Evaluate: log₂ 32.

**The reasoning** The question asks: "2 raised to what power gives 32?" That's what log₂ 32 means — it's asking for the exponent. Let's work it out: - 2¹ = 2 - 2² = 4 - 2³ = 8 - 2⁴ = 16 - 2⁵ = 32 ✓ So log₂ 32 = **5** because 2⁵ = 32. **The principle**: A logarithm is just an exponent in disguise. logₐ b = x means "a raised to power x equals b" (aˣ = b). --- **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **3**: Maybe you stopped at 2³ = 8 and didn't keep going - **4**: You reached 2⁴ = 16 and thought "close enough" — but logs demand exactness! - **6**: You might've confused this with log₁₀ or just guessed high The trap is not expanding the powers fully to find the exact match. --- **Quick takeaway** Always ask yourself: "What power turns my base into the number I want?" Then list out the powers until you hit it exactly — logarithms reward precision!