Optional topic

This topic is further preparation for students

undertaking stage 6 Mathematics Extension
courses.

functions and logarithms

P AT TE R NS A ND A L G E B R A

In this chapter you will: Wordbank

Z define a function and use the vertical line test on a Z function A rule or relationship between two
graph to decide whether it represents a function variables where, for each value of the independent
Z use f(x) notation and determine the value of f(c) variable, x, there exists only one value of the
Z find permissible x-values and y-values for a variety dependent variable, y.
of functions Z vertical line test A test applied to a graph to
Z sketch the graphs of y = f(x) + k and determine whether it is the graph of a function.
y = f(x − a) given the graph of y = f(x) Z function notation A way of writing a function,
Z determine the inverse function for a variety of using the form y = f(x).
functions and recognise their graphs as reflections Z inverse function The reverse of a function, found
in the line y = x by interchanging the dependent and independent
Z define logarithms as indices and translate index variables (x and y).
statements into equivalent statements using Z logarithm The power or index of a number
logarithms according to a specified base. For example the
⎛ x⎞
Z deduce the laws of logarithms for log(xy), loge ⎝ - ⎠ logarithm of 1000 to base 10 is 3 (because
y
and logaxn and establish results for logaax, logaa, 103 = 1000) and is written log10 1000 = 3.
Z exponential Having to do with powers or indices.
loga1 and loga ⎛⎝ 1---⎞⎠ .
x (Exponent means ‘power’.)
Z apply the laws of logarithms to evaluate simple
expressions
Z simplify expressions using the laws of logarithms
Z draw the graphs of the inverse functions of
y = ax and y = logax
Z solve simple equations that contain exponents or
logarithms.

Think!
Robert and Samantha were both given the
equation 7x = 1245 to solve.
Using ‘guess and check’ (and the power key on his
calculator), Robert took 8 to 9 ‘guesses’ before
finally getting the answer x = 3.663. He showed his
answer to Samantha who replied, ‘I only took
3 steps and obtained the answer x = 3.6625.’
How did Samantha solve the equation?
STAGE
5.3 Start up
1 Sketch the graph of each of the following parabolas:
Worksheet
14-01 a y = x2 b y = x2 − 3 c y = x2 + 3x
Brainstarters 14 2 Sketch the graphs of the following cubic curves:
a y = x3 b y = x3 + 3 c y = x3 − 1
3 Sketch the graphs of these hyperbolas:
1 1 1
a y= --- b y= ----------- c y= ------------
x x–1 x+2

4 Sketch the graphs of these exponentials:

a y = 2x b y = 3−x c y = − 4x
5 Make x the subject in each of the following:
3
a y = 2x − 1 b y= ------------ c y = x2 + 3
x+1

6 Evaluate each of the following (correct to two decimal places):

1 3 2
--- --- ---
a 15 3 b 64 c 5 10 d 20 5

Functions
The concept of a function may be used when describing the relationship between two variables.

Definition of a function

A function is a relationship between two variables where, for each value of the
independent variable, there exists only one value of the dependent variable.

If x is the independent variable and y is the dependent variable, a function is defined as follows.

A function is a relationship where, for each x-value, there is only one y-value.

A function can also be defined as a relationship between two sets where every member of one set
associates with (or maps to) exactly one member of the second set.
So:
• this is a function
X Y

574 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

 • this is not a function because one member of set A associates
A B with (or maps to) two members of set B.

Example 1
Do the points (5, 2), (6, 4), (6, −2) represent a function?
Solution
When x = 6, y = 4 and y = −2.
So one x-value gives two y-values.
∴ The points do not represent a function.

Vertical line test

Any vertical line drawn on the graph of a function will cut the graph only once.

If any vertical line can cut a graph in two or more places, then it is not the graph of a function.

Example 2
Which of the following graphs represent functions?
a y b y c y

0 x 0 x 0 x

Solution
Apply the vertical line test to each graph:
a y b y c y

0 x 0 x 0 x

a A vertical line will only cut the graph once. ∴ The graph is a function.
b A vertical line cuts the graph twice. ∴ The graph is not a function.
c A vertical line can cut the graph more than once. ∴ The graph is not a function.

