Log calculations involve applying laws to simplify and evaluate logarithmic expressions. Steps: (1) Identify logarithm bases and use change of base if needed; (2) Apply product/quotient/power laws; (3) Simplify step-by-step; (4) Use log tables or calculator for common values. Example: Simplify log_2(8) + log_2(4) = 3 + 2 = 5. Or log(100/10) = log(100) - log(10) = 2 - 1 = 1. Shortcut: Express arguments as powers of base (8 = 2^3). Exam tip: In exams, log tables (base 10) are provided. Practice reading tables: log(2) ≈ 0.3010, log(3) ≈ 0.4771. Always verify whether base 10 or natural log is used.