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Simplify Natural Logarithms Solutions

  •    e    is defined as: e=limn 1+1nn

Above is the exact mathematical definition of e. For Algebra 2, you need to know the approximate value of the number e. Knowledge of limits is not required for this level.

  • This irrational number    e=2.718281    has an approximate value of 2.7182, which is used when working with natural logarithms.
  • 
The natural log is written either of these ways:
    •    loge x   
    •    ln x   

Be very careful not to confuse the letter “l” with the number “1” throughout this lesson. Likely, any “l” followed by “n” refers to the letter and therefore to the natural log.

  • With ln:
    • The letter “l” stands for    logarithm   .
    • The letter “n” stands for    natural   .

loge replaces ln only when the base e is written.
The base of e is understood when using the notation for natural logs.

Properties of Logs

For all rules of logs, the variables ab, and c are positive real numbers, n and x are real numbers, and a1.

Properties of Logs Logarithm Rule(s) Natural Logarithm
Foundational Properties If a0=1, then loga1=0 ln 1=0
If an=an, then logaan=n ln ex=x and eln x=x
If a1=a, then logaa=1 ln e=1
Quotient Rule logabc=logablogac lnbc=ln bln c
Product Rule logabc=logab+logac ln bc=ln b+ln c
Power Rule logabn=n·logab ln bn=n·ln b

Example 1

Evaluate the expression.

Note

Problems A–C

In previous lessons, you have evaluated similar expressions with common logs as you have solved problems. For example, log 100=2 since log 102=2.

  1. eln 5

5

  1. lne

ln e12=12

  1. eln 3+ln 5

eln3·5=eln 15=15

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