Unit 02: Logarithms
Mastery Guide: Logarithms — Scientific Notation, Exponential Duality, Laws of Logarithms & Applied Computations
A comprehensive, rigorous study of logarithmic theory aligned with the Pakistan Federal Board (FBISE). Master scientific notation, exponential-logarithmic transformations, characteristic-mantissa decomposition, formal proofs of the four fundamental logarithmic laws, antilogarithms, and computational applications in earthquake Richter scaling, decibels, and astronomical calculations.
• Target Learning Outcomes & Conceptual Roadmap
1. Historical Foundations & Scientific Notation
• Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi (780–850 CE): Developed foundational arithmetic algorithms and exponential manipulation that paved the way for logarithmic theory.
• John Napier (1550–1617): Scottish mathematician who invented logarithms and created tables with base $e \approx 2.71828$ (Natural / Naperian Logarithms).
• Henry Briggs (1561–1630): English mathematician who collaborated with Napier to construct base-10 tables (Common / Briggsian Logarithms).
A number is written in Scientific Notation when expressed as:
$$a \times 10^n \quad \text{where} \quad 1 \le |a| < 10 \quad \text{and} \quad n \in \mathbb{Z}$$
• Reference Position: The space immediately following the first non-zero digit on the left.
• Positive Exponent ($n > 0$): Decimal moves left ($N \ge 10$), e.g., $41,155,002 = 4.1155002 \times 10^7$.
• Negative Exponent ($n < 0$): Decimal moves right ($0 < N < 1$), e.g., $0.000534 = 5.34 \times 10^{-4}$.
2. The Concept & Axiomatic Definition of Logarithm
A logarithm is the inverse mathematical operation of exponentiation. It answers the fundamental question: "To what power must we raise the base $b$ to obtain the value $x$?"
Formal Definition of Logarithm
For any real numbers $x, y \in \mathbb{R}$ and base $b \in \mathbb{R}$ such that $b > 0, b \ne 1$, and $x > 0$: $$\log_b x = y \iff b^y = x$$
• Domain Restriction ($x > 0$): Since a positive base $b > 0$ raised to any real power $y$ is strictly positive ($b^y > 0$), $\log_b(\text{negative number})$ and $\log_b(0)$ are undefined in the real number system $\mathbb{R}$.
4. Complete Derivations of the 4 Laws of Logarithms
Let $\log_b m = x \implies m = b^x \quad \text{--- (1)}$
Let $\log_b n = y \implies n = b^y \quad \text{--- (2)}$
Multiplying (1) and (2): $$m \cdot n = b^x \cdot b^y = b^{x + y}$$ Converting to logarithmic form: $$\log_b(mn) = x + y$$ Substituting $x = \log_b m$ and $y = \log_b n$: $$\mathbf{\log_b(mn) = \log_b m + \log_b n} \quad \blacksquare$$
Let $\log_b m = x \implies m = b^x \quad \text{--- (1)}$
Let $\log_b n = y \implies n = b^y \quad \text{--- (2)}$
Dividing (1) by (2): $$\frac{m}{n} = \frac{b^x}{b^y} = b^{x - y}$$ Converting to logarithmic form: $$\log_b\left(\frac{m}{n}\right) = x - y$$ Substituting $x = \log_b m$ and $y = \log_b n$: $$\mathbf{\log_b\left(\frac{m}{n}\right) = \log_b m - \log_b n} \quad \blacksquare$$
Let $\log_b m = x \implies m = b^x$
Raising both sides to the power $n$: $$m^n = (b^x)^n = b^{nx}$$ Converting to logarithmic form: $$\log_b(m^n) = nx$$ Substituting $x = \log_b m$: $$\mathbf{\log_b(m^n) = n \log_b m} \quad \blacksquare$$
Let $\log_b m = x \implies m = b^x$
Taking logarithm to base $a$ on both sides: $$\log_a m = \log_a(b^x)$$ Applying the Power Law to RHS: $$\log_a m = x \log_a b \implies x = \frac{\log_a m}{\log_a b}$$ Substituting $x = \log_b m$: $$\mathbf{\log_b m = \frac{\log_a m}{\log_a b}} \quad \blacksquare$$
5. Real-World Applications & Number of Digits
Intensity Comparison Ratio: If two earthquakes have magnitudes $M_1$ and $M_2$: $$\frac{I_2}{I_1} = 10^{M_2 - M_1} = \text{antilog}(M_2 - M_1)$$ Example: China (1978, $M_2 = 8.2$) vs Pakistan (2005, $M_1 = 7.6$): $$\frac{I_2}{I_1} = 10^{8.2 - 7.6} = 10^{0.6} \approx \mathbf{3.98 \approx 4\text{ times stronger}}.$$
📚 Complete Solved Textbook Exercises
Step-by-step solutions for Exercises 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and Review Exercise 2 with full mathematical rigor.
📑 Exercise 2.1 — Scientific Notation & Reference Positions
6 Questions • Complete Step-by-StepQuestion 1: Convert the following numbers into scientific notation ($A \times 10^n$, where $1 \le A < 10$ and $n \in \mathbb{Z}$).
- Step 1: Locate original decimal point & reference position:
- In $5700$, the decimal point is at the end: $5700.$
- The first non-zero digit from left is $5$. The reference position is immediately after $5$ ($5_{\wedge}700$).
- Step 2: Count the shift of decimal point:
- We move the decimal point $3$ places to the left to reach the reference position.
- Moving left corresponds to a positive exponent: $n = +3$.
- Step 3: Write in standard scientific notation:
- Step 1: Locate original decimal point & reference position:
- In $49,800,000$, the decimal point is at the end: $49800000.$
- The reference position is after the first non-zero digit $4$ ($4_{\wedge}9800000$).
- Step 2: Count decimal shift:
- Move the decimal point $7$ places to the left: $n = +7$.
