What is the calculator function for logarithms?

The calculator function for logarithms is typically labelled as "log" for base 10 and "ln" for base e.

Logarithms are a way to express the power to which a number (the base) must be raised to obtain another number. For example, in the expression \( \log_{10}(100) \), the base is 10, and the logarithm tells us the power to which 10 must be raised to get 100. In this case, \( \log_{10}(100) = 2 \) because \( 10^2 = 100 \).

On most scientific calculators, you will find two main logarithm functions: "log" and "ln". The "log" button is used for base 10 logarithms, which are also known as common logarithms. These are particularly useful in many scientific and engineering contexts. For example, if you want to find the logarithm of 1000 to base 10, you would press the "log" button and then enter 1000, which would give you 3, since \( 10^3 = 1000 \).

The "ln" button stands for the natural logarithm, which uses the base \( e \) (approximately 2.718). Natural logarithms are widely used in higher mathematics, especially in calculus and complex number theory. For instance, if you want to find the natural logarithm of 7, you would press the "ln" button and then enter 7, which would give you approximately 1.9459, since \( e^{1.9459} \approx 7 \).

Understanding how to use these functions on your calculator can help you solve a variety of problems involving exponential growth, decay, and other phenomena modelled by logarithmic relationships.