Problem 106

Question

Describe the quotient rule for logarithms and give an example.

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The quotient rule for logarithms states that the log of a division equals the log of the numerator subtracted by the log of the denominator. For instance, \( log_2(\frac{8}{2}) = log_2(8) - log_2(2) \), which simplifies to \( 2 \).
1Step 1: Definition of Quotient Rule for Logarithms
The Quotient Rule for logarithms states that the logarithm of a quotient is the difference of the logarithms. This can be mathematically expressed as: \( log_b(\frac{m}{n}) = log_b(m) - log_b(n) \) where \(b\) is the base of the logarithm, and \(m\) and \(n\) are the quantities being divided.
2Step 2: Explanation of the Rule
In simple terms, this rule expresses that the log of a division equals the log of the numerator subtracted by the log of the denominator.
3Step 3: Providing an Example
Let's provide an example to understand this rule better. Consider the logarithmic expression: \( log_2(\frac{8}{2}) \). Using the quotient rule, it can be broken down as follows: \( log_2(8) - log_2(2) \). By simplifying, we have \( 3 - 1 = 2 \). Hence, \( log_2(\frac{8}{2}) = 2 \), proving the quotient rule for logarithms.