Solve log₁₀3 + log₁₀4: Step-by-Step Logarithm Addition

Logarithm Addition with Base-10 Properties

log103+log104= \log_{10}3+\log_{10}4=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We'll use the formula for adding logarithms
00:16 We'll use this formula in our exercise
00:23 We can see it's applicable, bases are equal
00:39 Let's solve the parentheses
00:44 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

log103+log104= \log_{10}3+\log_{10}4=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will use the property of logarithms that allows us to combine the sum of two logarithms:

  • Step 1: Identify the formula. We use the property logb(x)+logb(y)=logb(xy)\log_b(x) + \log_b(y) = \log_b(x \cdot y) where both logarithms must have the same base.
  • Step 2: Recognize the base. Here, both logarithms are in base 10: log103\log_{10}3 and log104\log_{10}4.
  • Step 3: Apply the property. Add the two logarithms using the formula: log103+log104=log10(34)\log_{10}3 + \log_{10}4 = \log_{10}(3 \cdot 4).
  • Step 4: Perform the multiplication. Compute 343 \cdot 4 to get 12.
  • Step 5: Express the result as a single logarithm: log1012\log_{10}12.

Therefore, the expression log103+log104\log_{10}3 + \log_{10}4 simplifies to log1012\log_{10}12.

3

Final Answer

log1012 \log_{10}12

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Addition Property: logb(x)+logb(y)=logb(xy) \log_b(x) + \log_b(y) = \log_b(x \cdot y) when bases match
  • Technique: Convert log103+log104 \log_{10}3 + \log_{10}4 to log10(3×4)=log1012 \log_{10}(3 \times 4) = \log_{10}12
  • Verification: Check that both original logarithms have same base before applying property ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding the numbers inside the logarithms instead of multiplying
    Don't calculate log103+log104=log107 \log_{10}3 + \log_{10}4 = \log_{10}7 ! This treats logarithms like regular addition, giving completely wrong results. Always multiply the arguments when adding logarithms: log10(3×4)=log1012 \log_{10}(3 \times 4) = \log_{10}12 .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( \log_75-\log_72= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we multiply 3 and 4 instead of adding them?

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The logarithm addition property says logb(x)+logb(y)=logb(xy) \log_b(x) + \log_b(y) = \log_b(x \cdot y) . This means when you add logarithms, you multiply their arguments!

What if the logarithms have different bases?

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You cannot use this property! Both logarithms must have the same base. If bases differ, you need to convert them first using change of base formula.

Can I use a calculator to check my answer?

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Yes! Calculate log103+log104 \log_{10}3 + \log_{10}4 separately, then calculate log1012 \log_{10}12 . Both should give you approximately 1.079.

Does this work for subtraction too?

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Yes, but with division! logb(x)logb(y)=logb(xy) \log_b(x) - \log_b(y) = \log_b(\frac{x}{y}) . So subtracting logarithms means dividing their arguments.

Why is the answer still a logarithm?

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The result log1012 \log_{10}12 is the exact form. You could approximate it as 1.079, but keeping it as log1012 \log_{10}12 is more precise and often preferred in mathematics.

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