Summer of Math Exposition

Presented by 3Blue1Brown 3blue1brown

Logarithm Concept

Audience:

Tags: logarithms

I go over the idea of a logarithm as the inverse of an exponent. I find most teachers and textbooks go "backwards". I like the version portrayed in this video better. I tried to make a video that front-loads the important concept, So that you can watch the first 10-20 seconds and get the main idea. I think this will be most useful for high school students looking to understand, and maybe even teachers looking for other ideas. I have worked as a math tutor for 20 years, full time for the last 10.


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4.5 Overall score*
141 Rank
9 Votes
5 Comments

Comments

2.8

The promise of a better explanation

2.8

It is very clear, which is really nice. But also it is not novel at all, it has typical examples, no real motivation. The similarity of log to addition may be something that sticks in the head of a person who sees it for the first time. But it was also illustrated and motivated in a more engaging way in other videos.

6.5

Primarily, the idea of using x = log_b(n) instead of log_b(n) = x after b^x = n is helpful for students, because then they see the actual operation.

3

This video, as conceived, is essentially a lecture on paper rather than on a blackboard. If it lacks original elements or memorization techniques for students, I would rather provide my own handouts. I also suggest including practical applications and summary diagrams. The use of simple images and colors could also help understanding.

6

I liked the point that we should show the log going to the other side.