them as concentrations of 109
or 107. You could say that one chemical is 100 (or 102) times as
concentrated as the other. Another approach is to streamline
the whole idea and say the one chemical is a factor of 2 more
powerful than the other. The 2 represents the exponent on 10.
This number, 2, is also called a logarithm.
A geologist may compare two earthquakes, one of which is
100 000 times as powerful as the other. She may say the first
was 105 times as intense or, using the exponent (or logarithm),
she may say that it was more powerful by a factor of 5.
In this unit, you will become familiar with the concept and
application of logarithms.
Estimated Hours forCompleting This Lesson
Part A: Introduction to Logarithms
1.25
Part B: Laws of Logarithms
1.25
Part C: Applications of Logarithms
1.25
Key Questions
0.75
What You Will Learn

After completing this lesson, you will be able to
explain the relationship between exponential and logarithmic
expressions
use laws of logarithms to solve numeric expressions
identify key features of logarithmic functions
solve exponential and logarithmic equations
Copyright 2012 The Ontario Educational Communications Authority. All rights reserved.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 2
Part A: Introduction to Logarithms

Definition of Logarithm
You are familiar with the concept of exponents:
23 = 8 means to multiply 2 by itself three times to get 8.
(23 = 2 2 2 = 8)
You can say, The base 2 with an exponent 3 gives 8.
Alternatively, The exponent put on 2 to give a result of 8 is 3.
This exponent, 3, is also called a logarithm, and 23 = 8 may also
be written as log28 = 3.
34 = 81 is read as Put the exponent 4 on the base of 3 to give
81. Alternatively, the exponent put on 3 to give a result of 81 is
4. This exponent, 4, is also called a logarithm. 34 = 81 may also be
written as log381 = 4.
Generally, logax = y
ay = x
Examples
Express each of the following in logarithmic form:

a) 53 = 125
b) 25 = 32
c) 70 = 1
1
81
d)
34 =
e)
1
1
11 = 121

f)
1
3

g)
= 27
8=2
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 3
Solutions
a) log5125 = 3
b) log232 = 5
c) log71 = 0
1
d) log 3
= 4
81
1
e) log 1
=2
121
11
f)
log 1 27 = 3
3
g)
8 =8
1
3
1
3
8 =2
log 8 2 =
1
3
Examples
Express each of the following in exponential form:

a) log2128 = 7
b) log5625 = 4
1
c) log 3 = 3
27
d)
9
log 3 = 2
16
4
e)
1
1
log 8 =
2
3
f)
log 2 2 =
1
2
Solutions
a) 27 = 128
b) 54 = 625
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 4
c)
33 =
1
27
d)
e)
f)
9
3
4 = 16

1
!
1
8 3=
2
1
2
2 = 2
Examples
Evaluate each of the following:

a) log5125
b) log381
1
log 2
32
d) log82
c)
e)
1
log 1
8
2
f)
log 3 27 3
g)
2log 2 8
h) 7
log 7
1
49
Solutions
a) 53 = 125, so log5125 = 3
b) 34 = 81, so log381 = 4
1
1
c) 25 =
, so log 2 = 5
32
32
3
1
3
d) 8 = 2 , so 2 = 8 , so log 8 2 =
1
3
e)
1
1
1
2 = 8 , so log 1 8 = 3

2
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 5
f)
7
1 3+ 1
7
2
2
27 3 = 3 3 = 3 = 3 2 , so log 3 27 3 =
2

3
( )
g) log28 = 3, so 2log 2 8 = 23 = 8
1
log 7
1
1
49
h) log 7
= 2 , so 7
= 72 =
49
49
Logarithmic Equations
There are times in science, nature, and economics when you need
to evaluate or solve a logarithmic equation for the value of a
variable.
What interest rate will be needed to achieve a monetary goal?
How much of an isotope of a radioactive substance was
present in a bone when the body died?
If irreparable damage is done to eardrums at a certain decibel
level, how much louder does a rock concert have to be before
permanent damage is done?
In much the same way as you solved for unknowns with
elementary equations, you can also solve for variables in
logarithmic equations.
Examples
Solve for each of the following:

a) log5x = 2
b) logx49 = 2
3
c) log 9 x =
2
d) logx2 = 3
Solutions
a) Since log5x = 2 means x = 52, then x =
1
.
25
b) Since logx49 = 2 means x2 = 49, then x = 7.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 6
3
1
3
3
2 , then x = 9 2
c) Since log 9 x = means x = 9
= 3 = 27 .
2

d) Since logx2 = 3 means x = 2, then x = 3 2 = 2 3 .