- Step 3: Formulate result:
- Step 1: Locate original decimal point & reference position:
- The number is smaller than 1: $0.0000000016$.
- The first non-zero digit is $1$. The reference position is after $1$ ($1_{\wedge}6$).
- Step 2: Count decimal shift:
- Move the decimal point $9$ places to the right to reach after $1$: $n = -9$.
- Step 3: Formulate result:
- Step 1: Locate original decimal point & reference position:
- The number is $0.0074$. First non-zero digit is $7$ ($7_{\wedge}4$).
- Step 2: Count decimal shift:
- Move the decimal point $3$ places to the right: $n = -3$.
- Step 3: Formulate result:
Question 2: Convert the following numbers into standard (ordinary decimal) notation.
- Analysis: The exponent $+7$ is positive, so we shift the decimal point $7$ places to the right.
- Step-by-step expansion:
- Analysis: The exponent $-4$ is negative, so we shift the decimal point $4$ places to the left.
- Step-by-step expansion:
- Analysis: The exponent $-6$ is negative, so we shift the decimal point $6$ places to the left.
- Step-by-step expansion:
- Analysis: The exponent $+8$ is positive, so we shift the decimal point $8$ places to the right.
- Step-by-step expansion:
Question 3: Simplify the following expressions using scientific notation and laws of exponents.
- Step 1: Group coefficients and powers of 10:
- Step 2: Multiply coefficients and add exponents ($a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$):
- Step 1: Group numerical factors and exponential factors:
- Step 2: Divide coefficients and subtract exponents ($\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$):
- Step 1: Simplify numerator first:
- Step 2: Divide by denominator:
- Step 3: Convert to standard scientific notation ($1 \le A < 10$):
- Step 1: Separate coefficients and powers:
- Step 2: Apply quotient rule of exponents:
- Step 3: Adjust to scientific notation:
Question 4: Word Problem (Kalma Pak Recitation)
> Problem Statement: If it takes $5\text{ seconds}$ to recite 'Kalma Pak' once, how many hours will it take to recite 'Kalma Pak' one million ($10^6$) times? Express the answer in standard and scientific notation.
- Given Data:
- Time for 1 recitation = $5\text{ seconds}$
- Total number of recitations = $1,000,000 = 10^6$
- Step 1: Calculate total time in seconds:
- Step 2: Convert seconds into hours:
- Since $1\text{ hour} = 60 \times 60 = 3600\text{ seconds}$:
- Step 3: Express in standard and scientific notation:
- Standard Decimal Form: $\mathbf{1388.89\text{ hours}}$ (or $57\text{ days } 20\text{ hours } 53\text{ minutes } 20\text{ seconds}$)
- Scientific Notation: $\mathbf{1.3889 \times 10^3\text{ hours}}$
Question 5: Word Problem (Speed of Light from Sun to Earth)
> Problem Statement: The distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately $1.5 \times 10^8\text{ km}$. The speed of light is $3.0 \times 10^5\text{ km/s}$. Find the time taken by sunlight to reach the Earth in seconds, and convert it into minutes and seconds.
- Given Data:
- Distance ($S$) = $1.5 \times 10^8\text{ km}$
- Speed of light ($v$) = $3.0 \times 10^5\text{ km/s}$
- Step 1: Apply formula $S = v \times t \implies t = \frac{S}{v}$:
- Step 2: Convert total seconds into minutes and remaining seconds:
- Final Result:
- Time in seconds: $\mathbf{500\text{ s}} = \mathbf{5 \times 10^2\text{ s}}$
- Time in minutes and seconds: $\mathbf{8\text{ minutes } 20\text{ seconds}}$
📑 Exercise 2.2 — Logarithmic & Exponential Transformations
6 Questions • Complete Step-by-StepQuestion 1: Check whether the following logarithmic expressions are defined or undefined in the real number system $\mathbb{R}$. Give mathematical reasons.
- Analysis:
- For $\log_b x$ to be defined in $\mathbb{R}$, the argument must be strictly positive ($x > 0$) and the base must satisfy $b > 0, b \ne 1$.
- Here, base $b = 3 > 0, 3 \ne 1$, but argument $x = -1 \le 0$.
- If we let $\log_3(-1) = y$, then $3^y = -1$. Since any real power of a positive base $3$ is strictly positive ($3^y > 0$ for all $y \in \mathbb{R}$), no real power can produce a negative number.
- Conclusion:
- Analysis:
- The argument is $x = 0$.
- If $\log_2 0 = y \implies 2^y = 0$.
- As $y \to -\infty$, $2^y \to 0$, but $2^y$ is never equal to $0$ for any finite real value of $y$.
- Conclusion:
- General Domain Requirement:
- Case 1: At $x = 1$:
- Argument $= 4 - 2(1) = 4 - 2 = 2 > 0$.
- Expression $= \log_2(2) = 1$.
- Result: $\mathbf{\text{DEFINED, value } = 1}$.
- Case 2: At $x = -1$:
- Argument $= 4 - 2(-1) = 4 + 2 = 6 > 0$.
- Expression $= \log_2(6)$.
- Result: $\mathbf{\text{DEFINED}}$.
- Case 3: At $x = 6$:
- Argument $= 4 - 2(6) = 4 - 12 = -8 < 0$.
- Expression $= \log_2(-8)$.
- Result: $\mathbf{\text{UNDEFINED}}$ (logarithm of a negative number does not exist in $\mathbb{R}$).
Question 2: Convert the following equations from Exponential form to Logarithmic form, or from Logarithmic form to Exponential form.
