Intermediate Algebra – Student Workbook – Second Edition 2013

Lesson 4a – Introduction to Logarithms
Mini-Lesson
Logarithmic and Exponential Form
In order to work effectively with LOGARITHMS, and soon with LOGARITHMIC
EQUATIONS, you will need to get very comfortable changing from logarithmic form to
exponential form and vice versa.
LOGARITHMIC FORM: Log b x = y
EXPONENTIAL FORM: b y = x
THESE FORMS ARE EQUIVALENT.
Rewrite the above for practice and brain muscle memory!
is
equivalent
to
Note: When you write expressions involving logarithms, be sure the base is a SUBSCRIPT and
written just under the writing line for Log. Pay close attention to how things are written and what
the spacing and exact locations are.
Problem 6 YOU TRY – EXPONENTIAL AND LOGARITHMIC FORMS
Complete the table filling in the missing forms for a) and c) using the relationship between
Exponential and Logarithmic forms. Refer to parts b) and d) as examples.
Exponential Form
Logarithmic Form
a) 3 4 = 81
b)
6 -2 = 1
36
c)
d) ( )
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