Question

Condense the logarithmic expression. $$6 \ln 2-4 \ln y$$

Short answer

The condensed form of the given logarithmic expression is \(\ln (2^6 / y^4)\)

Step-by-step solution

Apply the First Property of Logarithms

We can use the property \(\log_b m^n = n \log_b m\) to move the coefficients 6 and 4 as exponents of 2 and y respectively. This gives us: \(\ln 2^6 - \ln y^4\).

Apply the Second Property of Logarithms

We can now use the property \(\log_b m - \log_b n = \log_b (m/n)\) to simplify our expression into: \(\ln (2^6 / y^4)\).

Key concepts

Properties of Logarithms

Understanding the properties of logarithms can simplify numerous complex mathematical problems. They are crucial tools in mathematics, especially when dealing with exponents and logarithms. Here are some essential properties:

• Product Rule: The logarithm of a product is equal to the sum of the logarithms of its factors. Mathematically, \( \log_b (mn) = \log_b m + \log_b n \).
• Quotient Rule:The logarithm of a quotient is equal to the difference of the logarithms.This is expressed as:\( \log_b (m/n) = \log_b m - \log_b n \).
• Power Rule:The logarithm of an exponent is the exponent times the logarithm of the base.Written as:\( \log_b (m^n) = n \log_b m \).

These properties help us to manipulate and solve expressions like the original exercise better. Knowing when and how to apply them is key to understanding logarithmic manipulation.

Condensing Logarithms

Condensing logarithms means combining several logarithmic terms into a single logarithm. This operation is essential because it simplifies expressions, making them easier to handle. For example, in the expression given \( 6 \ln 2 - 4 \ln y \), we used a combination of the exponent property and the quotient rule to condense it. First, transfer coefficients to exponents:- Coefficient 6 becomes exponent 6: \( \ln 2^6 \).- Coefficient 4 becomes exponent 4: \( \ln y^4 \).Next, apply the quotient rule:The expression \( \ln 2^6 - \ln y^4 \) becomes \( \ln (2^6 / y^4) \).By doing this, we condense the expression into a single logarithm, \( \ln (2^6 / y^4) \), making it more manageable.

Exponents in Logarithms

Exponents in logarithms play a crucial role in simplifying the terms. As seen in the original solution, we often move coefficients in front of the logarithms to become exponents of the base, which is a practical application of the power rule of logarithms.When you see a coefficient in front of a logarithm, like 6 in \( 6 \ln 2 \), it can be moved as an exponent inside the log, transforming this term into \( \ln 2^6 \). Similarly, \( 4 \ln y \) turns into \( \ln y^4 \).This approach helps in condensing logarithms but also highlights how exponents interact within logarithmic expressions. By applying the power rule, you can better manage and solve complex logarithmic equations, allowing for straightforward manipulation and solutions.