Chapter 3: Problem 34
Find the exact value of the logarithmic expression without using a calculator. (If this is not possible, state the reason.) $$\log _{3} 81^{-3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
-12
Step by step solution
01
Express number inside the logarithm in terms of base
Rewrite 81 as a power of 3 because 3 is the base of the logarithm in the expression. So, \[81 = 3^4\].
02
Apply the power rule
Substitute \(3^4\) into the expression and reinforce the exponent to -3: \[\log _{3} (3 ^ 4) ^ {-3}\]. Now, apply the power rule of logarithms, which states that \[log_b(a^n)=n * log_b(a)\], where n=-3 and a = \(3^4\). This gives us \[-3*\log _{3} (3 ^ 4)\].
03
Simplify the logarithmic term
Simplify the term \[\log_{3}(3^4)\]. This represents the power we must raise 3 to obtain \(3^4\), which is 4. Substituting this equation gives \[-3*4\].
04
Simplify the expression
Lastly, simply multiply the constants to find the answer to the logarithmic expression: \[-3*4=-12\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Logarithmic Expression
Understanding a logarithmic expression is crucial in solving any logarithmic equation. A logarithm answers the question: "To what power must the base be raised, in order to get a certain number?" For example, in the expression \(\log_{b}(x)\), where \(b\) is the base and \(x\) is the number, you are finding the power to which \(b\) must be raised to yield \(x\). In the given exercise, \(\log_{3} 81^{-3}\), the base \(b\) is 3, and the number is \(81^{-3}\).
- The goal is to express \(81^{-3}\) in a form that makes use of the base 3.
- This simplifies the process of solving the expression.
Power Rule of Logarithms
The power rule of logarithms is a handy tool for breaking down expressions involving exponents. It states that \(\log_b(a^n) = n \cdot \log_b(a)\). Essentially, you can "bring down" the exponent \(n\) as a multiplier outside the logarithmic term.
This rule simplifies calculations since it transforms the problem into a basic multiplication task.
This intermediate step helps to make further simplifications easy.
This rule simplifies calculations since it transforms the problem into a basic multiplication task.
- When applying this to \(\log_3(81^{-3})\), start by rewriting 81 as \(3^4\).
- This changes the expression to \(\log_3((3^4)^{-3})\).
- Apply the power rule to get \(-3 \cdot \log_3(3^4)\).
This intermediate step helps to make further simplifications easy.
Simplifying Logarithms
Simplifying logarithms often involves recognizing the base and the power that give a direct simplification. Once a logarithmic expression is rewritten using the base, simplifying becomes much easier.
In our example, the simplification step uses the expression \(\log_3(3^4)\). Here, the base 3 raised to what power equals \(3^4\)?
Simplification allows the problem to reduce to a multiplication task, \(-3 \times 4\), leading to an easier solution.
In our example, the simplification step uses the expression \(\log_3(3^4)\). Here, the base 3 raised to what power equals \(3^4\)?
- The answer is simply 4 because \(3^4\) is already in the form of the power associated with base 3.
- Thus, \(\log_3(3^4) = 4\).
Simplification allows the problem to reduce to a multiplication task, \(-3 \times 4\), leading to an easier solution.
Exact Value Without Calculator
Finding the exact value of a logarithmic expression without a calculator involves a deep understanding of how logarithms work. Calculations are based on properties and rules of logarithms rather than digitized computations.
With the simplified expression \(-3 \times \log_3(3^4)\), where \(\log_3(3^4) = 4\), multiply \(-3\) and 4.
With these steps, you unearth the precise value ensured by logical operations rather than computations on a calculator.
With the simplified expression \(-3 \times \log_3(3^4)\), where \(\log_3(3^4) = 4\), multiply \(-3\) and 4.
- This results in \(-3 \times 4 = -12\).
- Hence, the exact value of \(\log_3(81^{-3})\) is \(-12\).
- Importantly, the power and base relation leads us directly to this accurate outcome.
With these steps, you unearth the precise value ensured by logical operations rather than computations on a calculator.