Lesson #41 Logarithms

Quote of the Day: 
   "Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may not  
    remember. Involve me, and I'll understand."  
     -- Native American saying

Objectives:
  The student will discover the basic properties of  
    logarithms.
  The student will apply the laws of logarithms to 
    problems.
  The student will solve logarithmic equations.

1. Collect homework.

2. Top Ten Teacher Log Expressions
3. Define a logarithmic as an exponent:   
         

4. After giving students the definition of a logarithm,
     divide the class into pairs or groups of three.  
     Each group is given two envelopes containing several 
     index cards (Four sets of sample cards appear below).
   Each group is given about three minutes to make correct 
     mathematical statements using the cards in the
     envelopes. 
   Not all cards in the envelope are used in the equation.
   At a signal, a spokesperson for each group reads the
     equations and I write them on the chalkboard, grouping 
     similar equations together.

   The students then try to formulate a general statement 
     that summarizes the pattern found in the groups of
     similar questions.
    
   We write these conjectures above each group:
         
   Here is a set of sample cards:
         
5.  Have students write down everything that they know about logarithms and put this on
     the board.  This list should include the following:
     (a)   LOGARITHM = EXPONENT
     (b) the three properties of a log
     (c) the change of base theorem (below)
     (d) perhaps, graphs???

6. Examples:
         
7. Change of Base Theorem
         
8. Show comics involving logarithms:
          Christmas gifts and logs
          Logs and Cartooning
          Forgetting logs
          Logs and e

9. What do you call African Drum Music?
    Answer: Logarithm

10.  Assignment: 
      p. 243 (1, 4a, 5, 13)
            Log Worksheet

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