> Fundamental Rule: $b^y = x \iff \log_b x = y$ (where $b > 0, b \ne 1, x > 0$).
| Part | Given Form | Conversion Process | Converted Equivalent Form |
| : | : | : | : |
| (i) | $a^y = x$ (Exponential) | Base is $a$, exponent is $y$, result is $x$ | $\mathbf{\log_a x = y}$ |
| (ii) | $2^3 = 8$ (Exponential) | Base is $2$, exponent is $3$, result is $8$ | $\mathbf{\log_2 8 = 3}$ |
| (iii) | $3^4 = 81$ (Exponential) | Base is $3$, exponent is $4$, result is $81$ | $\mathbf{\log_3 81 = 4}$ |
| (iv) | $10^{-2} = 0.01$ (Exponential) | Base is $10$, exponent is $-2$, result is $0.01$ | $\mathbf{\log_{10} 0.01 = -2}$ |
| (v) | $5^0 = 1$ (Exponential) | Base is $5$, exponent is $0$, result is $1$ | $\mathbf{\log_5 1 = 0}$ |
| (vi) | $\log_2 16 = 4$ (Logarithmic) | Base is $2$, power is $4$, value is $16$ | $\mathbf{2^4 = 16}$ |
| (vii) | $\log_{10} 0.001 = -3$ (Logarithmic) | Base is $10$, power is $-3$, value is $0.001$ | $\mathbf{10^{-3} = 0.001}$ |
| (viii) | $\log_3 \left(\frac{1}{9}\right) = -2$ (Logarithmic) | Base is $3$, power is $-2$, value is $\frac{1}{9}$ | $\mathbf{3^{-2} = \frac{1}{9}}$ |
| (ix) | $\ln x = y \iff \log_e x = y$ (Logarithmic) | Base is $e$, power is $y$, value is $x$ | $\mathbf{e^y = x}$ |
| (x) | $\log_a 1 = 0$ (Logarithmic) | Base is $a$, power is $0$, value is $1$ | $\mathbf{a^0 = 1}$ |
Question 3: Find the value of the unknown variable $x$ in the following logarithmic equations.
- Step 1: Convert to exponential form:
- Step 2: Evaluate:
- Step 1: Convert to exponential form:
- Step 2: Solve for $x$ (taking principal positive square root since base $x > 0$):
- Step 1: Convert to exponential form:
- Step 2: Express both sides with base $4$:
- Step 1: Convert to exponential form:
- Step 2: Express decimal as fraction & negative power:
- Step 3: Equate bases since exponents are equal:
- Step 1: Convert to exponential form:
- Step 2: Express $1000$ as power of $10$:
- Step 1: Convert to exponential form:
- Step 2: Evaluate using negative exponent rule:
Question 4: Solve for the unknown variables in the following expressions.
- Convert to exponential form: $81^x = 9$
- Express with common base $9$: $(9^2)^x = 9^1 \implies 9^{2x} = 9^1$
- Equate exponents: $2x = 1 \implies \mathbf{x = \frac{1}{2}}$
- Convert to exponential form: $a^{0.5} = 6 \implies a^{1/2} = 6$
- Square both sides: $(a^{1/2})^2 = 6^2 \implies \mathbf{a = 36}$
- Convert to exponential form: $n = 5^2 \implies \mathbf{n = 25}$
- Convert to logarithmic form: $\mathbf{p = \log_{10} 40 \approx 1.6021}$
📑 Exercise 2.3 & 2.4 — Common Logarithms & Laws of Logarithms
10 Major Questions • Step-by-StepSolutions for Exercise 2.3 (All 15 Problems)
| # | Number $N$ | Reference Position & Shift | Characteristic ($c$) | Mantissa Calculation ($m$) | Final Logarithm $\log_{10} N$ |
| :: | : | : | :: | : | :: |
| 1 | $5313$ | $5_{\wedge}313.$ ($3$ digits left of ref) | $+3$ | Row $53$, Col $1 \to 7251$; Mean diff Col $3 \to 2$.
$m = 7251 + 2 = .7253$ | $\mathbf{3.7253}$ |
| 2 | $4580$ | $4_{\wedge}580.$ ($3$ digits left of ref) | $+3$ | Row $45$, Col $8 \to 6609$; Mean diff Col $0 \to 0$.
$m = .6609$ | $\mathbf{3.6609}$ |
| 3 | $9.613$ | $9_{\wedge}.613$ ($0$ digits shift) | $0$ | Row $96$, Col $1 \to 9827$; Mean diff Col $3 \to 1$.
$m = 9827 + 1 = .9828$ | $\mathbf{0.9828}$ |
| 4 | $110.9$ | $1_{\wedge}10.9$ ($2$ digits left of ref) | $+2$ | Row $11$, Col $0 \to 0414$; Mean diff Col $9 \to 35$.
$m = 0414 + 35 = .0449$ | $\mathbf{2.0449}$ |
| 5 | $52.39$ | $5_{\wedge}2.39$ ($1$ digit left of ref) | $+1$ | Row $52$, Col $3 \to 7185$; Mean diff Col $9 \to 7$.
$m = 7185 + 7 = .7192$ | $\mathbf{1.7192}$ |
| 6 | $0.01207$ | $0.01_{\wedge}207$ ($1$ zero after decimal) | $-2 = \bar{2}$ | Row $12$, Col $0 \to 0792$; Mean diff Col $7 \to 25$.
$m = 0792 + 25 = .0817$ | $\mathbf{\bar{2}.0817}$ ($-1.9183$) |
| 7 | $0.0093$ | $0.009_{\wedge}3$ ($2$ zeros after decimal) | $-3 = \bar{3}$ | Row $93$, Col $0 \to 9685$; Mean diff $0 \to 0$.
$m = .9685$ | $\mathbf{\bar{3}.9685}$ ($-2.0315$) |
| 8 | $1\text{ Trillion} = 10^{12}$ | $1.0 \times 10^{12}$ | $+12$ | $\log_{10}(10^{12}) = 12 \log_{10}(10) = 12(1) = 12.0000$ | $\mathbf{12.0000}$ |
| 9 | $0.00004$ | $0.00004_{\wedge}$ ($4$ zeros after decimal) | $-5 = \bar{5}$ | Row $40$, Col $0 \to 6021$.
