Calculus 1 (Math 101)

1.6 Logarithmic Functions

Page 1 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Outline:

Chapter 1: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

1.6 Logarithmic Functions

1.6.1 Logarithms

1.6.2 Logarithmic Functions

1.6.3 Properties of Logarithms

Page 2 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

1.3 Logarithmic Functions

1.3.1 Logarithms
• Every exponential function of the form 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 is a one-to-one
function and therefore has an inverse function.
• Sometimes we can determine the inverse of a function represented
by an equation by interchanging the variables of its equation and
then solving for the dependent variable.
• If we attempt to use this procedure for 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑏 𝑥 , we obtain
𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑏 𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑏𝑥
𝑥 = 𝑏𝑦 Interchange the variables.
(Note that 𝑏 𝑦 > 0 , ∀ 𝑦 ∈ ℝ ⇒ 𝑥 > 0. )
• None of our previous methods can be used to solve the equation
𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦 for the exponent 𝑦.
• Thus, we need to develop a new procedure. One method would be
to merely write

𝑦 = the power of 𝑏 that produces 𝑥

• We need a compact notation to represent " 𝑦 is the power of 𝑏 that

produces 𝑥."
• This more compact notation is given in the following definition.

Page 3 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Definition 1: Definition of a Logarithm and a Logarithmic Function

• If 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑏 is a positive constant (𝑏 ≠ 1), then

𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 ⇔ 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥

• The notation log 𝑏 𝑥 is read "the logarithm (or log ) base 𝑏 of 𝑥."
• The function defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 is a logarithmic function with
base 𝑏.
• This function is the inverse of the exponential function 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 .

➢ It is essential to remember that 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 is the inverse

function of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 .
➢ Because these functions are inverses and because functions that
are inverses have the property that
𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥,
we have the following important relationships.

Definition 2: Composition of Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

Let 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 and 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 𝑏 𝑥 , 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1.

Then

𝑔(𝑓 (𝑥 )) = 𝑏 log𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥, 𝑥 > 0,

and

𝑓(𝑔(𝑥 )) = log 𝑏 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥, ∀ 𝑥 ∈ ℝ

Page 4 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 ➢ As an example of these relationships,
let 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 and 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 2 𝑥.
Then
2log2 𝑥 = 𝑥 and log 2 2𝑥 = 𝑥

➢ The equations
𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 and 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥
are different ways of expressing the same concept.

Change from Logarithmic to Exponential Form

Evaluating Logarithms:
Example 1

Evaluate:
(a) log 2 16 (b) log 25 5

Solution

(a) log 2 16

“Question Needed for Evaluation”

2 to what power gives 16?

2? = 16 ∴ log 2 16 = 4 because 24 = 16

Page 5 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

(b) log 25 5

Let log 25 5 = 𝑥 ⇔ 25𝑥 = 5

⇒ ( 52 ) 𝑥 = 5
⇒ 52𝑥 = 5
1
⇒ 2𝑥 = 1 ⇒ 𝑥 =
2

1
∴ log 25 5 = .
2

Basic Logarithmic Properties:

Definition 3: Basic Logarithmic Properties Involving One

(1) log 𝑏 𝑏 = 1 because (𝑏1 = 𝑏).

(2) log 𝑏 1 = 0 because (𝑏 0 = 1)

Example 2

Using Properties of Logarithms Evaluate:

(a) log 7 7 (b) log 5 1.

Solution

(a) log 7 7 = 1 (Using property (1))

(b) log 5 1 = 0 (Using property (2))

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 ✓ We have discussed if 𝑓 is one-to- one and 𝑓 −1 is its inverse then:

𝑓(𝑓 −1 (𝑥)) = 𝑥 and 𝑓 −1 (𝑓(𝑥)) = 𝑥.