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 575 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3
Example 1
Exercise 14-01
1 Determine whether each of these sets of points represents a function:
a (2, 4) (−2, 7) (5, 2) b (−1, 2) (−1, 3) (5, 6)
c (4, −2) (4, −3) (4, −10) d (8, 5) (2, 7) (3, 7) (−2, 5)
e (6, 4) (2, 5) (3, 2) (2, −1) f (−10, 2) (−2, 10) (10, −2) (2, −10)
g (−1, 1) (−1, 2) (−1, 3) h (0, 2) (3, 0) (−1, 2) (1, −3)
Example 2 2 State whether each of these graphs represents a function:
a y b y c y d y

0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x

e y f y g y h y

0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x

i y j y k y l y

0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x

Function notation
Consider the rule y = 2x − 3. The variable x is the independent variable and y is the dependent
variable because its value depends on the value for x.
We can say that ‘y is a function of x’. This is written as y = f(x), which is read as ‘y is f of x’. So, for
y = 2x − 3, we may also write y = f(x) = 2x − 3 or f(x) = 2x − 3.
Note that any variables can be used. For example if the rule h = 20t − 5t 2 represents the height, h, of
a ball after time, t, then h is a function of t and we could write h = f(t) or h = g(t), and so on.

The value of a function

If y = f(x), then the expression f(2) means the value of the function when x = 2 (or the y-value
when x = 2).

If y = f(x), then f(c) is the value of the function when x = c (or the y-value when x = c).

This means that x is replaced by c wherever x appears in the function.

576 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

Example 3
If y = f(x) = x2 − 2x, find:
a f(3) b f(−2) c f(3d)

Solution
a f(x) = x2 − 2x
f(3) = 32 − 2 × 3 (replacing x with 3)
=9−6
=3
b To find f(−2), replace x with −2 in x2 − 2x.
f(−2) = (−2)2 − 2 × (−2)
=4+4
=8
c To find f(3d), replace x with 3d.
∴ f(3d) = (3d)2 − 2(3d)
= 9d 2 − 6d

Example 4
For the function g(h) = 10h − 3, find:
a g(− 4) b g(h + 3) c the value of h for which g(h) = 19
d g(3) + g(1) e g(h + 2) − g(h − 4)

Solution
a g(− 4) = 10(− 4) − 3
= − 40 − 3
= − 43
b To find g(h + 3), replace h with (h + 3) in 10h − 3.
∴ g(h + 3) = 10(h + 3) − 3
= 10h + 30 − 3
= 10h + 27
c If g(h) = 19:
10h − 3 = 19
∴ 10h = 22
22
h = ------
10
= 2.2
d g(3) = 10(3) − 3 and g(1) = 10(1) − 3
= 27 =7
∴ g(3) + g(1) = 27 + 7
= 34
e g(h + 2) = 10(h + 2) − 3 and g(h − 4) = 10(h − 4) − 3
= 10h + 20 − 3 = 10h − 40 − 3
= 10h + 17 = 10h − 43
∴ g(h + 2) − g(h − 4) = (10h + 17) − (10h − 43)
= 10h + 17 − 10h + 43
= 60

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 577 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3
Example 3
Exercise 14-02
1 For each of the following, find:
i f(3) ii f(−1) iii f(0)
1
CAS a f(x) = 2x b f(x) = 1 − x c f(x) = x2 + x d f(x) = ---------------
2x + 1
14-01 2x + 1
e f(x) = 3x f f(x) = 2x + 3 g f(x) = --------------- h f(x) = x2 − 4x + 1
Function notation x–1

Example 4 2 a If f(x) = 6x − 2, find:

