Subjects algebra

Logarithm Reciprocal E4278C

Step-by-step solutions with LaTeX - clean, fast, and student-friendly.

Use the AI math solver

Question: User: if i get something like log a (1/4) can it also be written as -log a (4)?
1. **Problem Statement:** We want to verify if the logarithmic expression $\log_a \left( \frac{1}{4} \right)$ can be rewritten as $-\log_a (4)$. 2. **Relevant Formula:** The logarithm of a reciprocal can be expressed using the property: $$\log_a \left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = -\log_a (x)$$ This is because: $$\log_a \left( \frac{1}{x} \right) = \log_a (1) - \log_a (x)$$ and since $\log_a (1) = 0$, it simplifies to: $$-\log_a (x)$$ 3. **Applying the formula:** Substitute $x = 4$: $$\log_a \left( \frac{1}{4} \right) = -\log_a (4)$$ 4. **Explanation:** This means that the logarithm of the reciprocal of a number is the negative of the logarithm of the number itself. 5. **Conclusion:** Yes, $\log_a \left( \frac{1}{4} \right)$ can indeed be written as $-\log_a (4)$. **Final answer:** $$\log_a \left( \frac{1}{4} \right) = -\log_a (4)$$