Log Notation

Log notation can be used to express any exponential relationship  y = f(x) = b^x  in the inverse – but equivalent – form:  x = g(y) = log_b y .

The notation  x = ln y  is a shorthand for the natural logarithm to the base e:  x = log_e y . This notation is used throughout mathematics, science, and engineering.

The shorthand notation  x = log y  is sometimes used when the base  b  remains fixed and is understood from the context. The "understood" base, however, can vary from place to place:

•  x = log y  often means  x = log_e y  in mathematics texts.
  
  
•  x = log y  often means  x = log₁₀ y  in science and engineering texts.
  
  
•  x = log y  often means  x = log₂ y  in computer science texts.