Understanding Logarithms and Exponents

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 52 views

Introduction

Logarithms and exponents are two fundamental concepts in mathematics that are closely related. In this article, we will explore how to use properties of logarithms to solve exponential equations. Specifically, we will focus on finding the value of the expression $7^{\log _7 2 - \log _7 9}$ .

Understanding Logarithms and Exponents

Before we dive into the solution, let's briefly review the concepts of logarithms and exponents. A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation. In other words, if $a^b = c$ , then $\log_a c = b$ . The logarithm of a number to a certain base is the exponent to which the base must be raised to produce that number.

On the other hand, an exponent is a number that is raised to a power. For example, $2^3 = 8$ . In this case, 2 is the base and 3 is the exponent.

Properties of Logarithms

There are several properties of logarithms that we will use to solve the given expression. These properties include:

Product Rule: $\log_a (xy) = \log_a x + \log_a y$
Quotient Rule: $\log_a \left(\frac{x}{y}\right) = \log_a x - \log_a y$
Power Rule: $\log_a x^b = b \log_a x$

Solving the Expression

Now that we have reviewed the properties of logarithms, let's apply them to solve the given expression.

We are given the expression $7^{\log _7 2 - \log _7 9}$ . To simplify this expression, we can use the Quotient Rule, which states that $\log_a \left(\frac{x}{y}\right) = \log_a x - \log_a y$ .

Applying the Quotient Rule, we get:

$\log _7 2 - \log _7 9 = \log _7 \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)$

Using the Power Rule

Now that we have simplified the expression inside the logarithm, we can use the Power Rule to rewrite the expression.

The Power Rule states that $\log_a x^b = b \log_a x$ . In this case, we can rewrite the expression as:

$7^{\log _7 \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)} = 7^{\log _7 2 - \log _7 9} = 7^{\log _7 \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)}$

Evaluating the Expression

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can evaluate it. Since the base of the logarithm is 7, we can rewrite the expression as:

$7^{\log _7 \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)} = \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)$

Conclusion

In this article, we used properties of logarithms to solve the expression $7^{\log _7 2 - \log _7 9}$ . We applied the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to simplify the expression and evaluate it. The final answer is $\boxed{2/9}$ .

Final Answer

The final answer is $\boxed{2/9}$ .

Additional Examples

Here are a few additional examples of using properties of logarithms to solve exponential equations:

Example 1: Solve the expression $2^{\log _2 3 - \log _2 5}$
Example 2: Solve the expression $3^{\log _3 2 - \log _3 7}$
Example 3: Solve the expression $4^{\log _4 3 - \log _4 9}$

Solving Example 1

To solve the expression $2^{\log _2 3 - \log _2 5}$ , we can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule.

Applying the Quotient Rule, we get:

$\log _2 3 - \log _2 5 = \log _2 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)$

Using the Power Rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$2^{\log _2 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)} = \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)$

Solving Example 2

To solve the expression $3^{\log _3 2 - \log _3 7}$ , we can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule.

Applying the Quotient Rule, we get:

$\log _3 2 - \log _3 7 = \log _3 \left(\frac{2}{7}\right)$

Using the Power Rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$3^{\log _3 \left(\frac{2}{7}\right)} = \left(\frac{2}{7}\right)$

Solving Example 3

To solve the expression $4^{\log _4 3 - \log _4 9}$ , we can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule.

Applying the Quotient Rule, we get:

$\log _4 3 - \log _4 9 = \log _4 \left(\frac{3}{9}\right)$

Using the Power Rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$4^{\log _4 \left(\frac{3}{9}\right)} = \left(\frac{3}{9}\right)$

Conclusion

In this article, we used properties of logarithms to solve three additional exponential equations. We applied the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to simplify the expressions and evaluate them. The final answers are $\boxed{3/5}$ , $\boxed{2/7}$ , and $\boxed{1/3}$ , respectively.

Final Answer

The final answer is $\boxed{1/3}$ .

References

Logarithm: A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation. In other words, if $a^b = c$ , then $\log_a c = b$ .
Exponent: An exponent is a number that is raised to a power. For example, $2^3 = 8$ .
Quotient Rule: $\log_a \left(\frac{x}{y}\right) = \log_a x - \log_a y$
Power Rule: $\log_a x^b = b \log_a x$

Glossary

Logarithm: The inverse operation of exponentiation.
Exponent: A number that is raised to a power.
Quotient Rule: A property of logarithms that states $\log_a \left(\frac{x}{y}\right) = \log_a x - \log_a y$ .
Power Rule: A property of logarithms that states $\log_a x^b = b \log_a x$ .

Index

Logarithm: 1
Exponent: 1
Quotient Rule: 1
Power Rule: 1

Introduction: 1
Understanding Logarithms and Exponents: 1
Properties of Logarithms: 1
Solving the Expression: 1
Using the Power Rule: 1
Evaluating the Expression: 1
Conclusion: 1
Final Answer: 1
Additional Examples: 1
Solving Example 1: 1
Solving Example 2: 1
Solving Example 3: 1
Conclusion: 1
Final Answer: 1
References: 1
Glossary: 1
Index: 1
Table of Contents: 1

Q: What is the main concept of using properties of logarithms to solve exponential equations?

