LESSON 18 - LOGARITHIMIC FUNCTIONS



LESSON 18 - LOGARITHIMIC FUNCTIONS

Like many types of functions, the exponential function has an inverse. This inverse is called the logarithmic function.

loga x = y means a y = x .

where a is called the base; a > 0 and a≠1 . For example, log232 = 5 because 25 = 32 . log5 [pic]= - 3 because 5-3 = [pic].

To evaluate a logarithmic function, determine what exponent the base must be taken to in order to yield the number x . Sometimes the exponent will not be a whole number. If this is the case, consult a logarithm table or use a calculator.

Examples:

y = log39 . Then y = 2 .

y = log5 [pic]. Then y = - 4 .

y = log [pic][pic]. Then y = 3 .

y = log 7343 . Then y = 3 .

y = log 10100000 . Then y = 5 .

y = log 10164 . Then using a log table or calculator, y [pic]2.215 .

y = log 4276 . Then using a log table or calculator, y [pic]4.054 .

Since no positive base to any power is equal to a negative number, we cannot take the log of a negative number.

The graph of f (x) = log2 x looks like:

[pic]

Figure %: f (x) = log2 x

The graph of f (x) = log2 x has a vertical asymptote at x = 0 and passes through the point (1, 0) .

Note that f (x) = log2 x is the inverse of g(x) = 2x . f o g(x) = log22x = x and g o f (x) = 2log2x = x (we will learn why this is true in Log properties). We can also see that f (x) = log2 x is the inverse of g(x) = 2x because f (x) is the reflection of g(x) over the line y = x :

[pic]

Figure %: f (x) = log2 x and g(x) = 2x

f (x) = loga x can be translated, stretched, shrunk, and reflected using the principles in Translations, Stretches, and Reflections.

In general, f (x) = c·loga(x - h) + k has a vertical asymptote at x = h and passes through the point (h + 1, k) . The domain of f (x) is and the range of f (x) is . Note that this domain and range are the opposite of the domain and range of g(x) = c·a x-h + k given in Exponential Functions.

QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION:-

Q. Evaluate the following:

a) log6216

b) log [pic][pic]

c) log49343

d) log8 [pic]

Ans. a) 3

b) 5

c) [pic]

d) -4

Q. Graph f (x) = log2 x + 4 .

[pic]

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