Prove the change of base formula for logarithms. That is, prove that log_a (x) = log_b (x) / log_b (a).

Firstly, recall the definition of a logarithm: if y = loga(x), then this means that y is the power you have to raise a to, to get x, that is ay = x.Now, we want to introduce a new base, b. Let's take log to base b of both sides of the above equation. We get logb(ay) = logb(x). But remember our rules of logarithms -- we know that ylogb(a) = logb(ay), so we get that ylogb(a) = logb(x).Lastly, divide both sides by logb(a), to obtain: y = logb(x)/logb(a). Aha! Remember we started off by saying that y = loga(x). Therefore, loga(x) = logb(x)/logb(a), and our proof is complete!

TH
Answered by Tom H. Maths tutor

13886 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

An arithmetic progression has a tenth term (a10) = 11.1 and a fiftieth term (a50) = 7.1 Find the first term (a) and the common difference (d). Also find the sum of the first fifty terms (Sn50) of the progression.


How would you express (11+x-x^2)/[(x+1)(x-2)^2] in terms of partial fractions?


How do I deal with parametric equations? x = 4 cos ( t + pi/6), y = 2 sin t, Show that x + y = 2sqrt(3) cos t.


Given x = 3sin(y/2), find dy/dx in terms of x, simplifying your answer.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning