Logarithms are mathematical functions that represent the exponent or power to which a base number must be raised to produce a given value. For example, in the expression ( \log_b(a) = c ), ( b^c = a ), where ( b ) is the base, ( a ) is the value, and ( c ) is the logarithm. Logarithms are widely used in various fields, including science, engineering, and finance, to simplify complex calculations, particularly those involving exponential growth or decay. They also have properties that make them useful for solving equations involving multiplication or division by converting them into addition or subtraction.