5.

1 Exponential Functions

An exponential function is a function

of the form y  a  b ,
x

where a  0, b  0, and b  1,
and the exponent must be a variable.
 Our presentation today will consists
of two sections.

Section 1: Exploration of exponential

functions and their graphs.

Section 2: Discussion of the equality

property and its applications.
 First, let’s take a look at an
exponential function

y2 x x y

0 1
1 2
2 4
-1 1/2
-2 1/4
First let’s change the base b
to positive values

What conclusion can

we draw ?
Next, observe what happens when b
assumes a value such that 0<b<1.

Can you explain why

this happens ?
What do you think
will happen if ‘b’ is
negative ?
 Don’t forget our
definition !
Any equation of the form:

y  a  b x , where a  0, b  0 and b  1

Can you explain why ‘b’ is restricted

from assuming negative values ?
 y  a b x

To see what impact ‘a’ has on our graph

we will fix the value of ‘b’ at 3.

What does a larger

value of ‘a’
accomplish ?
 Shall we speculate as to what
happens when ‘a’ assumes negative
values ?

Let’s see if you are correct !

y  a  b where a  0, b  0 and b  1
x
 Our general exponential form is y  a  b
x


 “b” is the base of the function and

changes here will result in:
 When b>1, a steep increase in the value of
‘y’ as ‘x’ increases.
 When 0<b<1, a steep decrease in the value
of ‘y’ as ‘x’ increases.
 y  a b x

 We also discovered that

changes in “a” would
change the y-intercept
on its corresponding
graph.

 Now let’s turn our

attention to a useful
property of exponential
functions.
 Section 2

The Equality Property of Exponential

Functions
 We know that in exponential functions the
exponent is a variable.

When we wish to solve for that variable we have two

approaches we can take.

One approach is to use a logarithm. We will learn about

these in a later lesson.

The second is to make use of the Equality

Property for Exponential Functions.
 The Equality Property for Exponential
Functions
Suppose b is a positive number other
than 1. Then b x  b x1 2
if and only if
x1  x 2 .
Basically, this states that if the bases are the same, then we
can simply set the exponents equal.

This property is quite useful when we

are trying to solve equations
involving exponential functions.

Let’s try a few examples to see how it works.

 Example 1:

3
2x5 x 3
3 (Since the bases are the same we
simply set the exponents equal.)
2x  5  x  3
x5 3
x8
Here is another example for you to try:
Example 1a:
1
x 5
23x 1
2 3
 The next problem is what to do
when the bases are not the same.
 27
2x  3 x1
3

Does anyone have

an idea how
we might approach this?
Our strategy here is to rewrite the
bases so that they are both the
same.
Here for example, we know that
3  27
3
Example 2: (Let’s solve it now)

 27
2x  3 x1
3
3
2x  3 3(x 1) (our bases are now the same
3 so simply set the exponents equal)
2x  3  3(x 1)
2x  3  3x  3
x  3   3
x  6
x6

Let’s try another one of

these.
Example 3
1 Remember a negative exponent is simply
16 x 1
 another way of writing a fraction
32
The bases are now the same
2
4(x 1) 5
2 so set the exponents equal.

4(x 1)   5
4x  4   5
4x   9
9
x
4
By now you can see that the equality property is
actually quite useful in solving these problems.
Here are a few more examples for you to try.

1
Example 4: 3 2x 1

9

Example 5: 4 x 3
8 2x 1
 SIMPLE
AND
COMPOUND
INTEREST
Since this section involves what can
happen to your money, it should be of
INTEREST to you!
 IMPLE INTEREST
FORMULA

Interest paid Annual interest

rate

I = PRT Time (in years)

Principal
(Amount of
money invested
or borrowed)
 If you invested $200.00 in an account that paid
simple interest, find how long you’d need to
leave it in at 4% interest to make $10.00.
enter in formula
as a decimal I = PRT

10 = (200)(0.04)T
1.25 yrs = T
Typically interest is NOT simple interest but is paid semi-
annually (twice a year), quarterly (4 times per year),
monthly (12 times per year), or even daily (365 times per
year).
 COMPOUND INTEREST
FORMULA
annual interest
Principal rate
(amount (as a decimal)
at start) nt
 r time
amount at
the end A  P 1   (in
years)
 n
number of times per
year that interest in
compounded
 Find the amount that results from $500 invested at
8% compounded quarterly after a period of 2 years.
4nt(2)
 r 
A  500
P 1  
.08
A  $585.83
 n
4

Effective rate of interest is the equivalent annual simple rate of
interest that would yield the same amount as that made
compounding. This is found by finding the interest made when
compounded and subbing that in the simple interest formula and
solving for rate.
Find the effective rate of interest for the problem above.
The interest made was $85.83. Use
the simple interest formula and
I = Prt 85.83=(500)r(2)
solve for r to get the effective rate
r = .08583 = 8.583%
of interest.
5.2 Natural Exponential Functions
Continuous Compound Interest

A  Pe rt

A = the accumulated amount after t years

P = Principal
r = Nominal interest rate per year
t = Number of years
5.2 Natural Exponential Functions
The Natural Base e

 Many applied exponential functions

involves the irrational number,
2.71828182845904… symbolized by
the letter e.
 The number e is called the natural
base.
 The function f(x) = ex is called the
natural exponential function.
5.2
Find the accumulated amount of money after
25 years if $7500 is invested at 12% per year
compounded continuously.

