The formula is obtained by applying an auxiliary logarithm to both sides of the definition.

Proof — Change-of-base formula

Setting u=logaxu = \log_a x, then au=xa^u = x. We apply to both sides the logarithm in base bb: logb(au)=logbx    ulogba=logbx    u=logbxlogba.\log_b(a^u) = \log_b x \implies u \log_b a = \log_b x \implies u = \frac{\log_b x}{\log_b a}. \blacksquare

Topics: Logarithmic function
Concepts: Change of base · Logarithm
Functions: Logarithmic function
Skills: Prove