I had asked a question earlier and bob pursley nicely answered it but I do have a question concerning it still- perhaps someone could clarify it-

f(x) = logx is a logarthmic function. Bob Pursley said it could be because the base is implied but my question is the way it is written is exactly the way I wrotr it here-doesn't it need parentheses or something to be correct?

Thank you-I understand what you're saying-I really appreciate the help

The function f(x) = logx is indeed a logarithmic function, and you are correct that the way it is written can cause some confusion. Let me clarify this for you.

In mathematics, logarithms can have different bases. The most common logarithm is the natural logarithm with a base of e (approximately 2.71828). However, the logarithm function can be expressed using any positive base.

When no base is explicitly mentioned, it is assumed to be base 10. This is usually denoted as log10, often written as just log. In this case, if you see a function written as f(x) = logx without specifying a base, it is assumed to be base 10 logarithm.

To address your question about the need for parentheses, it depends on the context and the specific rules of notation being used. In some textbooks or mathematical notations, logarithmic functions are written with parentheses, such as f(x) = log(x), to make it explicitly clear which part is the argument of the logarithm.

However, if the context is clear and there is no possibility of ambiguity, it is also common to omit the parentheses and write it as f(x) = logx. This is often seen in calculators and computer programming languages.

In any case, whenever you encounter a mathematical expression that seems ambiguous or unclear, it's always a good idea to provide more explicit notation to avoid any confusion.

I read it as the logarithm of x.

If you read it that way also, it is a logarithmic equation.

Very few mathematicians get overly concerned with notation, however, I have known many high school teachers make a big deal of Log(x) and other notation. I still remember when one thousand was written 1--- ; nowadays, since placeholders were invented, 1000 is the norm. But it still represents the same value. 1K ; or 1E3 are still a thousand also.

Analyze your teacher's psyche on this.