3
Nature and physics do not always present numbers that are

kind. That is, many of the values you work with are not integer
values or powers of each other. There are times when you need to
find the logarithm of a number that is not an integral power of
the base.
Example
Evaluate log2100.
Solution
You are trying to solve log2100 = x or 2x = 100.

You know that 26 = 64 and 27 = 128, so 6 < log2100 < 7.
Use a bisection form of trial and error to find the value.
6 + 7
Halfway between 6 and 7 is 6.5
.
2
Try 6.5:
26.5 = 90.51
This is too small.
6.5 + 7
Halfway between 6.5 and 7 is 6.75
.
2
Try 6.75:
26.75 = 107.63
This is too large.
6.5 + 6.75
Halfway between 6.5 and 6.75 is 6.625
.
Try 6.625:
26.625 = 98.70
This is too small.
6.625 + 6.75
.
Try 6.6875:
26.6875 = 103.07
This is too large.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 7
6.625 + 6.6875
.
26.65625 = 100.86
Try 6.65625:
This is too large.

6.625 + 6.65625
.

2
Try 6.640625:

26.640625 = 99.78
As you can see, the values being used are zeroing in on the

actual value of log100 = 6.644.
2

Support Questions

(do not send in for evaluation)
Be sure to try the Support Questions on your own before looking at

the suggested answers provided.

11. Evaluate each of the following:

a) log749

b) log11121
1
c) log2
16

1
log
d) 3
27

e) log164
1
f) log25
5

g) log6416
2log 16
h) 2
log
i) 2 8 2
j) 21
log
Suggested answer
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 8
12. Solve each of the following equations:

a) log5x = 3
b) logx49 = 2
3
2
d) log2(x 1) = 4
c) log9x =
Suggested answer
13. Explain why there is no solution to the equation x = log20.

Suggested answer

Suggested answer
14. Use systematic trial and error to evaluate log3100.

Part B: Laws of Logarithms

Law of Logarithms for Multiplication

(LLM)

Remember from your laws for exponents that ax ay = ax+y.

For example: 23 25 = 23+5 = 28.

You could read this in words as the exponent you get from
multiplying two numbers with the same base is the sum of the
exponents of the powers.
Expressed as a logarithm, this would be

loga(p q) = logap + logaq.

For example:

log2(8 32) = log2256 = 8 (since 28 = 256)

log28 + log232 = log223 + log225 = 3 + 5 = 8
It follows that log2(8 32) = log28 + log232.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 9
Examples

a) log62 + log618
b) log42 + log48
c) log102 + log1025 + log1020
Solutions
a) log62 + log618 = log6(2 18) = log636 = 2

b) log42 + log48 = log4(2 8) = log416 = 2
c) log102 + log1025 + log1020 = log10(2 25 20) = log101000 = 3
Examples

a)
log 3 9 3
b)
4
27
log 2
8
9
Solutions
1
1
5
=2 =
2
2
2
a)
log 3 9 3 = log 3 9 + log 3 3 = 2 +
b)
4
27
8
27
4
log 2
= log 2 + log 2
= 2 + log 2
9
8
9
8
27
3
3
3
3
= 2
2
2 2
3 1
= 2 + log 2
= 2 + log 2 = 2 =
2 2
3 3
3 3
ilc.org
3 1
=
2 2
Lesson 2, page 10
Law of Logarithms for Division (LLD)

