What is a logarithm?

Logarithms, written in the form logxy, are another type of mathematical 'operation', just like addition or multiplication. Subtraction as the opposite of addition, division is the opposite of multiplication and, likewise, logarithms are the opposite operation to exponentials, (e.g 32 = 9, log39 = 2).Take for example log28 = ?The answer to a logarithm is the exponential power the 'base' of the logarithm (in this case 2) must be given in order to be equal to the bigger number (here, 8). 23 = 8, so therefore log28 = 3.

LH
Answered by Laurie H. Maths tutor

3323 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I sketch a polynomial function?


Water is flowing into a rightcircular cone at the rate r (volume of water per unit time). The cone has radius a, altitude b and the vertex or "tip" is pointing downwards. Find the rate at which the surface is rising when the depth of the water is y.


Have you taught before?


Sketch the curve y = (2x-1)/(x+1) stating the equations of any asymptotes and coordinates of the intersection with the axis. As an extension, what standard transformations from C1 could you use on y=1/x to get this curve?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning