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Example 10.33: Expanding a Logarithm Using the Product and Power Properties

To expand a logarithmic expression such as log4(2x3y2)\log_4(2x^3y^2), apply the properties of logarithms step-by-step. First, use the Product Property, loga(MN)=logaM+logaN\log_a (M \cdot N) = \log_a M + \log_a N, to write the logarithm of the product as a sum of logarithms: log42+log4x3+log4y2\log_4 2 + \log_4 x^3 + \log_4 y^2. Next, use the Power Property, logaMp=plogaM\log_a M^p = p \log_a M, on the terms with exponents to bring the powers to the front: log42+3log4x+2log4y\log_4 2 + 3\log_4 x + 2\log_4 y. Finally, simplify any terms if possible. Since 41/2=24^{1/2} = 2, the term log42\log_4 2 simplifies to 12\frac{1}{2}. The final expanded and simplified expression is 12+3log4x+2log4y\frac{1}{2} + 3\log_4 x + 2\log_4 y.

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Updated 2026-05-25

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Ch.10 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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