Algebra - Algebra 97 - Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic functions are the inverse of exponential functions. Exponential and logarithmic functions both involve the same three quantities. The difference between an exponential function and a logarithmic function is which two quantities are given and which quantity must be determined. In an exponential function, the base and its exponent are given quantities and the resulting value must be calculated. On the other hand, in a logarithmic function, the base and resulting value are given quantities and the exponent that produced that value must be determined. Logarithmic scales are commonly used in many fields since they allow numerical data to be displayed over a very wide range of values in a compact way. Some examples of logarithmic scales are the decibel scale used as a measurement of signal or sound amplitude and the pH scale used in chemistry to measure the acidity of aqueous solutions.