Chapter 5: Problem 76
Use the change of base formula to approximate the logarithm to the nearest thousandth. $$ \frac{\log _{7} 125}{\log _{7} 25} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The logarithm is approximately 1.500.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Change of Base Formula
The change of base formula is used to convert a logarithm of any base to a quotient of logarithms in any other base. It states that \( \log_b a = \frac{\log_k a}{\log_k b} \), where \( k \) is a new base, commonly 10 or \( e \).
02
Apply the Change of Base Formula
For \( \log_7 125 \), apply the change of base formula to express it in terms of base 10: \( \log_7 125 = \frac{\log_{10} 125}{\log_{10} 7} \). Similarly, \( \log_7 25 = \frac{\log_{10} 25}{\log_{10} 7} \).
03
Simplifying the Expression
Substitute the expressions from Step 2 into the original fraction: \( \frac{\log_7 125}{\log_7 25} = \frac{\frac{\log_{10} 125}{\log_{10} 7}}{\frac{\log_{10} 25}{\log_{10} 7}} \).
04
Canceling Terms
Notice that \( \log_{10} 7 \) appears in both the numerator and the denominator, cancel them out: \( \frac{\log_{10} 125}{\log_{10} 25} \).
05
Calculate the Logs
Use a calculator to find \( \log_{10} 125 \approx 2.0969 \) and \( \log_{10} 25 \approx 1.3979 \).
06
Compute the Quotient
Divide the two results obtained in the previous step: \( \frac{2.0969}{1.3979} \approx 1.500 \), rounded to the nearest thousandth.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Logarithms
Logarithms are a way to express exponential relationships. Think of them as the opposite of exponentiation. In simple terms, if you have an equation like \( b^x = a \), the logarithm lets you solve it by finding \( x \). This looks like \( \log_b a = x \), meaning what power times itself gives \( a \).
Here are some key points about logarithms to consider:
Here are some key points about logarithms to consider:
- The **base** of a logarithm is what you're multiplying.
- **Logarithms can be of any positive base except 1** – common ones are 10 (common log) and \( e \) (natural log).
- **Converting between bases** allows the use of familiar bases, making calculations easier.
- **Properties to note** include the product, quotient, and power rules of logarithms, which simplify complex expressions.
Base Conversion
The concept of base conversion in logarithms helps in shifting a problem to a more convenient format. You might often need to switch logarithmic bases to simplify calculations, especially on a calculator that supports only base 10 or with natural logs. The Change of Base Formula comes in handy here and is given by: \[\log_b a = \frac{\log_k a}{\log_k b}\]Here, you can choose any base \( k \) to convert to, but standard practice opts for base 10 or \( e \, (\log_{10}) \).
When applying this formula, keep in mind:
When applying this formula, keep in mind:
- **Ease of calculation**: Base 10 simplifies manual calculations using a calculator's common log function.
- **Universal application**: Whether for small or large numbers, the formula works consistently across different scales.
- In this exercise, converting from base 7 to base 10 enables easy computation of \( \log_7 125 \) and \( \log_7 25 \) using a calculator.
Mathematical Approximation
Mathematical approximation is a critical tool in numerical computation. When we use logarithms, sometimes the resulting values don't fit neatly into whole numbers. Calculators often help us reach a precise decimal value, as seen in the exercise using these values:
- \( \log_{10} 125 \approx 2.0969 \)
- \( \log_{10} 25 \approx 1.3979 \)
- **Accurate Decimal Placement**: Always decide beforehand how much precision you need, here it's to the nearest thousandth.
- **Numerical Rounding**: Apply rules systematically, such as rounding \( \frac{2.0969}{1.3979} \approx 1.500 \).
- **Practical Implications**: Approximated outcomes are sufficient for many practical applications like engineering and physics.