Chapter 4: Problem 21
$$\text { Find each value. If applicable, give an approximation to four decimal places.}$$ $$\log \left(\frac{518}{342}\right)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
0.1801
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Logarithm
To solve \(\text{log} \left( \frac{518}{342} \right)\), use the logarithm properties. Here, the argument of the log function is a fraction.
02
- Apply the Quotient Rule
Utilize the quotient rule of logarithms which states \(\text{log} \left( \frac{a}{b} \right) = \text{log}(a) - \text{log}(b)\). Therefore, \(\text{log} \left( \frac{518}{342} \right) = \text{log}(518) - \text{log}(342)\).
03
- Evaluate the Logarithms
Use a calculator to find the values of \(\text{log}(518)\) and \(\text{log}(342)\). \(\text{log}(518) \approx 2.7141\) and \(\text{log}(342) \approx 2.5340\).
04
- Subtract the Values
Subtract the logarithm of the denominator from the logarithm of the numerator. So, \(\text{log}(518) - \text{log}(342) \approx 2.7141 - 2.5340 = 0.1801\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quotient Rule
In logarithms, the quotient rule is a very useful property that can help us simplify complex logarithmic expressions. The quotient rule states that the logarithm of a fraction is equal to the logarithm of the numerator minus the logarithm of the denominator. Mathematically, this can be expressed as: \( \text{log} \frac{a}{b} = \text{log}(a) - \text{log}(b) \). This means that if you have a logarithm of a fraction, you can separate it into two simpler logarithms. Let's apply this to our exercise, where we have \( \text{log} \frac{518}{342} \). Using the quotient rule, we rewrite this as \( \text{log}(518) - \text{log}(342) \). This makes it much easier to work with, especially when you need to evaluate these logarithms using a calculator.
Logarithmic Properties
Understanding the basic properties of logarithms is crucial for solving problems efficiently. The quotient rule is just one of these properties. Here are a few more that you should know:
- Product Rule: \( \text{log}(a \times b) = \text{log}(a) + \text{log}(b) \). This means the log of a product is the sum of the logs.
- Power Rule: \( \text{log}(a^b) = b \times \text{log}(a) \). This means an exponent on the argument can be brought out as a multiplier.
- Change of Base Formula: \( \text{log}_a(b) = \frac{\text{log}(b)}{\text{log}(a)} \). This is useful for converting between different logarithm bases.
Calculator Steps
When evaluating logarithms, a calculator is a helpful tool to find precise values. Here are the steps to follow when calculating logarithms using a standard scientific calculator:
- Step 1: Turn on your calculator and ensure it's set to the correct mode (typically log base 10 for common logarithms).
- Step 2: Input the number for which you need the logarithm. For \( \text{log}(518) \), type 518.
- Step 3: Press the 'log' button. The calculator will display the logarithm value. For example, \( \text{log}(518) \approx 2.7141 \).
- Step 4: Repeat the process for the other number. For \( \text{log}(342) \), type 342 and press 'log'. This should give you \( \text{log}(342) \approx 2.5340 \).
- Step 5: Subtract the logarithms by doing 2.7141 - 2.5340 on the calculator, yielding approximately 0.1801.