If log_a 36=2.2265 and log_a 4=.8614, how do you evaluate log_a 9?

1 Answer
Jun 11, 2015

Using the property of log which states that log_n(a/b)=log_na-log_nb

Explanation:

Following the log property, we can use your pieces of information as follows:

log9=log(36/4)

Thus,

log_a36-log_a4=log_a9

2.2265-0.8614=log_a9

log_a9=1.3651

Following log definition, we have that log_ab=c <=> a^c=b

Thus,

a^(1.3651)=9

To solve this, isolating a we can follow one property of exponentials, which states (a^n)^m=a^(n*m) by elevating both sides to (1/1.3651):

(a^(cancel(1.3651)))^(1/cancel(1.3651))=9^(1/1.3651)

a=9^(1/1.3651)

a~=0.7325