How do you evaluate log_(1/3) (1/9)?

2 Answers
Sep 6, 2016

Rewrite log_(1/3) (1/9) =x as (1/3)^x = (1/9).

Explanation:

Rewrite log_(1/3) (1/9) =x as (1/3)^x = (1/9).

Remember, the answer to a log is an exponent, so you are looking for the exponent that makes 1/3 turn into 1/9.

1/3 is both the base of the log and the base of the exponent.

(1/3)^x = (1/9).

x =2 because (1/3)^2 = 1/9.

Sep 6, 2016

log_(1/3) (1/9) = 2

Explanation:

In this log form of log_(1/3) (1/9)

The question being asked is
"what power or index of 1/3 will give 1/9"?

This one can be done by inspection.

The answer is clearly 2!

Note that (1/3)^2 = 1/9

log_(1/3) (1/9) = 2

Else you have to use the change of base law:

(log(1/9))/(log(1/3)) = 2