i f(3) ii f(−2)
iii f(x + 3) iv the value of x for which f(x) = 10
x+2
b If h(x) = ------------ , find:
x–1
i h(2) ii h(−1) iii h(0) iv x, if h(x) = 3
t
c If g(t) = --- + t 2, find:
2
i g(2) ii g(0)
iii g(−1) iv the values of t for which g(t) = 3
3 Given f(x) = 11 − 2x:
a find:
i f(0) ii f(−2) iii f ⎛⎝ 1---⎞⎠
2
b find f(x + 1) c find f(x + 1) − f(x)
d find x if f(x) = −21 e find x if f(x) = h(x), and h(x) = 3x − 4
4 If g(x) = x2 + 2 and p(x) = 2x + 4:
a find:
i g(3) ii p(0) iii g(4) + p(−1)
b show that p(k2) − 2g(k) = 0
c find the two solutions to g(x) = p(x). (Leave your answers as surds.)
5 If k(x) = 2x + 1 :
a find k ⎛⎝ 1---⎞⎠
2
b find x, if k(x) = 4
c why is there no answer to k(−1)?
d what is the smallest value for x, such that k(x) exists?
6 If h(x) = x + 3--- :
x
a find:
i h(−1) ii h(1)
b find h(−1) − h(3)
c find the values of x for which h(x) = 4
1 + 3 p2
d show that h ⎛⎝ --1-⎞⎠ = ------------------
p p
e explain why a value for h(0) does not exist
7 If g(t) = 3t2 − 2t + 3, find:
a g(−1) b g(2) c g(4) − g(0) d g(k2)
8 If p(y) = 1 − y3, find:
a p(3) b p(2) − p(1) c p(−y) d p(y) − p(−y)

578 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

 Working mathematically
Reasoning and reflecting: graphing functions
1 a Draw the graph of the function f(x) = 2x + 1. (This is the same as graphing y = 2x + 1,
since y is a function of x.)
b Draw the graphs of:
i y=3 ii y = −2
Do they represent functions? Give reasons for your answers.
c Does x = 5 represent a function? Give reasons.
d What type of straight line graphs are not functions? Give reasons.
2 a Draw the graph of f(x) = x2 + 1.
b Find:
i f(−3) ii f ⎛⎝ 1---⎞⎠ iii f(12)
2
c Is there any restriction on the values that x can take? Explain your answer.
d Is there any restriction on the values that y can take? Explain your answer.
3 a Draw the graph of the hyperbola y = f(x) = 1--- .
x
b Are there any restrictions on the values that x can take? Give reasons.
c Are there any restrictions on the values that y can take? Explain your answer.
4 Compare your answers with those of other students.

The x-values and y-values of a function

For some functions, there may be restrictions on the x-values and y-values. These are referred to as
the permissible x-values and y-values of the function.

Example 5
a Draw the graph of f(x) = 4 – x 2 .
b Is there any restriction on:
i the x-values? ii the y-values?
Solution
a The graph of f(x) = 4 – x 2 is a semi-circle with radius 2 units as shown.
b Method 1: y
2
i From the graph, the values for x lie between −2 and 2, which is written:
−2
x
2 (x is greater than or equal to −2 but less than or

equal to 2) −2 0 2 x
(These values are sometimes called the domain of the function.)
ii The values for y lie between 0 and 2, which is written:
0
y
2
(These values are sometimes called the range of the function.)
Method 2:
i For y = 4 – x 2 : ii The highest value for y = 4 – x 2 must be
4 − x2  0 4 = 2 (when x = 0) and the lowest value
−x2  − 4
must be 0.
x2
4 ∴0
y
2
∴ −2
x
2

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 579 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3 Exercise 14-03
1 What restrictions (if any) exist on:
i the x-values of these functions? ii the y-values of these functions?
a y b y c y
3 4 5

−3 0 3 x 0 x

−4 0 x

d y e y f y
1
−1 0 4 x 0
2
x

−3 −3

−1 0 x

g y h y i y

0 x
0 x
0 x −2

j y k y l y
1 4

0 x 0 x
0 x
−1 −4

Example 5 2 Sketch the graphs of these functions, and, for each function, find the permissible:
i x-values ii y-values
a f(x) = 3x + 1 b y = 1 − x2 c y = 2x
2
d f(x) = --- e f(x) = 1 − 2x f y = x3
x

Graphing y = f (x) + k and y = f (x – a)

The graph of y = f(x) + k is the graph of y = f(x) shifted up k units (or shifted down if k
is negative).
The graph of y = f(x − a) is the graph of y = f(x) shifted right a units (or shifted left if a
is negative).