A  Pe rt

A  7500e 0.12(25)

 $150, 641.53
5.2
An investment of $10,000 increased to
$28,576.51 in 15 years. If interest was
compounded continuously, find the
interest rate.
A = Pert
 5.2 Model of Population Growth
 If b is the annual birth rate, d is the
annual death rate, t is the time (in
years), P0 is the initial population at t =
0, and P is the current population, then P
= P0ekt where k = b - d is the annual
growth rate, the difference between the
annual birth rate and death rate.
5.2

The population of a city in 1970 was 153,800. Assuming the

population increases continuously at a rate of 5% per year,
predict the population of the city in 2010.
5.2
If f(x) = x2(-2e-2x) + 2xe-2x, find the
zeros.
5.2 Assignment
pp. 345-8 (1-25 odd)

Transparencies: 19, 21, 23, 25

5.3 Introduction
To Logarithms
 Logarithms were originally
developed to simplify complex
arithmetic calculations.

They were designed to transform

multiplicative processes
into additive ones.
 Definition of Logarithm

Suppose b>0 and b≠1,

there is a number ‘p’
such that:

logb n  p if and only if b  np

 You must be able to convert
an exponential equation into
logarithmic form and vice
versa.

So let’s get a lot of practice with this

!
 Example 1:

Write 2  8 in logarithmic form.

3

Solution: log2 8  3

We read this as: ”the log

base 2 of 8 is equal to 3”.
 Example 1a:

Write 4  16 in logarithmic form.

2

Solution: log4 16  2

Read as: “the log

base 4 of 16 is equal
to 2”.
 Example 1b:

1
Write 2 3
 in logarithmic form.
8
1
Solution: log2   3
8
1
Read as: "the log base 2 of is equal to -3".
8
 Okay, so now it’s time for
you to try some on your
own.

1. Write 7  49 in logarithmic form.

2

Solution: log7 49  2
2. Write 5  1 in logarithmic form.
0

Solution: log5 1  0
 1
2
3. Write 10  in log arithmic form.
100

1
Solution: log10  2
100
 1

4. Finally, write 16  4
2

in logarithmic form.

1
Solution: log16 4 
2
 It is also very important to be
able to start with a logarithmic
expression and change this
into exponential form.

This is simply the reverse of

what we just did.
 Example 1:

Write log3 81  4 in exp onential form

Solution: 3  81
4
 Example 2:

1
Write log2   3 in exp onential form.
8

1
Solution: 2 3

8
 Okay, now you try these next
three.
1. Write log10 100  2 in exp onential form.

1
2. Write log5   3 in exp onential form.
125
1
3. Write log27 3  in exp onential form.
3
1. Write log10 100  2 in exp onential form.

Solution: 10  100
2
 1
2. Write log5   3 in exp onential form.
125

1
Solution: 3
5 
125
 1
3. Write log27 3  in exp onential form.
3

Solution: 27  3
3
Example 1
Solve for x: log6 x  2

Solution:
Let’s rewrite the problem
in exponential form.
6 x
2

We’re finished !
 Example 2
1
Solve for y: log 5 y
25

Solution: Rewrite the problem in

exponential form.
1
5 
y  1
25

Since   5 2 

25
5 5
y 2

y  2
 Example 3

Evaluate log3 27.

Solution:
Try setting this up like this:

log3 27  y Now rewrite in exponential form.

3  27
y

3 3
y 3

y3
 Example 4

2
Evaluate: log7 7

Solution:
log7 7  y
2
First, we write the problem with a variable.

7 7
y 2
Now take it out of the logarithmic form
and write it in exponential form.
y2
 Example 5

log 4 16
Evaluate: 4

Solution:
4 log 4 16
y First, we write the problem with a variable.

Now take it out of the exponential form

log4 y  log4 16 and write it in logarithmic form.
Just like 23  8 converts to log2 8  3
y  16
 Finally, we want to take a look at
the Property of Equality for
Logarithmic Functions.

