What is the Difference Between log and Natural log?

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The main difference between log and natural log (ln) is the base they are defined for. Log represents a logarithm to the base 10, also known as the common logarithm, while ln represents a logarithm to the base e, also known as the natural logarithm. Here are some key differences between log and ln:

  • Base: Log is defined for base 10, whereas ln is defined for base e.
  • Notation: Log is represented as log10(x), while ln is represented as loge(x) or ln(x).
  • Exponential Form: The exponential form for log is 10x = y, while for ln, it is ex = y.

Logarithms are essential for solving equations where an unknown variable appears as the exponent of a number. They are significant in many branches of mathematics and scientific subjects and are used to solve various problems related to finance, economics, and other fields.

Comparative Table: log vs Natural log

Here is a table summarizing the differences between log (logarithm) and ln (natural logarithm):

Feature Log (logarithm) Ln (natural logarithm)
Base Log refers to a logarithm to the base 10 Ln refers to a logarithm to the base e (Euler's number)
Representation Log is represented as log10(x) Ln is represented as loge(x) or ln(x)
Exponent Form The exponent form of the common logarithm is 10x = y The exponent form of the natural logarithm is ex = y
Interrogative "At which number should we raise 10 to get y?" "At which number should we raise e to get y?"

Logarithms are essential for solving equations where an unknown variable appears as the exponent of a given number. The key difference between log and ln is the base: log is defined for base 10, while ln is denoted for base e, which is an irrational and transcendental number approximately equal to 2.718281828459.