$m = .6021$ | $\mathbf{\bar{5}.6021}$ ($-4.3979$) |
| 10 | $4$ | $4_{\wedge}.000$ ($1$ digit, $c = 1-1=0$) | $0$ | Row $40$, Col $0 \to 6021$.
$m = .6021$ | $\mathbf{0.6021}$ |
| 11 | $4000$ | $4_{\wedge}000.$ ($4$ digits, $c = 4-1=3$) | $+3$ | Row $40$, Col $0 \to 6021$.
$m = .6021$ | $\mathbf{3.6021}$ |
| 12 | $54$ | $5_{\wedge}4.$ ($2$ digits, $c = 2-1=1$) | $+1$ | Row $54$, Col $0 \to 7324$.
$m = .7324$ | $\mathbf{1.7324}$ |
| 13 | $2.15$ | $2_{\wedge}.15$ ($1$ digit, $c = 1-1=0$) | $0$ | Row $21$, Col $5 \to 3324$.
$m = .3324$ | $\mathbf{0.3324}$ |
| 14 | $2^{15}$ | $2^{15} = 32768$ | $+4$ | $\log(2^{15}) = 15 \log(2) = 15(0.30103) = 4.51545$.
Table: Row $32$, Col $7 \to 5145$; diff $6 \to 8 \implies .5154$ | $\mathbf{4.5154}$ |
| 15 | $-4$ | Negative argument ($x = -4 \le 0$) | N/A | $\log_{10}(-4)$ has no real value because $10^y > 0$ for all $y \in \mathbb{R}$. | $\mathbf{\text{UNDEFINED in } \mathbb{R}}$ |
## 📝 Exercise 2.4 — Antilogarithms Step-by-Step Solutions
> Methodology for Finding Antilogarithm:
> Given $y = c.m$ (where $c$ is the characteristic and $m$ is the mantissa $\ge 0$):
> 1. Table Reading using Mantissa $m$: Look up the first two decimal digits of $m$ in the left-most column of the Antilogarithm Table, find the value under the 3rd decimal digit column, and add the mean difference under the 4th decimal digit column to get a 4-digit sequence.
> 2. Place Reference Position: Mark the reference position immediately after the first non-zero digit of the sequence ($d_1{}_{\wedge}d_2 d_3 d_4$).
> 3. Locate Decimal Point using Characteristic $c$:
> * If $c \ge 0$: Shift decimal point $c$ places to the right from the reference position.
> * If $c = \bar{p} < 0$: Shift decimal point $p$ places to the left from the reference position (placing $p-1$ zeros between decimal point and first non-zero digit).
Solutions for Exercise 2.4 (All 15 Problems)
| # | Given Log Value $y$ | Characteristic ($c$) & Mantissa ($m$) | Antilog Table Lookup Sequence | Decimal Point Placement Rule | Final Antilogarithm Value $\text{antilog}(y)$ |
| :: | : | : | : | : | :: |
| 1 | $2.4324$ | $c = 2$, $m = .4324$ | Row $.43$, Col $2 \to 2704$; Diff $4 \to 3$.
Seq: $2704 + 3 = 2707$ | Ref: $2_{\wedge}707$. Shift right $2$ places: $270.7$ | $\mathbf{270.7}$ |
| 2 | $1.5890$ | $c = 1$, $m = .5890$ | Row $.58$, Col $9 \to 3882$; Diff $0 \to 0$.
Seq: $3882$ | Ref: $3_{\wedge}882$. Shift right $1$ place: $38.82$ | $\mathbf{38.82}$ |
| 3 | $0.2425$ | $c = 0$, $m = .2425$ | Row $.24$, Col $2 \to 1746$; Diff $5 \to 2$.
Seq: $1746 + 2 = 1748$ | Ref: $1_{\wedge}748$. Shift $0$ places: $1.748$ | $\mathbf{1.748}$ |
| 4 | $3.5636$ | $c = 3$, $m = .5636$ | Row $.56$, Col $3 \to 3656$; Diff $6 \to 5$.
Seq: $3656 + 5 = 3661$ | Ref: $3_{\wedge}661$. Shift right $3$ places: $3661.$ | $\mathbf{3661}$ |
| 5 | $0.0038$ | $c = 0$, $m = .0038$ | Row $.00$, Col $3 \to 1007$; Diff $8 \to 2$.
Seq: $1007 + 2 = 1009$ | Ref: $1_{\wedge}009$. Shift $0$ places: $1.009$ | $\mathbf{1.009}$ |
| 6 | $0.0000$ | $c = 0$, $m = .0000$ | Row $.00$, Col $0 \to 1000$.
Seq: $1000$ | Ref: $1_{\wedge}000$. Shift $0$ places: $1.000 = 10^0$ | $\mathbf{1.000}$ |
| 7 | $\bar{1}.2429$ | $c = \bar{1} = -1$, $m = .2429$ | Row $.24$, Col $2 \to 1746$; Diff $9 \to 4$.
Seq: $1746 + 4 = 1750$ | Ref: $1_{\wedge}750$. Shift left $1$ place: $0.1750$ | $\mathbf{0.1750}$ |
| 8 | $\bar{1}.9281$ | $c = \bar{1} = -1$, $m = .9281$ | Row $.92$, Col $8 \to 8472$; Diff $1 \to 2$.
Seq: $8472 + 2 = 8474$ | Ref: $8_{\wedge}474$. Shift left $1$ place: $0.8474$ | $\mathbf{0.8474}$ |
| 9 | $1.5219$ | $c = 1$, $m = .5219$ | Row $.52$, Col $1 \to 3319$; Diff $9 \to 7$.
