Identify base and number: Identify the base b and the number x for the logarithmic equation log(b)(x).In this case, b=4 and x=256.
Recall definition of logarithm: Recall the definition of a logarithm.The logarithm logb(x) answers the question: "To what power must b be raised to obtain x?" In other words, if logb(x)=y, then by=x.
Determine power for base 4: Determine the power to which 4 must be raised to get 256.We know that 42=16 and 44=256. Therefore, 4 must be raised to the power of 4 to get 256.
Write logarithmic equation: Write the logarithmic equation using the value found in Step 3.Since 44=256, we can write the logarithmic equation as log4256=4.
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