✓ Applying these relationships to exponential and logarithmic

functions, we obtain the following inverse properties of
logarithms:

Definition 4: Inverse Properties of Logarithms

For 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1,

(3) log 𝑏 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥, 𝑥 ∈ ℝ .
(4) 𝑏 log𝑏 𝑥
= 𝑥, 𝑥 > 0.

Example 3

Using Inverse Properties of Logarithms, evaluate:

(a) log 4 45 , (b) 6log6 9 .

Solution

(a) log 4 45 = 5 (Using property (3)).

(b) 6log6 9
=9 (Using property (4)).

Definition 5: One-to-One Property

If 𝑥 > 0 , 𝑦 > 0 and 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1, then log 𝑏 𝑥 = log 𝑏 𝑦 ⇔ 𝑥 = 𝑦.

Note that for 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1,

log 1 𝑥 = −log 𝑏 𝑥
𝑏

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Graphs of Logarithmic Functions:

• Because 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 is the inverse function of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , the graph

of 𝑓 is a reflection of the graph of 𝑔 across the line given by 𝑦 = 𝑥.
• The graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 is shown in the Figure below.
• The Table below shows some of the ordered pairs of the graph of 𝑔.

• The graph of the inverse of 𝑔, which is 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥 , is also shown in

the Figure below.
• Some of the ordered pairs of 𝑓 are shown in the Table below.

• Note that if (𝑥, 𝑦) is a point on the graph of 𝑔, then (𝑦, 𝑥) is a point on

the graph of 𝑓.
• Also notice that the graph of 𝑓 is a
reflection of the graph of 𝑔 across
the line given by 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Page 8 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 • Case 1: Graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 , 𝑏 > 1:

✓ The Figure above shows the graph of the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥

and 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥.
✓ We can see that both graphs are increasing.

Characteristics of Logarithmic Function

• Domain: (0, ∞)

• Range: (−∞, ∞)

1
• Intercept: (1,0) and passes the point (𝑏, 1) and ( , −1).
𝑏

• Increasing.

• 𝒚-axis (𝑥 = 0) is a vertical asymptote (log 𝑏 𝑥 → −∞ as 𝑥 → 0).

• Continuous and one-to-one function.

• Case 2: Graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 , 0 < 𝑏 < 1.

1 𝑥
Let’s graph the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 ) = ( ) and 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) = log 1 𝑥 in the
2 2
same coordinate plane.

Page 9 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 • The Figure above shows that both graphs are decreasing.

• Domain: (0, ∞)

• Range: (−∞, ∞)

1
• Intercept: (1,0) and passes the point (𝑏, 1) and ( , −1).
𝑏

• Decreasing

• 𝑦-axis is a vertical asymptote ( log 𝑏 𝑥 → ∞ as 𝑥 → 0).

• Continuous and one-to-one function

We can also graph the function 𝑔(𝑥) = log 1 𝑥 by rewriting 𝑔(𝑥) in the
2

form 𝑔(𝑥) = −log 2 𝑥.

Then, we graph the function ℎ(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥 first and reflect its graph about
𝑥-axis to get the graph 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 1 𝑥.
2

Page 10 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

1.3.3 Properties of Logarithms
Expanding Logarithmic Expressions:

Definition 6: Properties of Logarithms

For 𝑥 > 0 and 𝑦 > 0:

Product rule: log 𝑏 (𝑥𝑦) = log 𝑏 𝑥 + log 𝑏 𝑦

Example: log 3 (7𝑥) = log 3 7 + log 3 𝑥 .

𝑥
Quotient rule: log 𝑏 ( ) = log 𝑏 𝑥 − log 𝑏 𝑦
𝑦
𝑥
Example: log 5 ( ) = log 5 𝑥 − log 5 2.
2

Power rule: log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑝 = 𝑝 log 𝑏 𝑥

Example: log 7 𝑥 2 = 2log 7 𝑥.