Example 6
a Draw the graph of y = f(x) = x2.
b Use the graph of y = f(x) to help you draw the graph of:
i y = f(x) − 3 ii y = f(x + 5)

580 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

Solution
a y y = f(x) = x2
5
4
3
2
1

0 x
−2 −1 1 2
−1

b i y ii y
5 5
y = f (x) y = f(x + 5) y = f(x)
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1

x
−2 −1 0 1 2 −7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1
0
1 2
x
−1
−2
For y = f(x + 5), the graph of y = f(x) has moved
y = f(x) − 3 5 units left.
−3

For y = f(x) − 3, the graph of

y = f(x) has moved down 3 units.

Exercise 14-04
1 a Draw the graph of f(x) = 2x. Example 6

b Use the graph of y = f(x) to help you sketch each of the following graphs:
i y = f(x) + 1 ii y = f(x) − 3 iii y = f(x − 2) iv y = f(x + 1)
c Explain how each graph in part b is obtained from y = f(x).
2 a Draw the graph of f(x) = x2.
b Hence, or otherwise, draw these graphs:
i y = f(x) − 3 ii y = f(x) + 2 iii y = f(x) − 1
iv y = f(x − 3) v y = f(x + 1) vi y = f(x + 2) − 1
3 a Draw the graph of f(x) = x3.
b Hence, or otherwise, draw these graphs:
i y = f(x − 1) ii y = f(x) + 2 iii y = f(x + 2) + 1
4 The graph of y = f(x) is shown. Draw the graphs of: y
a y = f(x) − 2
1
b y = f(x − 3)
c y = f(x + 2) 0 1 x

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 581 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3 5 The graph of y = f(x) is shown. Draw the graphs of:
a y = f(x) + 2
y

b y = f(x) − 3 1
−1
c y = f(x − 1) 0 x

Inverse functions
Worksheet The inverse function can be considered as the ‘reverse operation’ of the original function. The
14-02 inverse function undoes the original function. For example, the inverse function to y = x + 3 is
Inverse y = x − 3. The inverse function y = x − 3 will ‘undo’ the original function y = x + 3. Substituting
functions code x = 10 into y = x + 3 gives 13, and substituting x = 13 in y = x − 3 brings the answer back to 10.
puzzle

The inverse function is the function obtained when the dependent and independent
variables of some functions are interchanged.

Notation
The inverse function for f(x) is written as f −1(x). y
(Note: f −1 in this case means ‘inverse’ and not ‘to the power of −1.’)
The graph of y = f −1(x) is always the reflection of the graph of y = f(x) in the y = f(x)
line y = x.
0 x

x
y = f −1(x)
y=

Working mathematically
Reasoning and reflecting: When does a function have an inverse?
1 The graphs of two functions and their inverses have been drawn below.
f(x) = −3x y f(x) = x2 + 1 y
x
x

y = −3x
y=
y=

f ′(x) = − 1--- x f −1(x) = y2 + 1x

3 y = x2 + 1
0 x 0 x
y= − 13_ x x = y2 + 1

a Is the inverse of the function y = −3x a function? Give reasons.

b Is the inverse of the function y = x2 + 1 a function? Give reasons.
c For which function is the following statement true: For each y-value there is only one
x-value?
2 a Draw the graph of y = x3.
b Draw the inverse of the function y = x3 by reflecting y = x3 in the line y = x. Is this
inverse a function? Give reasons.

582 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

 3 a Draw the graph of y = x2, for x  0.
b Draw the inverse of the function y = x2, when x  0, by reflecting it in the line y = x.
Is the inverse a function? Give reasons.
c Repeat the method used in parts a and b for y = x2, when x
0.
d Compare and discuss your results with other students in your class.
4 Which function has an inverse that is itself?

Condition for a function to have an inverse function

Functions that have inverse functions are those functions where there is only one
x-value for each y-value.

The above definition leads to the following test.

Horizontal line test

If a horizontal line drawn on the graph of a function cuts the graph only once, then the
function will have an inverse function.

This also means that any graph, for which the vertical and horizontal line test holds, is the graph
of a function that has an inverse function.

Example 7
Does the function f(x) = 1 − x2 have an inverse function?
Solution y
The graph of f(x) = 1 − x2 is shown.
A horizontal line cuts the graph of the function twice.
∴ f(x) = 1 − x2 does not have an inverse function. 0 x

Example 8
If f(x) = 2x − 3:
a find the inverse function f −1(x)
b sketch y = f(x) and y = f −1(x) on the same set of axes
Solution
a y = f(x) = 2x − 3
To find the inverse function, make x the subject in y = 2x − 3.
y + 3 = 2x
∴ x = 1--- (y + 3)
2
1 3
x= --- y + ---
2 2
Interchanging the x and y variables we obtain the inverse function y = 1--- x + 3
---
2 2
∴ f −1(x) = 1--- x + 3
---
2 2

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 583 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3 b
6
y

5
4
3
2
y = f −1(x) = 12_ x + 32_
1

−4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 x
−1
−2
y=x y = f (x) = 2x − 3
−3
−4

Exercise 14-05
Example 7 1 Which of the following graphs represent functions whose inverse is a function?
a y b y c y d y

0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x

e y f y g y h y

0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x

Example 8 2 For each of the following functions:

i find the inverse function f −1(x)
CAS ii sketch the lines y = x, y = f(x) and y = f −1(x) on the same set of axes.
14-02
x x
Inverse a f(x) = --- b y=2− --- c f(x) = x3
3 4
functions d f(x) = 2x − 5 e f(x) = 1 − 3x
------ f y= 2x – 3
---------------
2 2
3 a If f(x) = 2 − x, show that f −1(x) = 2 − x.
b By sketching y = f(x), y = f −1(x) and y = x on the same axes, explain why f(x) = f −1(x).
4 a Sketch y = x2 − 3 for all real x.
b Does y = x2 − 3 have an inverse function?
c Sketch y = x2 − 3 for x  0. Hence, find and graph its inverse function.
d Sketch y = x2 − 3 for x
0. Hence, find and graph its inverse function.
5 a Graph y = f(x) = 2 − x2 for x
0.
b Find the inverse function y = f −1(x) and draw its graph.
c What are all possible x-values (the domain) of y = f −1(x)?

584 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

 Working mathematically
Reasoning and reflecting: The power of 2 (and the ‘power’ of
logarithms)
1 Copy and complete this table:
x 0 1 2 … 20
2x

2 Given this table of powers of 2, find 32 × 128. (Explain the method you use.)
3 Use the method you used above to calculate:
a 16 × 1024 b 128 × 1024 c 256 × 64 d 4096 × 32
4 Can a similar method to that used above be used to simplify calculations involving
division? Use three examples to explain your answer.

Logarithms Worksheet
14-03
In the previous activity, powers of 2 were multiplied and divided, just by adding (or subtracting) Logarithm tables
indices.
When indices are used in calculations in this way, they may be called logarithms.

The logarithm of a number to any positive base is the index when the number is
expressed as a power of the base.
So, if y = ax, logay = x, where a > 0 and y > 0.

We can simply say that a logarithm is the power or index of a number.

The logarithm of 256 to the base 2 is 8, written log2 256 = 8.

Example 9
Find each of the following:
a log3 81 b log4 16 c log10 10 000
Solution
a log3 81 means ‘3 to the power of what equals 81?’ Since 34 = 81, log3 81 = 4.
b log4 16 means ‘4 to the power of what equals 16?’ Since 42 = 16, log4 16 = 2.
c log10 10 000 means ‘10 to the power of what equals 10 000?’ Since 104 = 10 000,
log10 10 000 = 4.

Example 10
Express each of the following in logarithmic form: 1
---
a 32 = 2 5 b 1000 = 10 3 c 2 = 83 d p = qr
Solution 1
---
a 32 = 25 b 1000 = 103 c 2 = 83 d p = qr
1
∴ log5 32 = 5 ∴ log10 1000 = 3 ∴ log8 2 = --- ∴ logq p = r
3

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 585 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3 Example 11
Express each of these in index form:
1
a log3 81 = 4 b log10 10 = 1 c log5 ------ = −2 d logn m = x
25
Solution
1
a log3 81 = 4 b log10 10 = 1 c log5 ------ = −2 d logn m = x
25
∴ 81 = 34 ∴ 10 = 101 ∴ 1
------ = 5−2 ∴ m = nx
25