Seq: $3319 + 7 = 3326$ | Ref: $3_{\wedge}326$. Shift right $1$ place: $33.26$ | $\mathbf{33.26}$ |
| 10 | $0.4900$ | $c = 0$, $m = .4900$ | Row $.49$, Col $0 \to 3090$; Diff $0 \to 0$.
Seq: $3090$ | Ref: $3_{\wedge}090$. Shift $0$ places: $3.090$ | $\mathbf{3.090}$ |
| 11 | $\bar{2}.4900$ | $c = \bar{2} = -2$, $m = .4900$ | Row $.49$, Col $0 \to 3090$.
Seq: $3090$ | Ref: $3_{\wedge}090$. Shift left $2$ places: $0.03090$ | $\mathbf{0.03090}$ |
| 12 | $5.9990$ | $c = 5$, $m = .9990$ | Row $.99$, Col $9 \to 9977$; Diff $0 \to 0$.
Seq: $9977$ | Ref: $9_{\wedge}977$. Shift right $5$ places: $997,700$ | $\mathbf{997,700}$ |
| 13 | $3.4900$ | $c = 3$, $m = .4900$ | Row $.49$, Col $0 \to 3090$.
Seq: $3090$ | Ref: $3_{\wedge}090$. Shift right $3$ places: $3090.$ | $\mathbf{3090}$ |
| 14 | $-3 = \bar{3}.0000$ | $c = \bar{3} = -3$, $m = .0000$ | Row $.00$, Col $0 \to 1000$.
Seq: $1000$ | Ref: $1_{\wedge}000$. Shift left $3$ places: $0.001000 = 10^{-3}$ | $\mathbf{0.001}$ |
| 15 | $2.34 = 2.3400$ | $c = 2$, $m = .3400$ | Row $.34$, Col $0 \to 2188$.
Seq: $2188$ | Ref: $2_{\wedge}188$. Shift right $2$ places: $218.8$ | $\mathbf{218.8}$ |
📑 Exercise 2.5 — Applications of Logarithmic Laws & Expansions
3 Major Problem Sets • Step-by-StepQuestion 1: Use laws of logarithms to expand the following expressions into individual logarithmic terms.
- Step 1: Apply quotient law:
- Step 2: Apply product law on numerator:
- Step 3: Apply power law on radical ($\sqrt{t} = t^{1/2}$):
- Step 1: Apply quotient law:
- Step 2: Apply product law on numerator and denominator:
- Step 3: Apply power law ($n \log x$) and distribute negative sign:
- Step 1: Convert radicals to fractional exponents:
- Step 2: Apply quotient and product laws:
- Step 3: Apply power law:
- Step 1: Apply quotient law:
- Step 2: Apply power law on radical ($(53.3)^{1/2}$):
- Step 1: Simplify algebraic fraction inside radical:
- Step 2: Apply power law for outer radical ($\frac{1}{2}$):
- Step 3: Expand numerator and denominator:
- Step 1: Apply quotient law:
- Step 2: Expand using product and power laws:
- Step 1: Express radical with rational powers ($(t^3 p)^{1/2} = t^{3/2} p^{1/2}$):
- Step 2: Apply power law:
Question 2: Use laws of logarithms to combine the following expressions into single logarithmic terms.
- Step 1: Apply power law backwards ($n\log a = \log a^n$):
- Step 2: Apply quotient law backwards ($\log a - \log b = \log \frac{a}{b}$):
- Step 1: Group positive and negative terms:
- Step 2: Combine inside brackets via product law:
- Step 3: Combine via quotient law:
- Step 1: Simplify terms inside square brackets:
- Step 2: Apply outer coefficient $\frac{1}{3}$ as cube root:
- Step 1: Separate into positive terms (numerator) and negative terms (denominator):
- Step 2: Combine into single logarithm:
- Step 1: Write terms as powers:
- Step 2: Combine into a single quotient term:
Question 3: Use laws of logarithms to evaluate the following numerical expressions.
- Step 1: Express $343$ as a power of $7$: $343 = 7^3$.
- Step 2: Apply power law and identity $\log_b b = 1$:
- Step 1: Apply quotient law:
- Step 2: Find log values using log tables:
- $\log(72.34): c = 1, m = .8594 \implies \log(72.34) = 1.8594$
- $\log(15): c = 1, m = .1761 \implies \log(15) = 1.1761$
- Step 3: Subtract:
- Step 1: Apply power law:
- Step 2: Find $\log(65)$ from table:
- $\log(65): c = 1, m = .8129 \implies \log(65) = 1.8129$
- Step 3: Multiply by $\frac{1}{5}$:
Question 4: Given $\log_b 2 = 0.3010$, $\log_b 3 = 0.4771$, and $\log_b 5 = 0.6990$, evaluate the following without using logarithm tables.
- Step 1: Decompose numerator into prime factors: $6 = 2 \times 3$.
- Step 2: Apply quotient and product laws:
- Step 3: Substitute given values:
- Step 1: Express with prime factors and fractional exponent:
- Step 2: Apply power and quotient laws:
- Step 3: Substitute values:
- Step 4: Convert negative decimal into characteristic & mantissa:
- Step 1: Simplify numerical fraction:
- Step 2: Expand using laws of logarithms:
- Step 3: Substitute given values:
- Step 1: Convert decimal to prime factorized fraction:
- Step 2: Expand:
- Step 3: Substitute values:
- Step 4: Convert into standard notation ($\bar{c}.m$):
- Step 1: Express in exponential form: $\sqrt[5]{5^2} = 5^{2/5}$.
- Step 2: Apply power law:
- Step 3: Substitute $\log_b 5 = 0.6990$:
📑 Exercise 2.6 — Logarithmic Computations & Antilogarithms
4 Core Calculation Problems • Step-by-StepQuestion 1: Find the number of digits in each of the following exponential powers.