Remember from the laws for exponents that ax ay = axy.
For example: 25 22 = 252 = 23.
You could read this in words as The exponent you get from
dividing two numbers with the same base is the difference of the
exponents of the powers.
Expressed as a logarithm, this would be
loga(p q) = logap logaq.
For example:
log2(32 4) = log28 = 3 (since 23 = 8)
log232 log24 = log225 log222 = 5 2 = 3
It follows that log2(32 4) = log232 log24.
Examples

a) log248 log212
b) log3162 log32
c) log58 log5200
Solutions
a) log248 log212 = log2(48 12) = log24 = 2

162
= log 3 81 = 4
b) log 3 162 log 3 2 = log 3
2
8
1
c) log 5 8 log 5 200 = log 5
= log 5 25 = 2
200

ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 11
Law of Logarithms for Powers (LLP)

You also recall from the laws for exponents that (ax)y = axy.
For example: (73)5 = (73)(73)(73)(73)(73) = 73+3+3+3+3 = 715 = 735.
Written in words, this would be The exponent you get from
raising a power to an exponent is the product of the exponents.
In logarithmic form, this is written as logapn = nlogap.
For example:
log7493 = log7(72)3 = log7723 = log776 = 6
log7493 = 3log749 = 3 2 = 6
This implies that log7493 = 3log749.
Examples
Express each of the following as the product of a number and

a log:
a) log5103
b) log456
c) logxyz
Solutions
a) log5103 = 3log510
b) log456 = 6log45
c) logxyz = zlogxy
Examples
Evaluate the following:

a)
log 2 32
b)
log 5 3 25
ilc.org
+ log 3
Lesson 2, page 12
Solutions
a)
b)
1
2
1
1
log 2 32 = ( 5) =
2
2
1
1
1
log 5 3 25 = log 5 25 3 = log 5 25 = ( 2) =
3
3
log 2 32 = log 2 32 =
5
2
2
3
There are times when you may be required to use a combination

of all three laws of logarithms.
Examples

a)
log 3 81 27
b)
3 25
log 5
125
Solutions
1
1
1
3
log 3 81 27 = log 3 81 + log 3 27 = log 3 81 + log 3 27 2 = 4 + log 3 27 = 4 + = 5
2
2
2
1
1
3
1
2
27 = log 3 81 + log 3 27 = 4 + log 3 27 = 4 + = 5
2
2
2
3 25
1
b) log 5
= log 5 3 25 log 5 125 = log 5 25 log 5 53
125
3
1
2
2 9
7
1
= ( 2) 3 = 3 = = = 2

3
3
3 3
3
3
a)
The Common Logarithm

In some fields, people work with other bases. Computer engineers
and computer scientists work in binary (base 2), which is made
up of only the numbers 0 and 1. To simplify their calculations,
they may sometimes work in octal (base 8), but normally find it
more convenient to work in hexadecimal (base 16). (If you would
like to research these bases and their uses, do an Internet search
on octal or hexadecimal arithmetic and see what you can find.)
Mainstream society works almost exclusively in base 10. For this
reason, you will often come up against problems where you will
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 13
be working in base 10 and therefore using log10. Since log10 is

used so often, the practice is to drop the 10 from the log.
If you see, for example, log100, that is the same as log10100.
When no base is indicated, base 10 is understood:
loga = log10a
Support Questions


15.


a) log102.5 + log1040
b) log714 + log73.5
c) log248 log212
d) log3162 log32
e) log58 log5200
f) log36 + log312 log38

16. Evaluate each of the following:

a) log 2 32

b) log 5 3 25

c)
log 2 4 3 16 log 4 3 0.25

d)
log 1000 3 10
17. Use systematic trial and error to evaluate log7.