Example 4

Use the Properties of Logarithms rules to expand each logarithmic

expression:
3
√𝑥
(a) log10 (4𝑥)5 (b) log 𝑏 (𝑥 2 √𝑦) (c) log 6 ( ).
36𝑦 4

Solution

(a) log10 (4𝑥)5 = 5 log10 4𝑥 = 5(log10 4 + log10 𝑥 ) = 5 log10 4 + 5 log10 𝑥.

(b)

log 𝑏 (𝑥 2 √𝑦) = log 𝑏 𝑥 2 + log 𝑏 √𝑦

1
= 2 log 𝑏 𝑥 + log 𝑏 𝑦 2

1
= 2 log 𝑏 𝑥 + log 𝑏 𝑦
2

Page 11 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

(c)

3
√𝑥 3
log 6 ( 4
) = log 6 √𝑥 − log 6 (36𝑦 4 )
36𝑦

1
= log 6 𝑥 − [log 6 36 + log 6 𝑦 4 ]
3
1
= log 6 𝑥 − log 6 62 − 4 log 6 𝑦
3

1
= log 6 𝑥 − 2 log 6 6 − 4 log 6 𝑦
3
1
= log 6 𝑥 − 2(1) − 4 log 6 𝑦
3
1
= log 6 𝑥 − 4 log 6 𝑦 − 2
3

Checkpoint 1

Use the Properties of Logarithms rules to expand each logarithmic

expression:
23
(a) log10 (100𝑥) (b) log 8 ( )
𝑥

√𝑥
(c) log 𝑏 (𝑥 4 3√𝑦 ) (d) log 5 ( −3 ).
25𝑦

Solution

Page 12 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Page 13 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
Condensing Logarithmic Expressions
To condense a logarithmic expression, we write the sum or difference
of two or more logarithmic expressions as a single logarithmic
expression. We use the properties of logarithms to do so.

Coefficients of logarithms must be 1 before you can condense them

using the product and quotient rules.

Example 5

Write as a single logarithm:

(a) log 4 2 + log 4 3 (b) log10 (4𝑥 − 3) − log10 𝑥.
1 1
(c) log10 𝑥 + 4 log10 (𝑥 − 1) (d) 4log 𝑏 𝑥 − 2log 𝑏 6 − log 𝑏 𝑦
2 2

Solution

(a) log 4 2 + log 4 3 = log 4 (2 × 3) = log 4 6.

4𝑥−3
(b) log (4𝑥 − 3) − log 𝑥 = log .
𝑥

(c)
1
1
log10 𝑥 + 4 log10 (𝑥 − 1) = log10 𝑥 + log10 (𝑥 − 1)4 = log10 [√𝑥(𝑥 − 1)4 ]
2
2

1
(d) 4 log 𝑏 𝑥 − 2 log 𝑏 6 − log 𝑏 𝑦
2

= log 𝑏 𝑥 4 − log 𝑏 62 − log 𝑏 √𝑦

𝑥4
= log 𝑏
36√𝑦

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Checkpoint 2

Write as a single logarithm:

(a) log10 25 + log10 4 (b) log10 (7𝑥 + 6) − log10 𝑥.
1
(c) 2log10 (𝑥 − 3) − log10 𝑥 (d) log 𝑏 𝑦 − 2 log 𝑏 5 − 10 log 𝑏 𝑦.
4

Solution

Page 15 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Natural Logarithms
Of all possible bases 𝑏 for logarithms, it turns out that the most
convenient choice for the purposes of calculus is the number 𝑒.

Definition 7: Natural Logarithms

The logarithm with base 𝑒 is called the natural logarithm and is

denoted by ln :

ln 𝑥 = log 𝑒 𝑥 , 𝑥 > 0.

• The natural logarithmic function 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 is the inverse function of

the natural exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 .
• Both functions are graphed in the Figure
below.
By the definition of inverse functions, we
have
ln 𝑥 = 𝑦 ⇔ 𝑒 𝑦 = 𝑥 .

