Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Logarithms
A logarithm is the inverse operation to exponentiation, representing the power to which a base must be raised to obtain a given number. In the expression x = log₄(∛16), the base is 4, and the logarithm answers the question: 'To what power must 4 be raised to yield the cube root of 16?' Understanding logarithms is essential for solving equations involving exponential relationships.
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Exponents and Roots
Exponents indicate how many times a number, known as the base, is multiplied by itself. Roots, such as cube roots, are the inverse of exponents. In this case, ∛16 means finding a number that, when raised to the power of 3, equals 16. Recognizing how to manipulate exponents and roots is crucial for simplifying expressions and solving logarithmic equations.
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Change of Base Formula
The change of base formula allows the conversion of logarithms from one base to another, facilitating easier calculations. It states that logₐ(b) can be expressed as logₓ(b) / logₓ(a) for any positive x. This concept is particularly useful when dealing with logarithms that do not have a straightforward calculation, enabling the use of common or natural logarithms for simplification.
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