Wendell is looking over some data regarding the strength, measured in Pascals (Pa), of some building materials and how the strength relates to the length. The data are represented by the exponential function f(x) = 2^x, where x is the length. Explain how he can convert this equation to a logarithmic function when strength is 8 Pascals.

Question

phi · Answer

it sounds like they want you to write
2^x = 8
then take the log of both sides

janu16 · Answer

so log 2^x= log 8? @phi

phi · Answer

yes.  they may want you to simplify that to 
x= log(8)/log(2) 
though that does not look like a function to me.

janu16 · Answer

ohok. what do i do after that?

janu16 · Answer

@phi

phi · Answer

they *might* want
$$ \log_2(x) = 3 $$
but I'm guessing.

janu16 · Answer

but i have to show work before i write 3 as the answer so how would i show work?

phi · Answer

if you use log base 2 (rather than base 10) 
$$\log_2 2^x= \log_2 8$$
and knowing 8 is 2^3
you an say
$$ x \log_2 2 = \log_2 2^3 \ x = 3 $$

but I am not sure that is what they are asking for.

janu16 · Answer

they probbaly are. thanks so much!

janu16 · Answer

so log2 8=log2 2^3 is in logarithmic form right?