Chapter 3: Problem 36
Evaluate the logarithms exactly (if possible). $$\log _{5} 1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( \log_{5} 1 \) is 0.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Logarithm Problem
We need to evaluate the expression \( \log_{5} 1 \). Recall that the logarithm \( \log_{b} a \) asks the question: "To what power must the base \( b \) be raised to obtain \( a \)?"
02
Applying Logarithm Concepts
In \( \log_{5} 1 \), we are asking, "To what power must 5 be raised to equal 1?" It’s known that any number raised to the power of 0 is 1.
03
Solving the Logarithm
Given the equation \( 5^x = 1 \), we realize that when \( x = 0 \), the equation holds true because \( 5^0 = 1 \). Hence, \( \log_{5} 1 = 0 \). This is the solution to the problem.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Base of a Logarithm
When we talk about the base of a logarithm, it refers to the number that is raised to a certain power to obtain another number. Logarithms are written in the form of \( \log_b a \), where \( b \) is the base. This implies that we are seeking the exponent that makes \( b \) raised to this exponent equal \( a \).
For example, in \( \log_{5} 1 \), the base is 5. This means we are looking for a special exponent or power that, when 5 is raised to it, results in 1.
For example, in \( \log_{5} 1 \), the base is 5. This means we are looking for a special exponent or power that, when 5 is raised to it, results in 1.
- Base influences how the logarithmic expression is evaluated.
- Changing the base changes the outcome of the logarithmic expression.
- A common base used in many logarithmic calculations is 10, known as the common logarithm, and the constant \( e \), known as the natural logarithm.
Evaluating Logarithmic Expressions
Evaluating logarithmic expressions often involves determining the power to which a base number must be raised to result in another given number. This is the essence of logarithms.
To evaluate \( \log_{5} 1 \), we identify that it asks: "What power must 5 be raised to, to get 1?" We use the property of exponents stating that any number raised to the power of 0 results in 1.
To evaluate \( \log_{5} 1 \), we identify that it asks: "What power must 5 be raised to, to get 1?" We use the property of exponents stating that any number raised to the power of 0 results in 1.
- Apply the concept that \( b^0 = 1 \) for any base \( b \) not equal to zero. Therefore, \( 5^0 = 1 \).
- This indicates that \( \log_{5} 1 = 0 \), as 0 is the power we seek.
- Understanding this logic assists in evaluating similar logarithmic expressions.
Exponents and Powers
Exponents and powers are closely related to logarithms, as they are essentially inverse operations. While exponents involve raising a base to a certain power to get a result, logarithms involve finding what that power is.
The fundamental idea is that if \( b^x = a \), then \( \log_b a = x \). Here, \( x \) is the exponent, and in the logarithmic form, it represents how many times we multiply the base by itself to reach \( a \).
The fundamental idea is that if \( b^x = a \), then \( \log_b a = x \). Here, \( x \) is the exponent, and in the logarithmic form, it represents how many times we multiply the base by itself to reach \( a \).
- This relationship shows how logarithms can help reverse-engineer exponential equations.
- The property that \( b^0 = 1 \) is key when solving expressions like \( \log_{b} 1 \).
- For example, \( 5^0 = 1 \) confirms that the exponent needed to make the base equal to 1 is always zero, aiding in evaluating \( \log_{5} 1 \).