> Mathematical Principle:
> For any positive integer $N$, the number of digits is given by:
> $$\text{Number of Digits in } N = \text{Characteristic of } \log_{10} N + 1 = \lfloor \log_{10} N \rfloor + 1$$
- Step 1: Let $x = 2^{10}$ and take common logarithm:
- Step 2: Substitute $\log 2 = 0.3010$:
- Step 3: Extract characteristic and compute digits:
- Step 1: Let $x = 3^{20}$ and take common logarithm:
- Step 2: Substitute $\log 3 = 0.4771$:
- Step 3: Extract characteristic and compute digits:
- Step 1: Let $x = 5^{50}$ and take common logarithm:
- Step 2: Substitute $\log 5 = 0.6990$:
- Step 3: Extract characteristic and compute digits:
- Step 1: Let $x = 5^{20}$ and take common logarithm:
- Step 2: Substitute $\log 5 = 0.6990$:
- Step 3: Extract characteristic and compute digits:
- Step 1: Let $x = 529^{30}$ and take common logarithm:
- Step 2: Find $\log(529)$ from log tables:
- For $529$: $c = 2$, mantissa from row $52$, col $9 = .7235 \implies \log 529 = 2.7235$.
- Step 3: Multiply:
- Step 4: Extract characteristic and compute digits:
Question 2: Evaluate the following expressions by applying the laws of logarithms.
- Step 1: Let $x = 23.57 \times 5.967$:
- Step 2: Take common log on both sides:
- Step 3: Find log values from table:
- $\log 23.57: c = 1$, row $23$, col $5 \to 3711$, diff $7 \to 13 \implies m = .3724 \implies \log 23.57 = 1.3724$
- $\log 5.967: c = 0$, row $59$, col $6 \to 7752$, diff $7 \to 5 \implies m = .7757 \implies \log 5.967 = 0.7757$
- Step 4: Add logarithms:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm on both sides:
- For mantissa $.1481$: row $.14$, col $8 \to 1406$, diff $1 \to 0 \implies 1406$.
- Characteristic $c = 2 \implies$ shift decimal $2$ places right from ref $1_{\wedge}406 \implies 140.6$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = \frac{47.27}{9.71 \times 4.171}$:
- Step 2: Take log on both sides:
- Step 3: Look up individual logarithms:
- $\log 47.27: c = 1$, row $47$, col $2 \to 6739$, diff $7 \to 6 \implies 1.6745$
- $\log 9.71: c = 0$, row $97$, col $1 \to 9872 \implies 0.9872$
- $\log 4.171: c = 0$, row $41$, col $7 \to 6201$, diff $1 \to 1 \implies 0.6202$
- Step 4: Perform arithmetic:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.0671 \implies$ row $.06$, col $7 \to 1167$, diff $1 \to 0 \implies 1167$.
- Characteristic $c = 0 \implies 1.167$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = \frac{5.321 \times 65.89}{7392}$:
- Step 2: Take common log:
- Step 3: Table lookups:
- $\log 5.321: c = 0$, row $53$, col $2 \to 7259$, diff $1 \to 1 \implies 0.7260$
- $\log 65.89: c = 1$, row $65$, col $8 \to 8182$, diff $9 \to 6 \implies 1.8188$
- $\log 7392: c = 3$, row $73$, col $9 \to 8686$, diff $2 \to 1 \implies 3.8687$
- Step 4: Compute $\log x$:
- Step 5: Convert negative result into characteristic & mantissa:
- Step 6: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.6761 \implies$ row $.67$, col $6 \to 4742$, diff $1 \to 1 \implies 4743$.
- Characteristic $c = \bar{2} \implies$ shift $2$ places left: $0.04743$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = \frac{(28.73)^{1/2}}{129.4}$:
- Step 2: Take logarithm:
- Step 3: Table lookups:
- $\log 28.73: c = 1$, row $28$, col $7 \to 4579$, diff $3 \to 5 \implies 1.4584$
- $\frac{1}{2}(1.4584) = 0.7292$
- $\log 129.4: c = 2$, row $12$, col $9 \to 1106$, diff $4 \to 14 \implies 2.1120$
- Step 4: Subtract:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.6172 \implies$ row $.61$, col $7 \to 4140$, diff $2 \to 2 \implies 4142$.
- Characteristic $c = \bar{2} \implies 0.04142$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = (28.73)^{1/3}$:
- Step 2: Take log:
- Step 3: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.4861 \implies$ row $.48$, col $6 \to 3062$, diff $1 \to 1 \implies 3063$.
- Characteristic $c = 0 \implies 3.063$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = (28.73)^3 \times 27.98$:
- Step 2: Take log:
- Step 3: Evaluate individual terms:
- $\log 28.73 = 1.4584 \implies 3 \times 1.4584 = 4.3752$
- $\log 27.98: c = 1$, row $27$, col $9 \to 4456$, diff $8 \to 13 \implies 1.4469$
- Step 4: Add:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.8221 \implies$ row $.82$, col $2 \to 6637$, diff $1 \to 2 \implies 6639$.
- Characteristic $c = 5 \implies 663,900$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = 16^{1/3} \times 238^{1/4}$:
- Step 2: Take logarithm:
- Step 3: Table lookups:
- $\log 16: c = 1$, row $16$, col $0 \to 2041 \implies 1.2041 \implies \frac{1.2041}{3} = 0.4014$
- $\log 238: c = 2$, row $23$, col $8 \to 3766 \implies 2.3766 \implies \frac{2.3766}{4} = 0.5942$
- Step 4: Add:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.9956 \implies$ row $.99$, col $5 \to 9886$, diff $6 \to 14 \implies 9900$.
- Characteristic $c = 0 \implies 9.900$.
- Final Result:
- Step 1: Let $x = \frac{(28.73)^3}{129.4}$:
- Step 2: Take logarithm:
- Step 3: Substitute known logarithms:
- $3\log(28.73) = 3(1.4584) = 4.3752$
- $\log(129.4) = 2.1120$
- Step 4: Subtract:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm:
- Mantissa $.2632 \implies$ row $.26$, col $3 \to 1832$, diff $2 \to 1 \implies 1833$.
