Which is more preferable to write log(x) or ln(x). Which one is more preferable to write when you are writing an exam. Is it log(x) which denotes the natural logarithm or is it ln(x).

Tia English

Tia English

Answered question

2022-09-04

Which is more preferable to write log ( x ) or ln ( x )
Which one is more preferable to write when you are writing an exam. Is it log ( x ) which denotes the natural logarithm or is it ln ( x ) .

Answer & Explanation

Lohre1x

Lohre1x

Beginner2022-09-05Added 8 answers

If you're in doubt, " ln" will always unambiguously denote the natural logarithm.
If you prefer " log", there's a wide range of situations where you can get away with writing that, such as in a course where you know the teachers use that, or when your calculations make it clear that you can only mean the natural log (e.g., if your write " e a = b and therefore a = log b", there's not much room for misunderstanding). And in general in everything branded as pure math.
But if you want to play it safe, there's no relevant reason not to write " ln". (Except if you happen to know the teacher who will mark the exam personally hates the " ln" notation, but that would be unusual).
redolrn

redolrn

Beginner2022-09-06Added 2 answers

It often depends on context. In lower level classes it tends to be written as ln x to distinguish it from log 10 x, but in higher level class such as complex analysis or analytic number theory, the natural logarithm is the only log that matters and so is not likely to be confused with log 10 . So, in these settings, log x is used. Ultimately, of course, it's simply a matter of personal preference.

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