Properties of Natural Logarithms

• ln 1 = 0
• ln 𝑒 = 1
• ln 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥, ∀𝑥 ∈ ℝ.
• 𝑒 ln 𝑥 = 𝑥, ∀𝑥 > 0.

Example 6

1
Evaluate (a) ln ( 2 ) (b) ln 𝑒 8
𝑒

Page 16 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 Solution
1
(a) ln ( 2) = ln 𝑒 −2 = −2 ln 𝑒 = −2(1) = −2
𝑒

(b) ln 𝑒 8 = 8 ln 𝑒 = 8(1) = 8

Example 7

Use the properties of logarithms to expand the following logarithmic

expressions.
Assume all variable expressions represent positive real numbers.
𝑒 √𝑦
(a) log 5 (𝑥𝑦 2 ) (b) ln ( )
𝑧3

Solution

(a) log 5 𝑥 + 2 log 5 𝑦

𝑒 √𝑦
(b) ln (
𝑧3
) = ln 𝑒√𝑦 − ln 𝑧 3

= ln 𝑒 + ln √𝑦 − 3 ln 𝑧

1
= 1 + ln 𝑦 − 3ln 𝑧
2

Example 8

Use the properties of logarithms to rewrite each expression as a single

logarithm with a coefficient of 1.
Assume all variable expressions represent positive real numbers.
1
(a) 2ln 𝑥 + ln (𝑥 + 4) (b) 2ln (𝑥 + 4) − ln 𝑥 − ln (𝑥 2 − 3)
2
(c) ln(3𝑥 ) −(2 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑦)

Solution

1
(a) 2ln 𝑥 + ln (𝑥 + 4)
2

= ln 𝑥 2 + ln √𝑥 + 4 = ln(𝑥 2 √𝑥 + 4)
Page 17 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
(b) 2 ln(𝑥 + 4) − ln 𝑥 − ln(𝑥 2 − 3)

= ln (𝑥 + 4)2 − ln 𝑥 − ln(𝑥 2 − 3)

(𝑥+4)2 (𝑥+4)2
= ln ( ) = ln ( 𝑥 3 −3𝑥 )
𝑥(𝑥 2 −3)

(c) ln(3𝑥 ) −(2 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑦)

= ln 3𝑥 − 2 ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑦

= ln 3𝑥 − ln 𝑥 2 + ln 𝑦
3𝑥𝑦 3𝑦
= ln = ln
𝑥2 𝑥

Change-of-Base Formula
Definition 8: Change-of-Base Formula

If 𝑥, 𝑎, and 𝑏 are positive real numbers with 𝑎 ≠ 1 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, then

log 𝑎 𝑥
log 𝑏 𝑥 =
log 𝑎 𝑏

Because most calculators use only common logarithms (𝑎 = 10) or

natural logarithms (𝑎 = 𝑒), the change-of-base formula is used most often
in the following form.
If 𝑥 and 𝑏 are positive real numbers and 𝑏 ≠ 1, then

log 𝑥 ln 𝑥
log 𝑏 𝑥 = =
log 𝑏 ln 𝑏

Example 9

Use common logarithms to evaluate log 5 140.

Solution

Page 18 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 log 𝑀
log 𝑏 𝑀 =
log 𝑏

log 140
log 5 140 =
log 5

≈ 3.07. Use a calculator

Page 19 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 ‫ملحق‬

Appendix

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Example 10

Find all real values of 𝑥 that make the following a real number?
(a) √log 2 𝑥 (b) √log 1 𝑥
2

Solution

(a)

√log 2 𝑥 ∈ ℝ if 𝑥 > 0 and log 2 𝑥 ≥ 0

⇔ 2log2 𝑥 ≥ 20 (Because the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 is increasing)

⇔ 𝑥 ≥ 20

⇔ 𝑥 ≥ 1.