Exercise 14-06
Example 9 1 Find each of the following:
a log5 25 b log2 8 c log7 49
d log2 16 e log3 243 f log10 1000
g log5 125 h log6 36 i log2 64
j log3 6561 k log10 1 000 000 l log8 512
Example 10 2 Write each of these in logarithmic form: 1
---
2
a 52 = 25 b 43 = 64 c 10 000 = 104 d 25 = 5
2
---
e 1
------ = 2− 4 f 3−2 = 1
--- g 8 =43
h 0.01 = 10−2
16 9
1 1 3 1
− ---
--- --- ---
i 2 = 44 j 16 2 = 4 k 9 2 = 27 l 1
------- =6 2
6
Example 11 3 Write each of these in index form:
a log5 125 = 3 b log10 10 = 1 c log 3 27 = 6
1
d log2 8 2 = 3.5 e log2 64 = 6 f log3 ------ = −4
81
1 1 1
g log5 --------- = −3 h log8 2 = --- i log100 10 = ---
125 6 2
3 1 1
j log5 5 5 = --- k log8 2 = --- l - = −1
log100 --------
2 3 100

Logarithm laws
Law 1

loga x + loga y = loga (xy)

For example: log2 8 + log2 4 = log2 (8 × 4)

= log2 32
Proof:
Let loga x = m and loga y = n
∴ x = am and y = an
Also: xy = am × an = am + n
∴ loga (xy) = m + n
= loga x + loga y (from the first line)
∴ loga x + loga y = loga (xy)
(This law corresponds to the index law am × an = amn.)

586 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

Law 2

loga x − loga y = loga ⎛ --x⎞

⎝ y⎠

For example: log3 243 − log3 27 = log3 ⎛ 243

---------⎞
⎝ 27 ⎠
= log3 9
Proof:
Let loga x = m and loga y = n
∴ x = am and y = an
am
Also: x
-- = ------ = am − n
y an

∴ loga ⎛⎝ --x⎞⎠ = m − n = loga x − loga y (from the first line)

y
∴ loga x − loga y = loga ⎛⎝ --x⎞⎠
y
(This law corresponds to the index law am ÷ an = am − n.)

Law 3

loga xn = n loga x

For example: log4 82 = 2 log4 8

Proof:
If loga x = m, then x = am
Also: xn = (am)n
= amn
∴ loga xn = mn
= n × loga x (from the first line)
∴ loga xn = n loga x
[This corresponds to the index law (am) n = amn.]
Also, if loga y = x, then y = an
Since a > 0, an > 0 and y > 0
∴ we cannot find the log of a negative number.

Further properties of logarithms

1 loga a = 1, because a1 = a

2 loga ax = x

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 587 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3 3 loga 1 = 0, because a0 = 1

4 loga ⎛ 1---⎞ = −loga x

⎝ x⎠

Proof:
loga ⎛ 1---⎞ = log x −1
⎝ x⎠
= −log x (using Law 3 on page 587)

Example 12
Evaluate each of the following:
a log2 16 b log10 25 + log10 4
c log9 45 − log9 5 d 2 log6 3 + 2 log6 2
Solution
a log2 16 = log2 24 b log10 25 + log10 4 = log10 (25 × 4)
= 4 log2 2 = log10 100
=4×1 = log10 102
=4 = 2 log10 10
=2×1
=2
c log9 45 − log9 5 = log9 ⎛ 45
------⎞ d 2 log6 3 + 2 log6 2 = log6 32 + log6 22
⎝ 5⎠
= log9 9 = log6 9 + log6 4
=1 = log6 (9 × 4)
= log6 36
= log6 62
=2

Example 13
Simplify each of the following:
a 6 loga a + loga a4 − loga a9 b log2 x + log2 w − 2 log2 y
log 3 a 3
c -------------------
-
5 log 3 a

Solution
a 6 loga a + loga a4 − loga a9 b log2 x + log2 w − 2 log2 y
=6×1+4−9 = log2 (xw) − log2 y2
=1
= log2 ⎛ ------
xw⎞
-
⎝ y2 ⎠
1
log 3 a 3 3 log 3 a
c -------------------
- = -------------------
-
5 log 3 a 5 log 3 a 1
3
= ---
5

