Chapter 4: Problem 32
Evaluate each expression without using a calculator. $$\log _{1 / 3} 9$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(\log _{1 / 3} 9\) is \(2\).
Step by step solution
01
Express as powers of 3
First, express the base \(1/3\) and the number \(9\) as powers of \(3\). \(1/3\) equals \(3^{-1}\) and \(9\) equals \(3^2\). So \(\log _{1 / 3} 9\) can be written as \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3^2}\).
02
Use Logarithm power rule
The power rule of logarithm states that \(\log _{b} {a^n}\) equals \(n \cdot \log _{b} {a}\). Apply this rule to the expression \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3^2}\) to get: \(2 \cdot \log _{3^{-1}} {3}\).
03
Simplify Logarithm of base equals to itself
A number's logarithm at its own base is always \(1\). This means that \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3}\) is \(1\). Replace \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3}\) with \(1\) to get: \(2 \cdot 1\).
04
Final Simplification
Now, perform the arithmetic: \(2 \cdot 1\) equals \(2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Powers of 3
When working with logarithms, expressing numbers as powers can simplify the calculation process. In this exercise, we need to evaluate \(\log _{1 / 3} 9\). To do this efficiently, we first express both \(1/3\) and \(9\) as powers of 3.
- \(1/3\) can be rewritten as \(3^{-1}\) because dividing by 3 is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal, which is \(3^{-1}\).
- Similarly, \(9\) can be expressed as \(3^2\) because \(9\) is the product of two 3s: \(3 \times 3\).
Logarithm Power Rule
The logarithm power rule is a convenient tool when working with logarithmic expressions. This rule states that \(\log_{b} a^n = n \cdot \log_{b} a\). Let's explore how this rule helps simplify expressions.
- In our case, the expression \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3^2}\) fits the format \(\log_{b} a^n\) where \(b = 3^{-1}\) and \(a = 3\).
- By applying the power rule, we transform the expression to \(2 \cdot \log _{3^{-1}} {3}\).
Simplifying Logarithms
Simplifying logarithmic expressions is often the final step in solving them, and it's crucial for reaching a numerical answer. Here, understanding a key property of logarithms helps us simplify \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3}\).
- One essential property is that \(\log_{b}{b} = 1\) for any positive base \(b\). This means that the logarithm of a number at its own base is always 1.
- Fortunately, this property extends to reciprocals such as \(3^{-1}\). Therefore, \(\log _{3^{-1}} {3}\) simplifies to \(-1\) because it's essentially \(\log_{b^{-1}}{b}\), meaning considering the inverse base.
- Therefore, when we calculate the expression \(2 \cdot (-1)\), the result is \(-2\).