Notes:
Don’t let the “logarithm & blues” get you down! Logs are fun and cool and a totally new way of thinking about exponents. Logs are the inverse functions of exponential functions and were developed to solve exponential equations. They were developed by John Napier and Joost Burgi independently and through different approaches. If you are interested in learning more about where they come from, check out the History of logarithms.
In order to really understand logs, it is important to have a good grasp on exponents. The following sites will provide a review for you if you are a little rusty.
Helpful Links:
- Basic Exponent Laws
- Exponents: Basic Rules (PurpleMath)
- Rational (fractional) Exponents
- Rational Exponents (YouTube video)
Now for the logarithm links! Enjoy.
- Logarithms tutorial
- Logarithms (complete with a few questions for you to try …)
- Logarithms – with a little animated applet and everything (PurpleMath)
- Solving Logarithmic Equations (PurpleMath)
- Solving Log Equations – YouTube Clip
- More Solving Log Equations from YouTube
Let me know if you find any others that you think are helpful. I would be happy to add them.
ANSWER KEYS:
“Long” Sheet Log Review Side 1
“Long” Sheet Log Review Side 2
Hey, just so you know … before the advent of modern calculators, scientists and mathematicians used slide rules and log tables to calculate logs and solve log equations. Aren’t you glad you have a calculator?