A: The main concept is to use the properties of logarithms, such as the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule, to simplify and evaluate exponential expressions.

Q: How do I apply the Quotient Rule to solve exponential equations?

A: To apply the Quotient Rule, you need to use the formula $\log_a \left(\frac{x}{y}\right) = \log_a x - \log_a y$ . This rule allows you to simplify expressions by combining logarithms.

Q: How do I apply the Power Rule to solve exponential equations?

A: To apply the Power Rule, you need to use the formula $\log_a x^b = b \log_a x$ . This rule allows you to simplify expressions by rewriting them in a more manageable form.

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule together to solve exponential equations?

A: Yes, you can use both rules together to solve exponential equations. By combining the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule, you can simplify and evaluate complex expressions.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $7^{\log _7 2 - \log _7 9}$ using the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule?

A: To evaluate the expression, you need to apply the Quotient Rule first, which gives you $\log _7 2 - \log _7 9 = \log _7 \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)$ . Then, you can apply the Power Rule to rewrite the expression as $7^{\log _7 \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)} = \left(\frac{2}{9}\right)$ .

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with different bases?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with different bases. The rules apply to any base, not just base 10.

Q: How do I know when to use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations?

A: You should use the Quotient Rule when you have an expression with a fraction, and you should use the Power Rule when you have an expression with an exponent.

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with negative exponents?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with negative exponents. The rules apply to any exponent, not just positive ones.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $2^{\log _2 3 - \log _2 5}$ using the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule?

A: To evaluate the expression, you need to apply the Quotient Rule first, which gives you $\log _2 3 - \log _2 5 = \log _2 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)$ . Then, you can apply the Power Rule to rewrite the expression as $2^{\log _2 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)} = \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)$ .

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with multiple logarithms?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with multiple logarithms. The rules apply to any number of logarithms.

Q: How do I know when to use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with multiple logarithms?

A: You should use the Quotient Rule when you have an expression with multiple fractions, and you should use the Power Rule when you have an expression with multiple exponents.

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with complex numbers?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with complex numbers. The rules apply to any number, including complex ones.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $3^{\log _3 2 - \log _3 7}$ using the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule?

A: To evaluate the expression, you need to apply the Quotient Rule first, which gives you $\log _3 2 - \log _3 7 = \log _3 \left(\frac{2}{7}\right)$ . Then, you can apply the Power Rule to rewrite the expression as $3^{\log _3 \left(\frac{2}{7}\right)} = \left(\frac{2}{7}\right)$ .

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with irrational numbers?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with irrational numbers. The rules apply to any number, including irrational ones.

Q: How do I know when to use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with irrational numbers?

A: You should use the Quotient Rule when you have an expression with multiple fractions, and you should use the Power Rule when you have an expression with multiple exponents.

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with transcendental numbers?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with transcendental numbers. The rules apply to any number, including transcendental ones.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $4^{\log _4 3 - \log _4 9}$ using the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule?

A: To evaluate the expression, you need to apply the Quotient Rule first, which gives you $\log _4 3 - \log _4 9 = \log _4 \left(\frac{3}{9}\right)$ . Then, you can apply the Power Rule to rewrite the expression as $4^{\log _4 \left(\frac{3}{9}\right)} = \left(\frac{3}{9}\right)$ .

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with non-integer exponents?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with non-integer exponents. The rules apply to any exponent, including non-integer ones.

Q: How do I know when to use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with non-integer exponents?

A: You should use the Quotient Rule when you have an expression with multiple fractions, and you should use the Power Rule when you have an expression with multiple exponents.

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with negative bases?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with negative bases. The rules apply to any base, including negative ones.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $(-2)^{\log _{-2} 3 - \log _{-2} 5}$ using the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule?

A: To evaluate the expression, you need to apply the Quotient Rule first, which gives you $\log _{-2} 3 - \log _{-2} 5 = \log _{-2} \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)$ . Then, you can apply the Power Rule to rewrite the expression as $(-2)^{\log _{-2} \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)} = \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)$ .

Q: Can I use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with complex bases?

A: Yes, you can use the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule to solve exponential equations with complex bases. The rules apply to any base, including complex ones.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $(2 + 3i)^{\log _{(2 + 3i)} 2 - \log _{(2 + 3i)} 5}$ using the Quotient Rule and the Power Rule?

A: To evaluate the expression, you need to apply the Quotient Rule first, which gives you $\log _{(2 + 3i)} 2 - \log _{(2 + 3i)} 5 = \log _{(2 + 3i)} \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)$ . Then, you can apply the Power Rule to rewrite the expression as $(2 + 3i)^{\log _{(2 + 3i)} \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)} = \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)$ .

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about using properties of logarithms to solve exponential equations. We have covered topics such as the Quotient Rule, the Power Rule, and the application of these rules to solve exponential equations with different bases, exponents, and logarithms. We hope that this article has been helpful in clarifying some of the concepts and providing a better understanding of how to use properties of logarithms to solve exponential equations.