CHAPTER 02

Exponential Function &

Logarithmic Function

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 1/.31

2.1 Exponential Function

Solution of Exponential Equation and Exponential

2.2 Inequality

2.3 Logarithmic Function

Solution of Logarithmic Equation and Logarithmic

2.4 Inequality

2.5 Engineering Problem

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 2/31

 2.1 exponential function

Definition of Exponential Function

Definition 2-1 Exponential Function

𝑎>0 , 𝑎≠1 , 𝑥 ∶ 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥

𝑎 ∶ 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 , 𝑥 ∶ 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡

example 2-1

Evaluate whether the following functions are exponential function or not.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 3/31

 2.1 exponential function

Graph of Exponential Function

Graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 (𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1)

[Fig2-1] Graph and characteristics of 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 (𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1)

increase

decrease

graph increase

increase

As the value of x increases, the value of y As the value of x increases, the value of y
increases decreases
charact • Domain : ℝ , Range {𝑦: 𝑦 > 0}
-eristics • Pass through two points 0,1 (1, 𝑎)
• The asymptotic line is x-axis

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 4/31

 2.1 exponential function

Graph of Exponential Function

Symmetric movement of graph 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 (𝑎 > 1)

symmetry
about x-axis

symmetry symmetry
about y-axis about origin

[Fig2-1] Symmetric relation of the graph 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙 (𝑎>1)

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 5/31

 2.1 exponential function

Graph of Exponential Function

example 2-2

Draw the graphs of the following exponential functions.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 6/31

 2.1 exponential function

Calculation Rule of Root

⚫ Calculation rule of root

When a> 0, b> 0, m, n ≥ 2

n
n n n a a
1) a b= ab 2) n
= n 3) ( n a ) m = n
am
b b
mn np mp m
4) m n
a = a = n m
a 5) a = n
a

[ Practice problem] Simplify following problems.

6
a a
(1) 4 3
16 X 3
16 (2) 5 2
a x
3
a (a>0) (3) 3
4
 3
a a
3 5 5 3 4
x 3 x x x 4 x 5 x
(4) 5  5
 3
(5) 3  
x x x 4
x 5
x 3
x

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 7/31

 2.1 exponential function

Exponential Rule

1. Definition of 0 (zero), negative integer (-), and rational number exponential

1 m
(1) a0 = 1 (a ≠ 0) (2) a-n = n
(3) a n = n a m ( where, a>0, m=integer, integer n≥2 )
a
2. Exponential rule
when a > 0, b > 0, x and y = real number
(1) a  a = a (2) a  a = a
x y x+ y x y x− y xy
(3) ( a x)y = a (4) (ab)x = ax b x
[ Practice problem] Simplify following problems.
1
( − ) −3 −3 2 − 2 − 2
3 1 1 1
−2 2 9 − 43 83
(2) {( a b ) } (3) a  a  a
2 2 4
( 4) ( a − a )
2
(5){( ) }
(1) 3 16
3 3
1 1
x + x− 2 + 2 1 1
(6) when x + x = 3 (x>0), i)
−
ii) x 4 + x − 4
2
2 2
x + x +3
2 −2

x
1 2
5x
+ 2−3 x
(7) when 2 x + 2 = 3, ( )2 (8) when 4 = 3 − 2 2 ,
2x
−x
2 +2
x
8

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 8/31

 2.1 exponential function

Size comparison by the properties of exponential function

Theorem 2-1 Size comparison by exponential function

Step1 Make the base of exponents of two numbers equal.

Step2 Evaluate like the following according to the range of the base of
exponent.
∙ If base>1 , the number having larger exponent is larger.
∙ If 1>base>0 , the number having larger exponent is smaller.

example 2-3

Compare the size of the following two numbers.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 9/31

2.2 The solution of exponential equation and exponential inequality

Solution of Exponential Equation

Theorem 2-2 Solution of exponential equation

(1) In case of same base :

when 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑖𝑓 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 𝑔(𝑥) , solve 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑔(𝑥) .

(2) In case of same exponent

when 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1 , one of the followings is true.
∙ if 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑓(𝑥) , 𝑎 = 𝑏 .
∙ if 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑎 ≠ 𝑏 , solve 𝑓 𝑥 = 0 .

example 2-4

Solve the following exponential equations.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 10/31

2.2 The solution of exponential equation and exponential inequality

Solution of Exponential Inequality

Theorem 2-3 Solution of exponential inequality

Step1 Make the base of both sides of a exponential inequality

equal.
Step2 Calculate like the following according to the range of the
base.
∙ when 𝑎 > 1 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) > 𝑎 𝑔(𝑥) , solve 𝑓 𝑥 > 𝑔(𝑥) .
∙ when 1 > 𝑎 > 0 , 𝑖𝑓 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) > 𝑎 𝑔(𝑥) , solve 𝑓 𝑥 < 𝑔(𝑥) .

example 2-5
Solve the following exponential inequalities

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 11/31

2.2 The solution of exponential equation and exponential inequality

Solution of Exponential Inequality

example 2-6

Solve the following exponential inequalities

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 12/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Definition of Logarithmic Function

Definition 2-2 Logarithmic Function

When 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1 , if 𝑎 𝑦 = 𝑥 for 𝑥 (𝑥 > 0)

logarithmic function 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥

𝑎 : base , 𝑥 : antilogarithm

example 2-7

Find the ranges of 𝑥 for the following logarithmic functions to be defined.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 13/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Properties of Logarithmic Function

Theorem 2-3 Properties of logarithmic function.

