A logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function. It helps us understand how many times we need to multiply a base number to reach a certain value. For example, in the function log_b(x), b is the base, and x is the number we want to express as a power of b. If b is 10, then log_10(100) equals 2 because 10 multiplied by itself twice equals 100. Logarithmic functions are useful in many fields, including science, engineering, and finance. They help simplify complex calculations, especially when dealing with large numbers. For instance, the Richter scale for measuring earthquakes uses logarithmic functions to express the intensity of seismic waves, making it easier