- Characteristic $c = 2 \implies 183.3$.
- Final Result:
Question 3: Real-World Applied Science Word Problem (Earthquake Comparison)
> Problem Statement: The Kansu, China earthquake of 1920 was measured about $8.5$ on the Richter scale, and the Tokyo, Japan earthquake of 1923 was measured $7.8$ on that scale. How many times stronger was the 1920 Kansu earthquake than the 1923 Tokyo earthquake?
- Given Data:
- Magnitude of Kansu earthquake ($M_1$) = $8.5$
- Magnitude of Tokyo earthquake ($M_2$) = $7.8$
- Richter scale formula: $M = \log_{10}\left(\frac{I}{I_0}\right)$, where $I$ is seismic intensity and $I_0$ is baseline reference intensity.
- Step 1: Formulate equations for both earthquakes:
- Step 2: Subtract Equation 2 from Equation 1:
- Step 3: Convert to exponential form (or take antilogarithm):
- From antilog table: row $.70$, col $0 \to 5012$, diff $0 \to 0$.
- Characteristic is $0 \implies 5.012$.
- Conclusion:
📑 Exercise Review 2 — Official Board Review & MCQs
18 MCQs + 3 Extensive Problem SetsQuestion 1: Multiple Choice Questions (Encircle the Correct Option)
- Options: (a) $0 \le b < 10$ \quad (b) $0 \le b \le 10$ \quad (c) $1 \le b < 10$ \quad (d) $1 \le b \le 10$
- Rationale: By mathematical definition of scientific notation, the mantissa coefficient $b$ must be a real number such that $1 \le b < 10$, and $n$ must be an integer.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(c) \; 1 \le b < 10}$
- Options: (a) after $0$ \quad (b) after $7$ \quad (c) after $5$ \quad (d) before $7$
- Rationale: The reference position is the place immediately following the first non-zero digit from the left. In $0.537$, the first non-zero digit is $5$, so the reference position is $0.5_{\wedge}37$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(c) \; \text{after } 5}$
- Options: (a) $-2$ \quad (b) $2$ \quad (c) $0$ \quad (d) impossible
- Rationale: The domain of logarithmic function $\log_b x$ requires $x > 0$. Since $-2 < 0$, no real number $y$ satisfies $2^y = -2$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(d) \; \text{impossible (undefined in } \mathbb{R})}$
- Options: (a) $2$ \quad (b) $\frac{1}{2}$ \quad (c) $-\frac{1}{2}$ \quad (d) $4$
- Rationale: Since logarithmic function is strictly one-to-one:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; \frac{1}{2}}$
- Options: (a) $13$ \quad (b) $1$ \quad (c) $0$ \quad (d) $15$
- Rationale: By standard logarithmic properties, $\log_b b = 1$ and $\log_b 1 = 0$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; 1}$
- Options: (a) $-2$ \quad (b) $2$ \quad (c) $a$ \quad (d) $\frac{1}{a^2}$
- Rationale: Applying power law $\log_b(m^n) = n\log_b m$:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(a) \; -2}$
- Options: (a) $\log_b(MN)$ \quad (b) $\log_b M + \log_b N$ \quad (c) both a and b \quad (d) none of these
- Rationale: Logarithm does not distribute over addition. $\log_b(M + N) \ne \log_b M + \log_b N$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(d) \; \text{none of these}}$
- Options: (a) $g \log_b h$ \quad (b) $\log_b(gh)$ \quad (c) $(\log_b g) \times h$ \quad (d) $h \log_b g$
- Rationale: By the third fundamental law of logarithms (Power Law), $\log_b(g^h) = h \log_b g$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(d) \; h \log_b g}$
- Options: (a) $\log_b(M - N)$ \quad (b) $\log_b\left(\frac{M}{N}\right)$ \quad (c) $\frac{\log_b M}{\log_b N}$ \quad (d) $\log_b(MN)$
- Rationale: By the Quotient Law of Logarithms, the difference of logarithms is the logarithm of the quotient.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; \log_b\left(\frac{M}{N}\right)}$
- Options: (a) $16$ \quad (b) $32$ \quad (c) $8$ \quad (d) $4$
- Rationale:
- Base $= \sqrt{10} = 10^{1/2}$.
- Argument $= 100^2 = (10^2)^2 = 10^4$.
- By change of base / power law: $\log_{10^{1/2}}(10^4) = \frac{4}{1/2}\log_{10} 10 = 8(1) = 8$.
- Multiply by outer coefficient $4$: $4 \times 8 = 32$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; 32}$
- Options: (a) $3\log 2 + \log 3$ \quad (b) $\log 2 + 2\log 3$ \quad (c) $3\log 3 + 2\log 2$ \quad (d) $2\log 3 + 3\log 2$
- Rationale:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; \log 2 + 2\log 3}$
- Options: (a) $\log\left(\frac{5 \times 2}{8 \times 3}\right)$ \quad (b) $\log\left(\frac{15}{16}\right)$ \quad (c) $\log\left(\frac{5}{8}\right)$ \quad (d) $\log\left(\frac{3}{2}\right)$
- Rationale:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; \log\left(\frac{15}{16}\right)}$
- Options: (a) $100$ \quad (b) $30$ \quad (c) $3$ \quad (d) $10$
- Rationale: $1000 = 10^3 \implies \log_{10}(10^3) = 3\log_{10} 10 = 3(1) = 3$.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(c) \; 3}$
- Options: (a) $6.25 \times 10^1$ \quad (b) $6.25 \times 10^0$ \quad (c) $6.25 \times 10^{-1}$ \quad (d) $0.625 \times 10^2$
- Rationale: Since $6.25$ already satisfies $1 \le 6.25 < 10$, the power of $10$ is zero ($10^0 = 1$).