When 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1 and 𝑥 > 0, 𝑦 > 0 , the followings are established.

(1) log 𝑎 1 = 0 , log 𝑎 𝑎 = 1

𝑥
(2) log 𝑎 𝑥 + log 𝑎 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥𝑦 (3) log 𝑎 𝑥 − log 𝑎 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑦

(4) log 𝑎 𝑥 𝑘 = 𝑘 log 𝑎 𝑥 ( 𝑘 : real number)

log 𝑥 1
(5) when 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1 , log 𝑎 𝑥 =log𝑏 𝑎 (6) log 𝑎 𝑏 = log (𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑏 ≠ 1)
𝑏 𝑏 𝑎

example 2-8

Simplify the following expressions.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 14/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Properties of Logarithmic Function

[ Practice problems.] Determine 𝒙 satisfying following equation.

(1) log 2 3 144 =𝑥

(2) log 8 ( 2 + 3 − 2 − 3 ) = 𝑥

3
(3) log 𝑥 2 2 = 8

(4) log10 log 32 𝑥 = −1

(5) when 𝑥 = 10 + 2 , 𝑦 = 10 − 2, log 64 (𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ) = ?

2−1
(6) when 𝑥 = , log 3 (𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 10) = ?
2+1

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 15/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Common Logarithm and Natural Logarithm

Of the possible values as the base 𝑎 in 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 , 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑎 = 𝑒

are used the most.

1 𝑛
The irrational number 𝑒 in natural logarithm is defined as lim 1 + ,
𝑛→∞ 𝑛
𝑒 = 2.718 …

Definition 2-3 Common Logarithm and Natural Logarithm

(1) The logarithm whose the base is 10 is called common

logarithm, and in this case, the base 10 is omitted as follows.

𝑦 = log10 𝑥 = log 𝑥

(2) The logarithm whose the base is 𝑒 is called natural logarithm,

and in this case, the base 𝑒 is omitted and expressed simply as
ln .
𝑦 = log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 16/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Graph of Logarithmic Function

▪ Graph of

[Table 2-2] Graph and characteristics of 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 (𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1)

increase

graph increase

increase

decrease

y increases with the increase of x y decreases with the increase of x

Charac- • Domain : {𝑥: 𝑥 > 0}, Range ℝ

teristics • Pass through the point (1,0)
• The asymptotic line is y-axis

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 17/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Graph of Logarithmic Function

Symmetric movement of graph 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 (𝑎 > 1)

symmetry
about y-axis

symmetry symmetry
about x-axis about origin

[Fig2-3] Symmetric relation of the graph 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 (𝑎>1)

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 18/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Graph of Logarithmic Function

example 2-9

Draw the graphs of the following logarithmic functions.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 19/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Size Comparison by Logarithmic Function

Theorem 2-5 Size comparison by logarithmic function

Step1 Make the base of two numbers equal.

Step2 Evaluate like the following according to the range of the base.

∙ If base>1 , the number having larger antilogarithm is larger.

∙ If 1>base>0 , the number having larger antilogarithm is smaller.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 20/31

 2.3 Logarithmic Function

Size Comparison by Logarithmic Function

example 2-10

Compare the size of the following two numbers.

example 2-11
Compare the size of the following two numbers.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 21/31

2.4 The Solution of Logarithmic Equation and Logarithmic Inequality

Solution of Logarithmic Equation

Theorem 2-6 Solution of logarithmic equation

(1) In case of same base :

When 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑖𝑓 log 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑎 𝑔(𝑥), solve 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑔(𝑥) .
Only 𝑥 values that satisfy the antilogarithm condition 𝑓 𝑥 > 0, 𝑔 𝑥 > 0
are solution.

(2) In case that there is the term without logarithm

When 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1 , if log 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏, solve 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑏
Only 𝑥 values that satisfy the antilogarithm condition 𝑓 𝑥 > 0 are solution.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 22/31

2.4 The Solution of Logarithmic Equation and Logarithmic Inequality

Solution of Logarithmic Equation

example 2-12

Solve the following logarithmic equations.

example 2-13

Solve the following equations.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 23/31

2.4 The Solution of Logarithmic Equation and Logarithmic Inequality

Solution of Logarithmic Inequality

Theorem 2-7 Solution of logarithmic inequality

𝑎 > 0 ,𝑎 ≠ 1

(1) In case of log 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) < log 𝑎 𝑔(𝑥) :

∙ When 𝑎 > 1, solve 0 < 𝑓 𝑥 < 𝑔(𝑥) .
∙ When 0 < a < 1 , solve 𝑓 𝑥 > 𝑔 𝑥 > 0 .

