5) \( \log _{4}\left(a^{2} b^{2}\right) \)
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The Deep Dive
To simplify \( \log _{4}\left(a^{2} b^{2}\right) \), you can apply the product and power rules of logarithms. Using the product rule, this becomes \( \log_{4}(a^{2}) + \log_{4}(b^{2}) \). Next, applying the power rule, we can pull the exponent out: \( 2\log_{4}(a) + 2\log_{4}(b) \). So, the final simplified expression is \( 2(\log_{4}(a) + \log_{4}(b)) \). Don't forget, logarithms are all about relationships! The base of your log, in this case, is 4, which is \( 2^2 \). This means you can convert your logs to a base of 2 if you're ever in a pinch! Just remember, \( \log_{4}(x) = \frac{\log_{2}(x)}{\log_{2}(4)} \), and voilà! Your simplification can dance through different bases and reveal even deeper connections in your calculations.