(b)

√log 12 𝑥 ∈ ℝ if 𝑥 > 0 and log 12 𝑥 ≥ 0

1 log1 𝑥 1 0 1 𝑥
⇔( ) 2 ≤( ) (Because the function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ( ) is decreasing)
2 2 2

⇔𝑥≤1 (Using the property 𝑏 log𝑏 𝑥

=𝑥)

But 𝑥 > 0

⇒ 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1.

Method 2

∵ log 1 𝑥 = −log 2 𝑥,
2

⇒ √log 1 𝑥 = √−log 2 𝑥 ∈ ℝ if 𝑥 > 0 and −log 2 𝑥 ≥ 0

2

⇔ log 2 𝑥 ≤ 0
Page 21 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
⇔ 2log2 𝑥 ≤ 20 (Because the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 is increasing )

⇔ 𝑥 ≤ 20 , 𝑥 > 0 (Using the property 𝑏 log𝑏 𝑥

=𝑥)

⇔ 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 1.

Page 22 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Transformations of Logarithmic Functions

➢ The "parent" Logarithmic function graph can give birth to a myriad

of other Logarithmic functions shapes through the process of
transformations.

➢ Brush off your memories of transformations and let's take a quick look
at what is possible.

➢ When graphing Logarithmic functions, keep in mind that three

forms of equations may be used:
𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) , 𝑦 = −log 𝑏 (𝑥) and 𝑦 − 𝑘 = log 𝑏 (𝑥 − ℎ) , 𝑏 > 0, 𝑏 ≠ 1.

Page 23 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

 Vertical Translation Horizontal Translation

The parent function: 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) , 𝑏 > 1. The parent function: 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) , 𝑏 > 1.
Move the graph vertically - up or down Move the graph horizontally - left or right
𝑦 − 𝑘 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥 − ℎ)
equivalently,
𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) + 𝑘 (ℎ > 0): Moves the graph RIGHT ℎ units.

(𝑘 > 0): Moves the graph UP 𝑘 units. 𝑦 = log 2 (𝑥 − (3)) : (ℎ = 3 > 0),moves the graph

𝑦 − (3) = log 2 (𝑥) :(𝑘 = 3 > 0), moves the graph UP RIGHT 3 units.

3 units. (ℎ < 0): Moves the graph LEFT ℎ units.

(𝑘 < 0): Moves the graph DOWN 𝑘 units. Example:

Example: 𝑦 = log 2 (𝑥 + 3) = log 2 (𝑥 − (−3)), (ℎ = −3 < 0),

𝑦 + 3 = 𝑦 − (−3) = log 2 (𝑥) : (𝑘 = −3 < 0), moves the moves the graph LEFT 3 units

graph DOWN 3 units. It is better to write log 2 (𝑥 + 3) in the form:

It is better to write 𝑦 + 3 in the form: 𝑦 − (−3). log 2 (𝑥 − (−3)).

Domain: (0, ∞) Domain: (ℎ, ∞).

Range: (−∞, ∞) Range: (−∞, ∞).

Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = 0. Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = ℎ.

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 Domain: (0, ∞) Domain: (3, ∞).
Range: (−∞, ∞) Range:
(−∞, ∞).

Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = 0. Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = 3

Domain:(0, ∞) Domain:(−3, ∞).

𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥 + 3)

Range: (−∞, ∞) Range: (∞, ∞).

Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = 0. Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = −3

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 Reflection in x-axis

Flip the graph of the parent function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 𝑏 (𝑥 ), 𝑏 > 1 over the 𝑥-axis (negates the 𝑦-values of the
coordinates) to get the graph of the function:

𝑦 = − log 𝑏 (𝑥 )

• Domain: (0, ∞).

• Range: (−∞, ∞).
• Decreasing
• Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = 0.

