Question

How do you calculate `log_4 1558`?

Answer 1

Using a calculator: `x = 5.3027`

Explanation:

If `log_4 1558 = x, " then " 4^x = 1558`

1558 is not a power of 4 (it is not divisible by 4) so use logs.

Take logs of both sides:

`xlog4 = log 1558`

`x = log 1558/log4`

We would get to the same result from the change of base law.

Using a calculator: `x = 5.3027`