Chapter 4: Problem 28
Simplify each expression using logarithm properties. $$ \log _{6}\left(\frac{1}{36}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \( -2 \).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the Fraction
Notice that \( \frac{1}{36} \) can be rewritten as an exponent: \( 36^{-1} \). Therefore, we have \( \log_{6}(36^{-1}) \).
02
Apply the Power Rule
Utilize the logarithmic power rule, which states \( \log_{b}(x^a) = a \cdot \log_{b}(x) \). Applying this here gives us \( -1 \cdot \log_{6}(36) \).
03
Break Down the Logarithm
Recognize that \( 36 = 6^2 \). This allows us to express the log term as \( \log_{6}(6^2) \).
04
Apply the Power Rule Again
Apply the power rule again to get \( 2 \cdot \log_{6}(6) \).
05
Evaluate the Expression
Since \( \log_{b}(b) = 1 \), we have \( \log_{6}(6) = 1 \). Substituting, we have \( -1 \cdot 2 \cdot 1 = -2 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Power Rule
The power rule is a fundamental concept in logarithms. It allows us to simplify expressions where a number is raised to an exponent. The rule states that \( \log_{b}(x^a) = a \cdot \log_{b}(x) \).
- The exponent \( a \) comes down as a coefficient.
- This property simplifies complex logarithmic expressions.
Fraction Exponent
A fraction exponent can be puzzling at first. But with a bit of clarity, it gets easier. When you see a fraction like \( \frac{1}{36} \), you're actually looking at an exponent. Specifically, this fraction can be rewritten as \( 36^{-1} \).
- The negative sign in the exponent indicates taking a reciprocal.
- It turns division problems into multiplication problems.
Logarithmic Evaluation
Logarithmic evaluation is the process of determining the value of a logarithm. It involves understanding a few key properties of logarithms that make evaluation straightforward. One significant property is \( \log_{b}(b) = 1 \). This states that the log of a base to itself is always 1.In our problem, we simplified \( \log_{6}(36) \) to \( 2 \cdot \log_{6}(6) \) because 36 is \( 6^2 \). Here we apply the property of \( \log_{b}(b) = 1 \), resulting in \( 2 \cdot 1 = 2 \). Once simplified, evaluating the log is about using these recognizable properties. This not only simplifies problems but ensures accurate results.
- Identifying common bases makes simplifying much easier.
- Breaking down complex expressions reveals straightforward solutions.