Page 26 of 31 Math 105 (Semester 1 2024/2025) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Example 11

(1) Use the graph of the parent function to obtain the graph of
(a) 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 3 (𝑥 − 1) − 2. (b) 𝑔(𝑥 ) = − log 3 (𝑥 + 1) + 1.
(2) Find the domain and the range each function.
(3) Determine whether each function is increasing or decreasing.

Solution

(a)

Step1: we graph the function 𝑓1 (𝑥 ) = log 3 𝑥 by locating three points,

1 1
(1,0), (𝑏, 1) = (3,1) and ( , −1) = ( , −1)
𝑏 3

We also use the horizontal Asymptote 𝑥 = 0 to complete the graph.

Step 2: Then move the graph of the function 𝑓1 (in Step1) 2 units

downward, we will get the function 𝑓2 (𝑥 ) = log 3 𝑥 − 2 .

(Note that we move the three points in step1 vertically downward by 2

units):

(1,0 + 𝑘) = (1,0 − 2) = (1, −2),

(𝑏, 1 − 2) = (3, −1)

and

1 1
(𝑏 , −1 − 2) = (3 , −3).

We also need to find the 𝑥-intercept, by solving the equation

𝑓2 (𝑥 ) = 0 ⇒ log 3 𝑥 − 2 = 0 ⇔ 𝑥 = 9

Therefore, the 𝑥-intercept is 9.

Page 27 of 31 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Step 3: Now move the graph of the function 𝑓2 in (step2) 1 unit right ,

we will get the function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = log 3 (𝑥 − 1) − 2 .

(Note that we move the three points in step2 horizontally (right) by 1

unit):

(1 + ℎ, 0 + 𝑘) = (1 + 1,0 − 2) = (2, −2),

(3 + ℎ, −1) = (3 + 1, −1) = (4, −1)

and

1 1 4
(3 + ℎ, −3) = (3 + 1, −3) = (3 , −3).

We also need to find the 𝑥-intercept, by solve the equation

𝑓(𝑥 ) = 0 ⇒ log 3 (𝑥 − 1) − 2 = 0 ⇔ 𝑥 = 10

Therefore the 𝑥-intercept is 10.

Page 28 of 31 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

(b) 𝑔(𝑥 ) = − log 3 (𝑥 + 1) + 1 (Exercise)

Checkpoint 3

(1) Use the graph of the parent function to obtain the graph of
(a) 𝑔1 (𝑥 ) = log 1 (𝑥 ) − 1. (b) 𝑔2 (𝑥 ) = − log 3 (𝑥 − 1) + 2.
3
(2) Find the domain and the range each function.
(3) Determine whether each function is increasing or decreasing.

Solution

Page 29 of 31 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi

Page 30 of 31 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi
The most important three points in the parent function

𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 ,

are
1
(1,0), (𝑏, 1) and ( , −1) (*).
𝑏

When you move this function ℎ units horizontally and 𝑘 units vertically, you
move the three points ℎ units horizontally and 𝑘 units vertically as follows:

(1,0) + (ℎ, 𝑘) = (1 + ℎ, 𝑘),

(𝑏, 1) + (ℎ, 𝑘) = (𝑏 + ℎ, 1 + 𝑘),

1 1
( , −1) + (ℎ, 𝑘) = ( + ℎ, −1 + 𝑘).
𝑏 𝑏

In summary, to graph the function

𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘 (1)

You need to determine the following:

(1) Here are the three most important points.

1
(1 + ℎ, 𝑘), (𝑏 + ℎ, 1 + 𝑘) and ( + ℎ, −1 + 𝑘)
𝑏

(2) Axes intercepts.

To get 𝑥 − axis- intercept, set 𝑦 = 0 into (1) and solve it for 𝑥.
To get 𝑦 − axis- intercept, set 𝑥 = 0 into (1) and solve it for 𝑦.

(3) The vertical asymptote:

𝑥 = ℎ.

Page 31 of 31 Math 101 (Semester 2 2023/2024) Dr. Omar Alsuhaimi