
We have been working with other bases, usually small whole number, such as 2, 3 and 5. You may have noticed that all the logarithms we have seen so far have a subscript number next to them. Do you remember what we read a few days ago about the bone mineral density test and how we found out that we needed to know about logarithms in order to be able to read the bone mineral density image? Now that we have learned about the basics of logarithms-that they are the inverse of exponents, and some of their algebraic properties-let's move on to learn about the different types of logarithms. We are going to continue our study of logarithms today. Use the change of base formula to convert to a common or natural logarithm in order to evaluate expressions and solve equations.Use common and natural logarithms to evaluate expressions.Define the common and natural logarithms.Biomedical engineers use them to measure cell decay and growth, and also to measure light intensity for bone mineral density measurements, the focus of this unit.Īfter this lesson, students should be able to: Exponential equations and logarithms are used to measure earthquakes and to predict how fast your bank account might grow.

They compute a set of practice problems and apply the skills learned in class.Īll types of engineers use natural and common logarithms.Chemical engineers use them to measure radioactive decay, and pH solutions, which are measured on a logarithmic scale. Then students can solidify their understanding with the associated activity to see how these types of logarithms can be applied to solve exponential equations.

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In this study, they take notes about the two special types of logarithms, why they are useful, and how to convert to these forms by using the change of base formula. Students continue an examination of logarithms in the Research and Revise stage by studying two types of logarithms-common logarithms and natural logarithm.
