Chapter 6: Problem 18
Evaluate the expression. \(\log _{2}(32)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\log _{2}(32) = 5\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to evaluate the logarithmic expression \( \log_{2}(32) \). This is asking us to find the power to which the base 2 must be raised to obtain 32.
02
Express 32 as a Power of 2
Determine how many times you need to multiply 2 by itself to reach 32. Start by listing the powers of 2: - \( 2^1 = 2 \)- \( 2^2 = 4 \)- \( 2^3 = 8 \)- \( 2^4 = 16 \)- \( 2^5 = 32 \).We see that \(32 = 2^5\).
03
Solve for the Logarithm
Since \(32 = 2^5\), by definition of a logarithm, \(\log_{2}(32) = 5\). This means 2 to the power of 5 equals 32.
04
Verify the Solution
To verify, calculate \(2^5\) and check if it equals 32. \(2^5 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 32\). Thus, our solution is correct.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Exponents
Exponents are a way to express repeated multiplication of the same number by itself. For example, when we write \(2^5\), we are saying that the number 2 is multiplied by itself 5 times, which equals 32. Exponents are a shorthand way to simplify expressions and calculations by showing that a number is multiplied a certain number of times. This concept is crucial not just in algebra, but in various domains of math.
- The base is the number that is being multiplied.
- The exponent tells us how many times the base is used as a factor.
Exploring Base-2 Logarithms
A base-2 logarithm, denoted as \(\log_{2}(x)\), specifically refers to logarithms where the base number is 2. It answers the question: "To what power must 2 be raised, to equal x?" Let's take \(\log_{2}(32)\) for instance:
- This is asking for the power of 2 that results in 32.
- From our understanding of exponents, since \(2^5 = 32\), it tells us that \(\log_{2}(32) = 5\).
The Concept of Powers of 2
The phrase "powers of 2" refers to expressions like \(2^n\), where n is a whole number. Each power represents a doubling of the previous number. Starting from \(2^0 = 1\), every subsequent power increases exponentially:
- 2 raised to the power of 1 (\(2^1\)) equals 2.
- 2 raised to the power of 2 (\(2^2\)) equals 4.
- This sequence continues as 8, 16, 32, and so forth.