Logarithms are one of the most used mathematical symbols in the world, since they have many uses in advanced mathematics.
A logarithm is a number that has to do with powers, since it shows us the number by which we have to raise the base so that it gives the complete result of the logarithm.
The logarithm is composed of two parts, that is, the base and the number. A base 2 logarithm will result in the square root of the large number, that is, if we raise the result by the base, it will give us the number. For example, the base 2 logarithm of 8 is 3, since if we raise 2 to the cube, we will obtain the number 8.
Calculating logarithms is somewhat simple on numbers like this, but it’s not so easy with larger numbers, for which you’ll need to use a calculator. If you know how to calculate logarithms, you won’t have any problem doing this correctly, so don’t worry.
The logarithm on paper is written with a log, followed by the base, which is a subscript or smaller number, as well as followed by the equal and the number in question.
However, when we are in front of the computer, we cannot show the logarithms in any way, since if we write a logarithm in base 2 of 8, they will not accept it as valid. The problem with writing a logarithm comes from the fact that the base number must be small, since if we write log28=3, we will have confusion.
First of all, we could think that the logarithm is 28 and that the base is the default one, in which no number is put. We can also think that it multiplies by the number 2 or 8, since in advanced mathematics, after the letters, the multiplication symbol is not put, since it is understood that it multiplies the number.
This is a serious problem, because if we want to write a logarithm to present it in a paper or something similar, we are going to have a serious problem, because we are not going to be able to do it correctly. Many people will not allow us to write the number on paper and will force us to put it on the computer. This would mean the suspense of many people, for something that seems silly, but it is not.
However, the people who invented computer programs and mathematical formulas know all this and can help you. They have implemented a system to be able to write all logarithms correctly. In this way, we will be able to put the smallest base number, making the formula understandable in the correct way. This makes sense, since the textbook people have to have done it somehow, not by infused science.
The good thing is that you will be able to learn to write logarithms in all possible ways, even if you have no idea of computer science or even if you have no idea of mathematics, so don’t worry.
Instructions for writing logarithms
- Write it in Microsoft Word: The first thing we are going to learn to be able to write a logarithm correctly is to do it with Word. Microsoft Word is the best program for writing text and if you want to present a program of this type, it is very likely that you will have to do it this way. Microsoft Word is downloaded all over the world and for this reason, it is likely that you have it perfectly installed on your computer. What you must do to write the logarithms in word is, first of all, know the nomenclature of the logarithms that we have explained before. First of all, you have to put the word log, which is the word that indicates the logarithm. Then we must look at where the source in word comes out, that is, the size and all this. Here we are going to see that a kind of X appears, which has a symbol above and another below in the one next to it. Let’s look at the X that comes out with the one below, which is a subscript. We must press on this part and then, write the base of the logarithm in the part of our document, next to the word log. After that, we are going to click the button again to remove it and continue writing the logarithm, this time putting the number. Finally, we will put an equal and after that, we will put the result in number. Here the basic thing is to respect the subscript, since as I said before, we cannot put the normal number, since this would be done wrong.
- Write the logarithm in excel: Microsoft excel is not useful for writing, but it is better for the subject of mathematics. For this reason, we must also learn to write logarithms in this program, since without a doubt, we are going to have to use them sometime in our lives and it never hurts to learn how to use them correctly. To write the logarithm in excel, we must enter the formula cell and click on logarithms. In Excel, the logarithm can be calculated, so we will get the word log, with a parenthesis, like this. =Log(number, base). In this way, we have to put the number first and then the base in the parentheses. Once we have done this, Excel will automatically calculate the logarithm for us. If we want the statement to come out, we must see the part of the text again and click where it puts the subscript, in the same way as in Word, in this way, we will be able to write it, although not calculate it. In Excel we can both calculate and display the logarithm, so it’s always a great tool.
- Graphical Representation: Like many mathematics, logarithms can be represented graphically. Some programs like Excel allow it, so we are going to see how we can make a graphical representation in Excel of the correct form of logarithm. Here we are going to click on the graphics section, in which we will be able to create all kinds of graphics. Here we will be able to represent a logarithm graphically, in which we will be able to indicate a formula. For example, we can say that y is equal to the base 2 logarithm of 8. In this way, we can calculate a graph like the ones we see in the image and have it represented graphically.
- Writing in other media: Although Word does come with the option to write subscripts, this does not happen in other programs. For this reason, we must look to see how they can be written anywhere. If we open the character map, which is opened by typing “charmap” in the launch area, we will be able to put a large number of keyboard symbols, including for example subscript characters in any number. In this way, we can write anything, for example logₓ3=5. Here we see that the X is smaller, since I have taken it from the aforementioned character map. Here you can write not only logarithms, but other things, like musical notes and many other things.