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; 6.25 \times 10^0}$
- Options: (a) rational number \quad (b) integer \quad (c) irrational number \quad (d) imaginary number
- Rationale: Euler's number $e \approx 2.718281828459...$ is a transcendental, non-terminating, non-repeating irrational mathematical constant.
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(c) \; \text{irrational number}}$
- Options: (a) $5$ \quad (b) $\sqrt{5}$ \quad (c) $4$ \quad (d) $25$
- Rationale:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; \sqrt{5}}$
- Options: (a) $\log_a(10^4 - 10)$ \quad (b) $5\log_a 10$ \quad (c) $4\log_a 10$ \quad (d) $3\log_a 10$
- Rationale:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(b) \; 5\log_a 10}$
- Options: (a) $\log_b\left(\frac{32}{25}\right)$ \quad (b) $\log_b 10$ \quad (c) $\log_b\left(\frac{10}{25}\right)$ \quad (d) $\log_b 7$
- Rationale:
- Correct Answer: $\mathbf{(a) \; \log_b\left(\frac{32}{25}\right)}$
Question 2: Convert the following numbers into scientific notation.
- (i) $0.0059$:
- Reference position: $0.005_{\wedge}9$. Decimal moved $3$ places right.
- Result: $\mathbf{5.9 \times 10^{-3}}$
- (ii) $523.4$:
- Reference position: $5_{\wedge}23.4$. Decimal moved $2$ places left.
- Result: $\mathbf{5.234 \times 10^2}$
- (iii) $53.36$:
- Reference position: $5_{\wedge}3.36$. Decimal moved $1$ place left.
- Result: $\mathbf{5.336 \times 10^1}$
Question 3: Convert the following numbers into standard notation.
- (i) $7232 \times 10^{-2}$:
- Exponent $-2 \implies$ shift decimal $2$ places left: $\mathbf{72.32}$
- (ii) $10.53 \times 10^2$:
- Exponent $+2 \implies$ shift decimal $2$ places right: $\mathbf{1053}$
- (iii) $20.31 \times 10^0$:
- $10^0 = 1 \implies \mathbf{20.31}$
Question 4: Evaluate the following expressions.
- Step 1: Apply power law: $3\log_5 5 - 3\log_2 2$
- Step 2: Since $\log_5 5 = 1$ and $\log_2 2 = 1$:
- Step 1: Express arguments as powers: $\log_2(2^2) - \log_3(3^2)$
- Step 2: Apply identity $\log_b(b^k) = k$:
- Step 1: Evaluate inner terms:
- $\log_x(x^2) = 2\log_x x = 2(1) = 2$
- $\log_b(b^{-7}) = -7\log_b b = -7(1) = -7$
- Step 2: Substitute:
Question 5: Find the value of $x$.
- By one-to-one property of logarithms: $\mathbf{x = 9}$.
- Take logarithm with base $16$: $\frac{1}{x} = \log_{16} 3 \implies \mathbf{x = \frac{1}{\log_{16} 3} = \log_3 16 \approx 2.5237}$.
- Equate arguments: $x^2 - 1 = 3 \implies x^2 = 4 \implies x = \pm 2$.
- Since base and argument must be valid, for $x = 2$ or $x = -2$, $x^2 - 1 = 3 > 0$.
- Thus, $\mathbf{x = 2}$ (or $x = \pm 2$).
- Since $\log_y y = 1$, the expression becomes $\log_y(8 \times 1) = x \implies \log_y 8 = x \implies \mathbf{y^x = 8}$.
Question 6: Given $\log_b 2 = 0.3010$, $\log_b 3 = 0.4771$, and $\log_b 5 = 0.6990$, evaluate applying laws of logarithms.
- Prime factorization: $360 = 2^3 \times 3^2 \times 5$.
- Expand: $\log_b(2^3 \times 3^2 \times 5) = 3\log_b 2 + 2\log_b 3 + \log_b 5$.
- Substitute values:
- Fraction: $0.24 = \frac{24}{100} = \frac{6}{25} = \frac{2 \times 3}{5^2}$.
- Expand: $\log_b 2 + \log_b 3 - 2\log_b 5$.
- Substitute:
- Prime factorization: $30 = 2 \times 3 \times 5$.
- Expand: $\log_b 2 + \log_b 3 + \log_b 5$.
- Substitute:
Question 7: Simplify with the help of laws of logarithms: $\frac{0.5327 \times \sqrt[3]{24.16}}{1.285}$
- Step 1: Let $x = \frac{0.5327 \times (24.16)^{1/3}}{1.285}$:
- Step 2: Take common logarithm:
- Step 3: Table values:
- $\log 0.5327: c = \bar{1}$, mantissa $.7265 \implies \bar{1}.7265 = -0.2735$
- $\log 24.16: c = 1$, mantissa $.3831 \implies 1.3831 \implies \frac{1.3831}{3} = 0.4610$
- $\log 1.285: c = 0$, mantissa $.1089 \implies 0.1089$
- Step 4: Compute $\log x$:
- Step 5: Take antilogarithm:
- Row $.07$, col $8 \to 1197$, diff $6 \to 2 \implies 1199$.
- Characteristic $c = 0 \implies 1.199$.
- Final Answer:
Question 8: Formal Mathematical Proof
> Theorem: Prove that $\log_v U \times \log_w V \times \log_u W = 1$ for all valid bases and positive real arguments.
- Proof:
- By the Change of Base Formula, for any convenient common base $10$ (or base $b$):
- Substitute these expressions into the left-hand side ($\text{LHS}$):
- Cancelling common factors across numerators and denominators:
- Conclusion:
More Chapter Notes for Class 9 (FBISE)
MathematicsTest Your Knowledge on Chapter 2: Unit 02: Logarithms
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