Suppose b  0 and b  1.
Then logb x1  logb x 2 if and only if x1  x 2

Basically, with logarithmic functions,

if the bases match on both sides of the equal
sign , then simply set the arguments equal.
 Example 1

Solve: log3 (4x 10)  log3 (x 1)

Solution:
Since the bases are both ‘3’ we simply set
the arguments equal.
4x 10  x 1
3x 10  1
3x   9
x 3
 Example 2

Solve: log8 (x 14)  log8 (5x)

2

Solution:
Since the bases are both ‘8’ we simply set the arguments equal.

x 14  5x
2

x  5x 14  0
2
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

Solve: log8 (x 14)  log8 (5x)

2

Solution:
x  7 or x  2
It appears that we have 2 solutions here.
If we take a closer look at the definition of
a logarithm however, we will see that not
only must we use positive bases, but also
we see that the arguments must be positive
as well. Therefore -2 is not a solution.
Let’s end this lesson by taking a closer look
at this.
 Our final concern then is to
determine why logarithms like
the one below are undefined.

log 2 (8)
Can anyone give us
an explanation ?
 log 2 (8)  undefined WHY?

One easy explanation is to simply rewrite

this logarithm in exponential form.
We’ll then see why a negative value is not
permitted.

log 2 (8)  y First, we write the problem with a variable.

2  8
y
Now take it out of the logarithmic form
and write it in exponential form.
What power of 2 would gives us -8 ?
1
2  8 and 2
3 3

8
Hence expressions of this type are undefined.
 5.3 Answers

6. t = 1/4loga10/3

12. a.) 10-8 = x; b.) 10y-2 = x

c.) e1/2 =x d.) e7+x = z e.) e1.2 = t-5

18. -3/2 48.a) 78.8

24. 21 b) 92,900
30. 5 c) 0.00614
36. graph d) 40.4
e) 2.59
f) 0.00674
5.4 Properties of logarithms
 Objectives
 Use the product rule.
 Use the quotient rule.
 Use the power rule.
 Expand logarithmic expressions.
 Condense logarithmic expressions.
 Logarithms of Products
 The Product Rule
For any positive numbers M and N and
any logarithmic base a,
loga MN = loga M + loga N.
ln MN  ln M  ln N
(The logarithm of a product is the sum of
the logarithms of the factors.)
 Example
 Condense to a single
logarithm:  Expand to a sum of
logarithms
log3 x  log3 w
2
ln 2x
 log3 ( x w)2
 ln 2  ln x
 Logarithms of Powers
 The Power Rule
For any positive number M, any logarithmic
base a, and any real number p,

log a M  p log a M
p

(The logarithm of a power of M is the

exponent times the logarithm of M.)
 Examples
 Expand to a  Expand to a
product. product.
3 5
log a 7 log a 11

3
log a 7  3log a 7 log a 11  log a 11
5 1/ 5

1
 log a 11
5
 Examples
 Condense the product to a single
logarithm using exponents.
5 ln y 1
log 5 t
2
 ln y 5  log 5 t 1/ 2

 log5 t
 Logarithms of Quotients
 The Quotient Rule
For any positive numbers M and N, and
any logarithmic base a,
M
log a  log a M  log a N .
N
(The logarithm of a quotient is the
logarithm of the numerator minus the
logarithm of the denominator.)
 Examples
 Expand to a  Condense to a single
difference of logarithm.
logarithms.

10 log w 125  log w 25

log a
b 125
log w  log w 5
loga 10  loga b 25
 Expand a logarithmic expression
 Use properties of logarithms to change one
logarithm into a sum or difference of others
 Example

 724 x   14 
log 6  4   log 6 72  log 6  x   log 6 ( y 4 )
 y   
1
 log 6 (72)  log 6 ( x)  4 log 6 ( y )
4
 Expand in terms of sums and differences
of logarithms. 3 4
wy
log a 2
z
3 4
wy
log a 2  log a ( w y )  log a z
3 4 2

z
 loga w  loga y  loga z
3 4 2

 3loga w  4loga y  2loga z

Example
 Condense to a single logarithm.
1
6logb x  2logb y  logb z
3
1
6logb x  2logb y  logb z  logb x  logb y  logb z
6 2 1/ 3

3
6
x
 logb 2  logb z 1/ 3

y
6 1/ 3 63
x z x z
 log b 2
, or log b 2
y y
5.5 Exponential & Logarithmic
Equations
• Exponential Equations with Like
Bases
• Exponential Equations with Different
Bases
• Logarithmic Equations
• Change of Base Formulas
5.5 Exponential and Logarithmic
Equations

Objective: We will consider various types

of exponential and logarithmic
equations and their applications.
 Change of Base Formula
 The 2 bases we are most able to calculate
logarithms for are base 10 and base e. These are
the only bases that our calculators have buttons
for.
 For ease of computing a logarithm, we may want
to switch from one base to another.
log a M log M ln M
log b M   
log a b log b ln b
 The new base, a, can be any integer>1, but we
often let a=10 or a=e.
 Compute
 What is the log, base 5, of 29?

ln( 29) 3.37

log 5 (29)    2.09
ln( 5) 1.61
 Does this answer make sense? What power would
you raise 5 to, to get 29? A little more than 2! (5
squared is 25, so we would expect the answer to
be slightly more than 2.)
Rewrite log 4 15 as a quotient of
natural logarithms
ln 15
1)
ln 4
2) ln 11
3) ln 19
ln 4
4)
ln 15
 Example
Find log6 8 using common logarithms.

