Q. Evaluate.log551Write your answer in simplest form.
Identify Base and Argument: Identify the base and the argument of the logarithm.We are given the logarithm log5(51), which means we are looking for the power to which 5 must be raised to get 51.
Apply Logarithm Definition: Apply the definition of a logarithm.The definition of a logarithm states that if logba=c, then bc=a. In this case, we want to find c such that 5c=51.
Recognize Base-Argument Relationship: Recognize the relationship between the base and the argument.Since 51 is 5−1 (because any number to the negative first power is the reciprocal of that number), we can see that 5c=5−1.
Equate Exponents: Equate the exponents.If 5c=5−1, then by the property of equality for exponential expressions, c must be equal to −1.
Conclude Logarithm Value: Conclude the value of the logarithm.Therefore, log551 is equal to −1.
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