Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Logarithms
Logarithms are the inverse operations of exponentiation, allowing us to solve for the exponent in equations of the form b^x = y. The logarithm log_b(y) answers the question: to what power must the base b be raised to obtain y? Understanding logarithms is essential for evaluating expressions like log14(87.5).
Recommended video:
Change of Base Formula
The Change of Base Formula allows us to convert logarithms from one base to another, which is particularly useful when a calculator only computes logarithms in base 10 (common logarithm) or base e (natural logarithm). The formula is log_b(a) = log_k(a) / log_k(b), where k is any positive number. This is crucial for evaluating log14(87.5) using a calculator.
Recommended video:
Calculator Functions
Most scientific calculators have specific functions for calculating common logarithms (log) and natural logarithms (ln). Familiarity with these functions is necessary to accurately compute logarithmic values. For example, to find log14(87.5), one would use the Change of Base Formula and the calculator's log or ln functions to derive the answer.
Recommended video: