For example, log

2
(8) means the power of 2 that will give 8. Since 2
3
= 8, we see that
log
2
(8) = 3. Therefore the exponential form is 2
3
= 8 and the logarithmic form is
log
2
8 = 3.
Restrictions on the denition of logarithms
Restriction: Reason:
b > 0 If b is a negative number, then b
y
will oscillate between:
positive values if y is even
negative values if y is odd
b = 1 Since 1
(any value)
= 1
x > 0 Since (positive number)
(any value)
> 0
Investigation: Exponential and logarithmic form
Discuss the following statements and determine whether they are true or false:
1. p = a
n
is the inverse of p = log
a
n.
2. y = 2
x
is a one-to-one function, therefore y = log
2
x is also a one-to-one func-
tion.
3. x = log
5
y is the inverse of 5
x
= y.
4. k = b
t
is the same as t = log
b
k.
To determine the inverse function of y = b
x
:
(1) Interchange x and y : x = b
y
(2) Make y the subject of the equation : y = log
b
x
Therefore, if we have the exponential function f(x) = b
x
, then the inverse is the
logarithmic function f
1
(x) = log
b
x.
The common logarithm has a base 10 and can be written as log
10
x = log x. In other
words, the log symbol written without a base is interpreted as the logarithm to base 10.
For example, log 25 = log
10
25.
See video: 28BR at www.everythingmaths.co.za
72 2.6. Exponential functions