(2) In case of log 𝑎 𝑓(𝑥) < 𝑏

∙ When 𝑎 > 1, solve 0 < 𝑓 𝑥 < 𝑎𝑏 .
∙ When 0 < 𝑎 < 1 , solve 𝑓 𝑥 > 𝑎𝑏 .

example 2-14

Solve the following logarithmic inequalities.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 24/31

2.4 The Solution of Logarithmic Equation and Logarithmic Inequality

Logarithmic Inequality using the relation between Exponential Function and Logarithmic Function

▪ The relation between exponential function and logarithmic function

The graphs of exponential function and logarithmic function are symmetric

about the line 𝑦 = 𝑥 .

[Fig 2-5] The relation between exponential function and logarithmic function

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 25/31

2.4 The Solution of Logarithmic Equation and Logarithmic Inequality

Logarithmic Inequality using the relation between Exponential Function and Logarithmic Function

Theorem 2-8 Solution of complicated inequalities

Step1 Take the logarithm with the proper base on both sides of the inequality.
Take the common logarithm in case that there is no proper base, and
take the logarithm with the base 𝑎 if there is form "log 𝑎 𝑥 “ in exponent.

Step2 Find the solution of complicated inequality by using the formula for
base conversion.

example 2-15

Solve the following inequalities.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 26/31

 2.5 Engineering Problem

Reprodution of bacteria
Bacteria are one of the causes of food poisoning.
Under what temperature conditions do bacteria grow?
Non reproducing
1) Over 60℃ : zone

In this section, most of bacteria do not reproduce or die.

Danger zone
2) 5℃~60℃ :
It is a danger zone where the causative bacteria of food
poisoning are most actively reproduced.
3) Below 5℃ : Dormant zone
In this section, most bacteria do not reproduce and
become dormant. [Fig2-6] Tenperature condition
where bacteria grow

example 2-16

The number of bacteria doubles every 20 minutes in the danger zone.

If there were 100 bacteria at first, the number of after 𝑡 hours is as follows.
𝑓 𝑡 = 100 × 23𝑡
Answer the questions.

(a) How many hours does it take for more than 10,000 bacteria?
(b) How many hours does it take for more than 1,000,000 bacteria?

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 27/31

 2.5 Engineering Problem

Biological half-life

Biological half-life means the time it takes for a radioactive substances to

enter the body to be reduced to half the original amount of radioactivity.
The physical half-life of Strontium-90 is about 28.9 years, and the biologi-
cal half-life is 35 years, which is longer than the physical half-life.

example 2-17

Sievert(Sv) is a unit that measures the degree of biological effects a person receives
when exposed to radiation. Answer the following questions.

(a) If a person has 48𝑚𝑆𝑣 strontium-90 in his body, find the amount that will remain
in the body after 70 years.
(b) If a person has 48𝑚𝑆𝑣 strontium-90 in his body and 16𝑚𝑆𝑣 strontium-90 remains
in his body after 𝑡 years, find the approximate value of 𝑡 to one decimal place.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 28/31

 2.5 Engineering Problem

Environment engineering and the amount of water

In environment engineering, the amount of

water in a river or lake is periodically measured
and the amount of water is estimated based on
this. In fact, lakes with large surface areas lose
hundreds of thousands of tons of water each
year due to natural evaporation.
If there is no water flowing into the lakes, lakes
with large surface areas will all evaporate in the
near future. [Fig 2-8] A lake in Australia
that is naturally evaporating

example 2-18
If a lake loses water by 10% every year, find how many years it will take for
the amount of water in this lake to decrease to less than half of the current
year’s water volume.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 29/31

 2.5 Engineering Problem

Decibel (radio wave attenuation ratio)

A decibel(dB) is a unit that represents the relative magnitude
of a sound, also known as the radio wave attenuation ratio.
The average household noise at home is about 40dB, the daily
conversation is about 60dB, and the sound of 120-140dB is a
painful level for a person to hear. The decibel is the common
log value of the intensity ratio of the sound, multiplied by 10.
When the intensity of a radio wave changes from A to B after
it passes through a wall, the radio wave attenuation ratio F of
the wall is as follows.
[Fig2-9] decibel level meter

example 2-19
When the intensity of the radio wave passed through the wall (radio wave
attenuation ratio:-20dB) is 0.05, find the intensity of the radio wave before it passes
through the wall.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 30/31

 2.5 Engineering Problem

Earthquakes and the Richter Magnitude Scale

Richter magnitude scale is a unit developed by the American seismologist
Charles F. Richter in 1935 to indicate the magnitude of an earthquake.
The formula of Richter magnitude scale is as follows.

A : the seismic magnitude measured by the amplitude of the seismometer

100 km away from the epicenter
A0 : the standard earthquake magnitude

example 2-20
The earthquake that occurred in area A in 2016 had a Richter magnitude scale of 5.8,
and the earthquake that occurred in area B in 2011 recorded a Richter scale of 9.0.
Express how many times the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred in area B is
the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred in area A, as an approximate value to
the first decimal place.

Chap2. Exponential function and Logarithmic function 31/31