Paper 1 · Indices and Logs ⏱ Tested in 5+ recent exam questions Lesson 5 of 8

Indices and Logs 5 – Unknown in the power/ the natural log

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You’ll learn

  • Solve aˣ = b by taking logs of both sides and bringing x down: x = ln(b)/ln(a)
  • Use the natural log ln = loge, Euler's number e, and the identity ln(e) = 1
  • Isolate the exponential term first: 14·(2ˣ) = 12 becomes 2ˣ = 6/7, THEN take logs
  • Solve e-based equations like e^(2x+4) = 12, correct to 2 decimal places

Most recent exam questions

  • 2025 P1 Q6(a) — deferred
  • 2025 P1 Q7(c) — deferred
  • 2024 P1 Q6(b)(ii)
  • 2024 P1 Q8(b) — deferred
  • 2023 P1 Q9(a)(iv) — deferred

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