Introduction to Logarithmic

Functions

Unit 3: Exponential and

Logarithmic Functions

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GOALS OF THE LESSON
Understand what log means
Understand how the graph of a logarithmic function relates to an
exponential function
Understand how to change expressions between logarithmic and
exponential form
Solve for a missing variable, whether it is a base, exponent, or value
within the logarithm
Know how to use the LOG button on your calculator

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIALS AND ITS INVERSE

You have seen inverse functions before.

Inverse

functions is the set of ordered pair obtained by interchanging

the x and y values.
f(x)
f-1(x)

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIALS AND ITS INVERSE
Inverse

functions can be created graphically by a reflection on the y = x

axis.
f(x)

f-1(x)

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIALS AND ITS INVERSE
A

logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function

Exponential functions have the following characteristics:
Domain: {x R}
Range: {y > 0}

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIALS AND ITS INVERSE
Let

us graph the exponential function y = 2x

Table

of values:

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIALS AND ITS INVERSE
Let

us find the inverse the exponential function y = 2x

Table

of values:

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

GRAPHS OF EXPONENTIALS AND ITS INVERSE
When

we add the function f(x) = 2x to this graph, it is evident that the

inverse is a reflection on the y = x axis
f(x)
f-1(x)
f(x)

f-1(x)

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

FINDING THE INVERSE OF AN EXPONENTIAL
Next,

you will find the inverse of an exponential algebraically

Write the process in your notes
base

y = ax
Interchange x y
x = ay
We write these functions as:
x = ay

x = ay
exponent

y = logax

y = logax
exponent

base

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

FINDING THE INVERSE OF AN EXPONENTIAL

x
y
a
y
x =log
Logarithmic
Inverse
of the
Form
Exponential
Exponential
Function
Function

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

CHANGING FORMS
Example 1) Write the following into logarithmic form:
a) 33 = 27
b) 45 = 256
c) 27 = 128
d) (1/3)x=27

ANSWERS

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

CHANGING FORMS
Example 1) Write the following into logarithmic form:
a) 33 = 27

log327=3

b) 45 = 256

log4256=5

c) 27 = 128

log2128=7

d) (1/3)x=27

log1/327=x

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

CHANGING FORMS
Example 2) Write the following into exponential form:
a) log264=6
b) log255=1/2
c) log81=0
d) log1/39=2

ANSWERS

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

CHANGING FORMS
Example 2) Write the following into exponential form:
a) log264=6

26 = 64

b) log255=1/2

251/2 = 5

c) log81=0

80 = 1

d) log1/31/9=2

(1/3)2 = 1/9

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

EVALUATING LOGARITHMS
Example 3) Find the value of x for each example:
a) log1/327 = x
b) log5x = 3
c) logx(1/9) = 2
d) log3x = 0

ANSWERS

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

EVALUATING LOGARITHMS
Example 3) Find the value of x for each example:
a) log1/327 = x
(1/3)x = 27
(1/3)x = (1/3)-3
x = -3

b) log5x = 3
53 = x
x = 125

c) logx(1/9) = 2

d) log3x = 0

x2 = (1/9)
x = 1/3

30 = x
x=1

Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

BASE 10 LOGS
Scientific calculators can perform logarithmic operations. Your
calculator has a LOG button.
This button represents logarithms in BASE 10 or log10

Example 4) Use your calculator to find the value of each of the

following:
a) log101000
b) log 50
c) log -1000
= Out of Domain
=3
= 1.699