Suggested answer
Suggested answer
Suggested answer
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 14
Part C: Applications of Logarithms

As you saw in Lesson 1, economic, geopolitical, scientific, and
physical results can be modelled using exponential functions.
Governments need to plan for the future. Infrastructure such as
hospitals, highways, sewage systems, schools, water treatment
plants, electrical generating stations, seniors residences, and
many other things must be planned for and built. To plan
effectively, governments must be able to anticipate future
populations.
Examples
The population of Ontario on July 1, 2006, was 12.69 million, and

it was growing at a rate of 1.1% per year.
a) What will the population be on July 1, 2016?
b) When will the population become 15 million?
Solutions
The population growth model is the same as the compound

interest formula:
A = P(1 + i)n
a) Since P = 12.69, i = 1.1% and n = 10 years
A = 12.69(1 + 0.011)10
A = 12.69(1.011)10

A = 12.69(1.115607836)
A = 14.16

The population will be 14.16 million people.
b) Since A = 15, P = 12.69 and i = 1.1%

15 = 12.69(1.011)n
15
(1.011) n =
12.69

(1.011)n = 1.182
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 15
At this point, two different approaches can be taken to solve

for n:
i)
Trial and error:
For n = 10: (1.011)10 = 1.1156

Try n = 20: (1.011)20 = 1.2446, which is too big
Try n = 15: (1.011)15 = 1.1783, which is too small
Try n = 17: (1.011)17 = 1.2044, which is too big

You would now try n = 16 and gradually narrow down

the value for n until you get something you are happy
with.
ii) Common logarithms:
15 = 12.69(1.011)n
By applying LLM: log15 = log12.69 + log(1.011)n
log15 log12.69 = log(1.011)n
By applying LLP: log15 log12.69 = nlog(1.011)
0.07263 = n(0.00475)
n = 15.29

The decimal part of 15.29 represents a fraction of a year.

In months this fraction is 0.29 year 12 months/year =
3.48 or 3 months.
Therefore the population will reach 15 million in about

15 years, 3 months, or sometime in October 2021.
The Richter scale, which measures the magnitude of

earthquakes, is based on a comparison of intensities to I0, which
is an earthquake of intensity 0. Since the numbers can get
extremely large, a base of 10 is used. This leads to the use of
logarithms base 10, or common logarithms.
I
The equation used is M = log .
I
0
It can be rearranged to I = I0 10M.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 16
Example
How does the intensity of a magnitude 3.3 earthquake compare

to the intensity of a magnitude 4.2 earthquake?
Solution
The magnitude of the first earthquake will be M1, and that of the
second one M2.
I1 = I0 10 M1 and I2 = I0 10 M2
I2 I0 10 M2
=
= 10 M2 M1 = 10 4.23.3 = 100.9 = 7.94
M1
I1 I0 10
The second earthquake is 7.94 times as powerful as the first.
Decibels are a measure of loudness: it is also compared to a base

measure that is the minimum intensity that can be heard by a
human ear. This is I0 = 1012 W/m2 (watts per square metre).
I
The equation used is L = 10 log .
I
0
Example
A typical rock concert measures a dB level of 115, a whisper

measures 30 dB. How many times louder is a rock concert than a
whisper?
Solution
The intensity of the rock concert will be I1, and the whisper I2.
I1
I
11.5
115 = 10 log 1 , so log = 11.5 and I1 = I0 10
I0
I0
I
I
30 = 10 log 2 , so log 2 = 3 and I2 = I0 103
I0
I0
I1 I0 1011.5
=
= 108.5 = 316 227 766
3
I2
I0 10
The concert is about 316 000 000 times louder than a whisper.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 17
pH measures the acidity of substances such as liquids by using

a logarithmic scale based on the relative acidity in moles/litre.
Pure water has a concentration of 107 mol/L of hydrogen ions
(H+). Square brackets are used to indicate concentration. [H+] is
read the concentration of hydrogen ions.
pH is given by pH = log([H+])
Since water has a hydrogen ion concentration of 107 mol/L, its
pH is log107 or 7.
Example
Lemonade has an H+ concentration of 0.0050 mol/L.

What is its pH?
Solution
pH = log0.0050
= (2.301)
= 2.301
The pH of the lemonade is about 2.3.
Example
Colas have a pH of about 2.5. What is the H+ concentration?

Solution
2.5 = log([H+])
2.5 = log([H+])
[H+] = 102.5
[H+] = 0.00316
= 3.16 103
The H+ concentration in cola is about 3.2 103 mol/L.
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 18
Support Questions
18. The earths population is approximately 6 billion people.

