The variable could represent a positive or negative number so we must ensure that it is positive by making use of the absolute value.
To avoid this technicality many textbooks state, at this point, that we assume all variables are positive. If not, use the absolute values as in the following problems.
Simplify. (Assume variables could be negative.)
To avoid many of the technicalities when working with nth roots we will assume, from this point on, that all the variables are positive.
Simplify. (Assume all variables represent positive numbers.)
Students often try to simplify the previous problem. Be sure to understand what makes the following problems all different.
The property:
says that we can simplify when the operation is multiplication. There is no corresponding property for addition or subtraction.
The properties that follow below are derived from the fact that the logarithm is defined as the inverse of the corresponding exponential.
To familiarize ourselves with the properties we will first expand the following logarithms. (Assume all variables are positive.)
Expand.
Notice that there is no explicit property that allows us to work with nth roots within the argument of the logarithm. To simplify these, first change the root to a rational exponent then apply the power rule.
When expanding, notice that we must use the same base throughout the expression. For the next set of problems we will first use the properties to expand then substitute in the appropriate values as the last step. Evaluate
Expanding is useful for learning the rules and properties associated with logarithms but as it turns out, in practice, condensing down to a single logarithm is the skill that we really need to focus on.
Rewrite as a single logarithm (condense).
Tip: When simplifying these down to one logarithm use only one operation at a time and work from left to right. Combining or skipping steps usually leads to mistakes. Do not race, work slowly, and pay attention to notation.
Evaluate (Round to the nearest ten thousandths where appropriate).
