Using Logarithms to Solve Exponential Equations

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 6 views

Introduction

Exponential equations are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and solving them requires a deep understanding of logarithmic and exponential functions. In this article, we will explore how to solve exponential equations, with a focus on the specific problem of finding the value of $z$ in the equation $10^z=5$ .

What is an Exponential Equation?

An exponential equation is an equation that involves an exponential expression, which is a mathematical expression that represents the result of raising a base number to a power. Exponential equations can be written in the form $a^x=b$ , where $a$ is the base, $x$ is the exponent, and $b$ is the result.

The Problem: $10^z=5$

The problem we are trying to solve is $10^z=5$ . This equation involves an exponential expression, where the base is $10$ and the exponent is $z$ . Our goal is to find the value of $z$ that satisfies this equation.

Using Logarithms to Solve Exponential Equations

One of the most powerful tools for solving exponential equations is logarithms. A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation, and it allows us to solve for the exponent in an exponential equation. In this case, we can use the logarithm base $10$ to solve for $z$ .

The Logarithm Base 10

The logarithm base $10$ is a mathematical function that takes a number as input and returns the power to which $10$ must be raised to produce that number. In other words, if $x=\log_{10}y$ , then $10^x=y$ . This function is denoted by $\log_{10}x$ .

Applying the Logarithm Base 10 to the Problem

We can apply the logarithm base $10$ to both sides of the equation $10^z=5$ to get:

\log_{10}10^z=\log_{10}5

Using the property of logarithms that states $\log_{a}a^x=x$ , we can simplify the left-hand side of the equation to get:

z=\log_{10}5

Conclusion

In this article, we have seen how to solve exponential equations using logarithms. We have applied this technique to the specific problem of finding the value of $z$ in the equation $10^z=5$ . The solution to this problem is $z=\log_{10}5$ . This result demonstrates the power of logarithms in solving exponential equations.

Answer Key

The correct answer to the problem is:

B. $z=\log_{10} 5$

Additional Resources

For more information on logarithms and exponential equations, we recommend the following resources:

Khan Academy: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
MIT OpenCourseWare: Calculus II
Wolfram MathWorld: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Discussion Questions

What is the definition of an exponential equation?
How do logarithms help us solve exponential equations?
What is the logarithm base 10, and how is it used to solve exponential equations?
Can you think of other ways to solve the equation $10^z=5$ ?
How does the solution to this problem relate to the concept of logarithms?

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored how to solve exponential equations using logarithms. We applied this technique to the specific problem of finding the value of $z$ in the equation $10^z=5$ . In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about exponential equations and logarithms.

Q: What is an exponential equation?

A: An exponential equation is an equation that involves an exponential expression, which is a mathematical expression that represents the result of raising a base number to a power. Exponential equations can be written in the form $a^x=b$ , where $a$ is the base, $x$ is the exponent, and $b$ is the result.

Q: How do logarithms help us solve exponential equations?

A: Logarithms are the inverse operation of exponentiation, and they allow us to solve for the exponent in an exponential equation. By applying the logarithm base 10 to both sides of the equation, we can simplify the equation and solve for the exponent.

Q: What is the logarithm base 10?

A: The logarithm base 10 is a mathematical function that takes a number as input and returns the power to which 10 must be raised to produce that number. In other words, if $x=\log_{10}y$ , then $10^x=y$ . This function is denoted by $\log_{10}x$ .

Q: Can you think of other ways to solve the equation $10^z=5$ ?

A: Yes, there are other ways to solve the equation $10^z=5$ . One way is to use the property of exponential functions that states $a^x=b$ if and only if $x=\log_a b$ . This property allows us to rewrite the equation as $z=\log_{10}5$ .

Q: How does the solution to this problem relate to the concept of logarithms?

A: The solution to this problem demonstrates the power of logarithms in solving exponential equations. By applying the logarithm base 10 to both sides of the equation, we can simplify the equation and solve for the exponent. This result shows that logarithms are a powerful tool for solving exponential equations.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving exponential equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving exponential equations include:

Not applying the logarithm base 10 to both sides of the equation
Not using the property of logarithms that states $\log_a a^x=x$
Not checking the domain of the logarithm function

Q: Can you provide some examples of exponential equations and their solutions?

A: Here are some examples of exponential equations and their solutions:

$2^x=8$ : $x=\log_2 8=3$
$3^x=27$ : $x=\log_3 27=3$
$4^x=64$ : $x=\log_4 64=3$

Q: How do you know when to use logarithms to solve an exponential equation?

A: You should use logarithms to solve an exponential equation when:

The equation involves an exponential expression with a base that is not equal to 1
The equation involves an exponential expression with a base that is not equal to 0
The equation involves an exponential expression with a base that is not equal to 1 and the exponent is not an integer

Conclusion

In conclusion, exponential equations and logarithms are powerful tools for solving mathematical problems. By understanding the properties of logarithms and how to apply them to exponential equations, we can solve a wide range of mathematical problems. We hope this Q&A article has been helpful in answering some of the most frequently asked questions about exponential equations and logarithms.