It is increasing at about 1.5% per year. How long will it
take for the earths population to become 9 billion? Suggested answer
19. An investor wants to double his money. For how long must he
invest at 4.5% per annum for the original amount to double?

Suggested answer

20. On Sept 30, the Auckland Islands suffered two earthquakes. The

first at 4:23 in the afternoon measured 7.4 on the Richter scale,
while an aftershock at 8:47 in the evening measured 6.6. How

much more powerful was the first earthquake? Suggested answer
21. A gas lawnmower registers at 90 dB, while a typical rock concert
registers 120 dB. How much louder is a rock concert than a
lawnmower?

Suggested answer
22. A flask contains 500 mL of an acid with a pH of 4. If

500 mL of water is added, what will be the pH of the new
solution?

Suggested answer

ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 19
Key Questions
Now work on your Key Questions in the online submission tool.
You may continue to work at this task over several sessions,
but be sure to save your work each time. When you have answered
all the units Key Questions, submit your work to the ILC.
(20 marks)
8. Evaluate each of the following: (6 marks)
a) log636
1
b) 6
log
36
c) log 7 12
7
d) log168
log
e) 3 81 27
f) 1 1
log
3
9. Solve each of the following: (3 marks)

a) log7x = 2
b) logx64 = 3
c) log3(2x 1) = 3
10. Evaluate each of the following: (3 marks)
a) log82 + log832
b) log5150 log56
c) log520 + log510 3log52
11. A GIC pays 6% per annum. How long would it take $3000
to grow to $6000? (3 marks)
12. An earthquake registers 6.1 on the Richter scale. What is
the rating on an earthquake that is twice as powerful?
(3 marks)
13. Use systematic trial and error to evaluate log50. (2 marks)
ilc.org
Lesson 2, page 20
Now go on to Lesson 3. Send your answers to the Key Questions

to ILC when you have completed Unit 1 (Lessons 1 to 5).
ilc.org

Mhf4ub Unit 1 Lesson 02

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2

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Part B: Laws of Logarithms

Part C: Applications of Logarithms

What You Will Learn

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Part A: Introduction to Logarithms

Express each of the following in logarithmic form:

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Express each of the following in exponential form:

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Evaluate each of the following:

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Solve for each of the following:

a) Since log5x = 2 means x = 52, then x =

b) Since logx49 = 2 means x2 = 49, then x = 7.

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

d) Since logx2 = 3 means x = 2, then x = 3 2 = 2 3 .

Nature and physics do not always present numbers that are

You are trying to solve log2100 = x or 2x = 100.

This is too small.

This is too large.

This is too small.

This is too large.

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Halfway between 6.625 and 6.65625 is 6.640625

(do not send in for evaluation)

Be sure to try the Support Questions on your own before looking at

11. Evaluate each of the following:

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

12. Solve each of the following equations:

13. Explain why there is no solution to the equation x = log20.

Law of Logarithms for Multiplication

Remember from your laws for exponents that ax ay = ax+y.

For example: 23 25 = 23+5 = 28.

Expressed as a logarithm, this would be

log2(8 32) = log2256 = 8 (since 28 = 256)

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Evaluate each of the following:

a) log62 + log618 = log6(2 18) = log636 = 2

Evaluate each of the following:

log 3 9 3 = log 3 9 + log 3 3 = 2 +

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Law of Logarithms for Division (LLD)

Evaluate each of the following:

a) log248 log212 = log2(48 12) = log24 = 2

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Law of Logarithms for Powers (LLP)

Express each of the following as the product of a number and

Evaluate the following:

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

There are times when you may be required to use a combination

Evaluate each of the following:

The Common Logarithm

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

be working in base 10 and therefore using log10. Since log10 is

(do not send in for evaluation)

Evaluate each of the following:

f) log36 + log312 log38

log 2 4 3 16 log 4 3 0.25

17. Use systematic trial and error to evaluate log7.

Advanced Functions MHF4U-B

Part C: Applications of Logarithms

The population of Ontario on July 1, 2006, was 12.69 million, and