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  • How to Calculate Logarithms with Any Base on a Graphing Calculator

    By Carter McBride
    Updated March 24, 2022

    Shanestillz/iStock/GettyImages

    A logarithm with a base other than 10 is called a base‑b logarithm. To evaluate logb(x) on a graphing calculator, follow these steps. We’ll label the base as b and the argument as x.

    Step 1: Press the LOG button

    Most graphing calculators have a dedicated LOG key for natural logarithms. This key is used to initiate the calculation.

    Step 2: Enter the argument x

    Type the value you wish to log.

    Step 3: Close the argument with a right parenthesis

    Press the ) key.

    Step 4: Divide by the logarithm of the base

    Press the division sign ÷.

    Step 5: Enter the base b

    Type the base value.

    Step 6: Close the base expression

    Press ) again. The display should now read log(x)/log(b).

    Step 7: Execute the calculation

    Press = to obtain the result.

    By following these steps, you can compute any logarithm with a custom base on a standard graphing calculator.

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