How do you evaluate log_4 (1/2)?

2 Answers
Jan 7, 2016

log_4(1/2) = -1/2

Explanation:

Using the following properties:

  • log_a(a) = 1

  • log(a^x) = xlog(a)

we have

log_4(1/2) = log_4(4^(-1/2))

= -1/2log_4(4)

= -1/2(1)

= -1/2

Jan 7, 2016

log_4(1/2)=(-1/2)

Explanation:

Based on the meaning of log and exponents:
If
color(white)("XXX")log_4(1/2) = c
then
color(white)("XXX")4^c= 1/2

We know that
color(white)("XXX")4^c>=1 for c>=0
So
color(white)("XXX")4^c=1/2 rarr c<0

Also
color(white)("XXX")4^((-k)) = 1/(4^k)

Which leads us to asking for what value of k does
color(white)("XXX")1/(4^k) = 1/2?

Since
color(white)("XXX")4^(1/2) = sqrt(4) = 2

1/2 = 1/(4^(1/2)) = 4^(-1/2)
and
color(white)("XXX")c=(-1/2)