The Log

A logarithm (log) is the inverse of exponentiation, meaning it tells you what power you need to raise a specific base to get a certain number. For example, log base 10 of 100 is 2, because 10 raised to the power of 2 equals 100. Think of it as asking, "To what exponent must the base be raised to produce this number?" Logarithms are useful for solving equations involving exponents, working with very large or small numbers, or simplifying multiplicative processes into additive ones, which makes calculations in science, engineering, and finance more manageable.