Step by step
The question
Question: work out log₂ 8.
log2 8
1 What the log asks
A log is a power.
log₂ 8 asks: 2 to what power is 8?
a log is a power
2 to the power what is 8?
2? = 8
2 Find the power
2 times 2 times 2 is 8.
That is 3 2's.
2 × 2 × 2 = 8
So the power is 3.
23 = 8
So log₂ 8 = 3.
log2 8 = 3
Let's look back.
First: what the log asks.
Last: find the power.
Answer
log2 8 = 3