Exam Strategy

Readiness Check

You are ready when you can:

• Rewrite any $\log_b c = a$ as $b^a = c$ instantly.
• Evaluate exact logs from known powers.
• Estimate logs between consecutive integers.
• Interpret a logarithmic scale.

On the AP Exam

• MCQ: evaluate, convert forms, read log scales.
• FRQ: often embedded later with log functions; exact meaning still tested.
• Skill focus: 1.B equivalent analytic forms.

Tactics

1. Always rewrite as an exponential first when stuck. 2. Ask: "What power of $b$ gives $c$?" 3. Bound: if $b^k < c < b^{k+1}$, then $k < \log_b c < k+1$. 4. Unlabeled $\log$ $\Rightarrow$ base 10. 5. On log scales, count multiplicative steps, not additive.

Common Traps

• Treating log as division.
• Ignoring base restrictions.
• Reading log-scale spacing as linear differences.
• Mixing up $\log$ and $\ln$.

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Exponential equivalent written
• [ ] Base and argument valid
• [ ] Exact or estimated appropriately
• [ ] Scale interpreted multiplicatively