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 =-3

because 5-3 = .

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 . Then y = - 4 .

y = log . 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 2.215 .
y = log 4276 . Then using a log table or calculator, y 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:

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 :

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
c) log49343

d) log8

Ans. a) 3
b) 5
c)
d) -4

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