Using the identity log(10) = 1 and 10 = 2 × 5, compute log 5 given log 2 = 0.3010.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 0.6990

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
We use basic base-10 logarithm properties and the factorization 10 = 2 × 5 to compute log 5 from a given log 2 value.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • log 2 = 0.3010
  • All logs are common (base 10).


Concept / Approach:
Since log(10) = 1 and 10 = 2 × 5, it follows that log 10 = log 2 + log 5. Solve for log 5 by subtraction.


Step-by-Step Solution:

log 10 = 11 = log 2 + log 5log 5 = 1 − log 2 = 1 − 0.3010 = 0.6990


Verification / Alternative check:
Because 2 × 5 = 10, the result must satisfy log 2 + log 5 = 1; 0.3010 + 0.6990 = 1.0000, confirming correctness.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
0.3010 is log 2, not log 5; 0.7525 has no basis here; and it is clearly possible to compute log 5 from log 2 using the identity above.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that log 10 equals 1 or adding instead of subtracting when solving for log 5 can cause errors.


Final Answer:
0.6990

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