Chapter 6: Problem 14
In Problems \(13-18\), find the exact value of the given logarithm. $$ \log _{4} 64 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The exact value of \( \log_{4} 64 \) is 3.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Logarithm
The expression \( \log_{4} 64 \) asks us to determine which power we need to raise the base 4 to get the number 64. In other words, we need to solve for \( x \) in the equation \( 4^x = 64 \).
02
Recognize 64 as a Power of 4
Observe that 64 is a power of 4. To find this, we rewrite 64 using powers of 4 and see if it equals any. We start by guessing and checking small integral powers: - \( 4^1 = 4 \)- \( 4^2 = 16 \)- \( 4^3 = 64 \)We notice that \( 4^3 = 64 \), confirming that 64 is \( 4 \) raised to the power of 3.
03
Solve for the Exponent
Since \( 4^3 = 64 \), it follows that \( x = 3 \). Therefore, \( \log_{4} 64 = 3 \).
04
Verify the Solution
Finally, verify by substituting back into the original equation: - Check if raising 4 to this power indeed gives 64:- \( 4^3 = 4 \times 4 \times 4 = 16 \times 4 = 64 \)The computation holds, so the solution is verified to be correct.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Base of Logarithms
The base of a logarithm is an essential part of understanding how logarithms function. In the expression \( \log_{4} 64 \), the number 4 represents the 'base' of the logarithm.
- The base determines the number that is raised to a power to produce the given number.
- In this example, the question is: "To what power must we raise 4 to obtain 64?"
Exponents
Exponents are vital when dealing with logarithms, as logarithms are essentially inverse operations to exponentiation. When solving \( \log_{4} 64 \), we are trying to figure out the exponent \( x \) in the expression \( 4^x = 64 \).
- Exponents tell us how many times to multiply the base by itself.
- For example, \( 4^3 \) means 4 multiplied by itself 3 times, resulting in 64.
Powers of Numbers
Finding powers of numbers is a foundational skill in mathematics and is critical for understanding logarithms. When working out \( \log_{4} 64 \), the task involves identifying what power of 4 equals 64.
- Powers of numbers are the result of multiplying a number by itself a certain number of times.
- In this case, we calculate powers of 4 to see which one results in 64.
- After computation, we find \( 4^3 = 64 \), indicating 4 must be raised to the power of 3.