Log and Ln stand for Logarithm and Natural Log respectively. Logarithms are essential for solving equations where an unknown variable appears as the exponent of some other quantity. They are significant in many branches of mathematics and scientific subjects and are used to solve problems involving compound interest, which is broadly related to finance and economics.

Log is defined for base 10 whereas, ln is defined for the base e. Example- log of base 2 is written as log₂ while log of base e is represented as log_e= ln (natural log).

The logarithm which is defined as the power to which the base is e that has to be raised to obtain a number is called its log number of the natural logarithm. ‘e’ is the exponential function.

Definition of Log

The logarithm in mathematics is the inverse function of exponentiation. In other words, a log is defined as the power to which a number must be raised such that we get the other number. This is also known as the logarithm of base 10 or the common logarithm. The general form of the logarithm is:

log_a (y) = x

It is also written as

a^x = y

Properties of Logarithm

• Log_b (mn)= log_b m + log_b n
• Log_b (m/n)= log_b m – log_bn
• Log_b (mn) = n log_b m
• Log_b m = log_a m/log_a b

Definition of ln

Ln is called the natural logarithm. It is also called the logarithm of the base e. Here, the constant e denotes a number that is a transcendental number and an irrational which is approximately equal to the value 2.71828182845. The natural logarithm (ln) can be represented as ln x or log_e x.

Differences Between Log and Ln

To solve logarithmic problems, one must know the difference between log and natural log. Having a key understanding of the exponential functions can also prove helpful in understanding different concepts. Some of the important differences between Log and natural log are given below in a tabular form: