Logarithmic Functions Week 7
Logarithmic Functions Week 7
FUNCTIONS
The logarithmic function to the base a, where a > 0 and a
1 is defined:
Solution:
Let’s rewrite the problem in
exponential form.
62 x
We’re finished !
EXAMPLE
2 1
Solve for y: log y
5
25
1
5
y 1
Since 5 2
25
25
5y 5 2
y 2
EXAMPLE
3
Evaluate log3 27.
Solution:
Try setting this up like this:
EVALUA log7 72
TE:
Solution:
log7 72 y First, we write the problem with a variable.
4
Evaluate: 16
LOG 4
Solution:
4 log y
4 16
First, we write the problem with a variable.
Basically,withlogarithmicfunctions,
ifthebasesmatchonbothsidesoftheequal
s i g n ,t h e n s i m p l ys e tt h e a rg u m e nt s e q u a l .
Example 1
Solution:
Since the bases are both ‘8’ we simply set the arguments equal.
x 14 5x
2
x 2 5x 14 0 Factor
(x 7)(x 2) 0
(x 7) 0 or (x 2) 0
x 7 or x 2 continued on the next page
Example 2
continued
Graphs of
inverse
functions are
reflected about
the line y = x
Transformation of functions apply
to log functions just like they apply
to all other functions so let’s try a
couple.
up 2 F X
LOG10 X
f x 2 log10 x
Reflect about x axis
f x log10 x
left 1
33 check:
2 2x 1 7
log 2 2 1 3
8 2x 1 2
7 2x log2 8 3
7
x This is true since 23 = 8
2