A logarithm log for short is actually just an exponent in a different form. For example the logarithm definition tells us that to switch log base 9 of 81 equals 2 from logarithmic form to exponential form the base of the logarithm is the base of the power the number on the other side of the equation is the exponent and the number inside the logarithm is the result. Logarithms are the opposite of exponentials just as subtraction is the opposite of addition and division is the opposite of multiplication.
The word logarithm was invented by John Napier in 1614.
This algebra lesson shows how to use logarithm rules to break up complicated logarithms into several simple logs Exponentials Logarithms - Cool math Algebra Help Lessons - Tricks to Help With Calculus. Therefore 3 is the logarithm of 8 to base 2 or 3 log 2 8. On a calculator the Common Logarithm is the log button. 10 4 10000 is called the exponential form.