Solution: First, we let a = 10, b = 6, and

M = 8. Then we substitute into the
change-of-base formula:

log a M log10 8
log b M  . log 6 8 
log a b log10 6
 1.1606
Example
 We can also use base e for a conversion.

Find log6 8 using natural logarithms.

Solution: Substituting e for a, 6 for b
and 8 for M, we have
log e 8
log 6 8 
log e 6
ln 8
  1.1606
ln 6
Exponential Equations with Like Bases

 In an Exponential Equation, the

variable is in the exponent. There may
be one exponential term or more than
2 x 1 x 1 x 2
3
one, like… 5 4 or 3 9

 If you can isolate terms so that the

equation can be written as two
expressions with the same base, as in
the equations above, then the solution
Exponential Equations with Like Bases

 Example #1 - One exponential

expression.
2 x 1
3 54 1. Isolate the exponential expression
2 x 1 and rewrite the constant in terms of
3 9 the same base.

32 x 1  32
2. Set the exponents equal to each
2x  1  2 other (drop the bases) and solve the
2x  1 resulting equation.

1
x
2
Exponential Equations with Like Bases

 Example #2 - Two exponential

expressions.
x 1 x2 1. Isolate the exponential
3 9 expressions on either side of the =.

 
We then rewrite the 2nd expression
x 1 2 x2
3  3 in terms of the same base as the first.

x 1 2x4
3 3
x  1  2x  4 2. Set the exponents equal to each
other (drop the bases) and solve the
x5 resulting equation.
Exponential Equations with Different
Bases

 The Exponential Equations below

contain exponential expressions whose
bases cannot be rewritten as the same
rational number.
 The solutions are irrational numbers,
we will need to use a log function to
evaluate them.
2 x 1 x 1 x 2
3  5  11 or 3 4
Exponential Equations with Different
Bases

 Example #1 - One exponential

expression.
2 x 1
3  5  11 1. Isolate the exponential expression.
2 x 1
3  16
ln 3  ln 16 
2 x 1 2. Take the log (log or ln) of both
sides of the equation.

(2x  1)ln 3  ln16 3. Use the log rule that lets you
rewrite the exponent as a multiplier.
Exponential Equations with Different
Bases

 Example #1 - One exponential

expression.
(2x  1)ln 3  ln16 4. Isolate the variable.
ln16
2x  1 
ln 3
ln16
2x  1
ln 3
ln16 1 x  0.762
x 
2 ln 3 2
Exponential Equations with Different
Bases

 Example #2 - Two exponential

expressions. 1. The exponential expressions are
x 1 x2 already isolated.
3 4 2. Take the log (log or ln) of both

  ln 4 
ln 3 x 1 x2 sides of the equation.
3. Use the log rule that lets you
(x  1)ln 3  (x  2)ln 4 rewrite the exponent as a multiplier
on each side..
Exponential Equations with Different
Bases

 Example #2 - Two exponential

expressions.
x ln 3  ln 3  x ln 4  2 ln 4 4. To isolate the variable, we
need to combine the ‘x’
x ln 3  x ln 4   ln 3  2 ln 4 terms, then factor out the ‘x’
and divide.
x(ln 3  ln 4)  (ln 3  2 ln 4)
(ln 3  2 ln 4)
x
ln 3  ln 4
x  13.457
Logarithmic Equations

 In a Logarithmic Equation, the variable

can be inside the log function or inside
the base of the log. There may be one
log term or more than one. For
example … log 4 2x  1  3  5
ln x  ln(2x  1)  1
log x 3  2
Logarithmic Equations

 Example 1 - Variable inside the log

function.
log 4 2x  1  3  5 1. Isolate the log expression.

log 4 2x  1  2
2. Rewrite the log equation as an
4  2x  1
2
exponential equation and solve
for ‘x’.
16  2x  1
2x  17
x  8.5
Logarithmic Equations

 Example 3 - Variable inside the base of

the log.
log x 3  2
1. Rewrite the log equation as an
2
x 3 exponential equation.

x 
1
2   21
2
3
2. Solve the exponential equation.
1
x
3
3
x
3
Ch. 5 Review Answers