588 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

Example 14
Given log10 7 = 0.8451, find the value of:
a log10 49 b log10 700 c log10 (0.07)
Solution
a log10 49 = log10 72 b log10 700 = log10 (7 × 100)
= 2 log10 7 = log10 7 + log10 100
= 2 × 0.8451 = 0.8451 + 2
= 1.6902 = 2.8451
c log10 (0.07) = log10 ⎛ --------
7 ⎞
-
⎝ 100⎠
= log10 7 − log10 100
= 0.8451 − 2
= −1.1549

Example 15
If x = logp 4, y = logp 5 express logp 100 in terms of x and y.
Solution
logp 100 = logp (4 × 25)
= logp 4 + logp 25
= logp 4 + logp 52
= logp 4 + 2 logp 5
= x + 2y

Exercise 14-07
1 Evaluate: Example 12
1
a log2 128 b log10 1000 c log8 64 d log5 ---
5
1 1
e log2 2 f log3 --- g log10 0.0001 h log2 -----
-
9 16
2 Simplify and then evaluate:
a log8 2 + log8 4 b log4 32 − log4 2
c log3 4 + log3 15 − log3 20 d log3 270 − (log3 2 + log3 5)
e log4 20 + (log4 32 − log4 10) f 2 log10 25 − log10 6.25
g 2 log10 2 − (log10 5 + log10 8) h log100 50 − log100 5
i 2 log5 10 + (log5 50 − log5 40) j 5 log8 2 + 1--- log8 4
2
1 1
k --- log4 25 − 2 log4 20 l --- log2 125 − 3 log2 3 80
2 3
3 Simplify: Example 13
a logx 5 + logx 6 b logx 10 − logx 2 c 3 logx 2
d 2 logx 4 − logx 8 e logx 10 + logx 4 f 1--- logx 100
2
1
g −logx 4 h logx 8 − (logx 10 + logx 4) i --- (logx 8 + logx 18)
2
( log x 4 + log x 10 ) – ( log x 100 – log x 20 )
j ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
3

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 589 CHAPTER 14

 Example 14 4 If log10 4 = 0.6021, find the value of:

STAGE
5.3
Example 15
a log10 16
e log10 0.4
b log10 400
f log10 160
c log10 4000
g log10 2.5
5 If log 2 = a, log 3 = b and log 5 = c, express these in terms of a, b and c.
d log10 2
h log10 40

5
a log 6 b log 30 c log 45 d log --- e log 150
6
1 1
f log --- g log 15 h log -----
- i log 1 1--- j log 3 0.6
2 10 9
6 Expand:
ab a
a logm (xyz) b logm ------ c logm ------ d logm a(x + y) e logm ax
c bc
1 ⎛ ----
x 2⎞ ⎛ x⎞ ⎛ ------
1⎞
-
f logm ----- g logm ⎝ y⎠
- h logm ⎜ ------
-⎟ i logm ⎜ --x⎟
xy ⎝ y3 ⎠ ⎝ y⎠

The graphs of y = ax and y

y = loga x y = ax
1

Since y = loga x is the inverse of y = ax, the graph of y = loga x can be drawn 0 1 x
by reflecting y = ax in the line y = x.
x y = logax
y=

Exercise 14-08
Spreadsheet 1 a Draw the graph of y = 2x, − 4
x
4.
14-01 b Does y = 2x have an inverse function? Give reasons.
Graph of 2 Show that the inverse function of y = 2x is y = log2 x, by making x the subject and then
y = ax interchanging the x and y variables.
3 By using the reflection property in the line y = x, sketch y = log2 x on the same set of axes as
y = 2x. Describe the features of this graph.
4 Use the results log2 2 = 1, log2 4 = 2 and log2 8 = 3 to check the accuracy of your graph in
Question 3.
5 On the same set of axes, graph the functions y = 3x and y = 4x. Draw the reflections of each
graph in the line y = x to illustrate y = log3 x and y = log4 x. Describe the differences and
similarities in the graphs:
a y = 2x, y = 3x and y = 4x b y = log2 x, y = log3 x and y = log4 x
6 The log key on a scientific calculator is used to find log10 N, where N > 0.
a Find the value of each of the following, correct to four decimal places.
i log10 20 ii log10 627 iii log10 5426
iv log10 8.2 v log10 2.5 vi log10 0.76
Spreadsheet b Draw the graph of y = log10 x, where 0 < x
10. (Use a scale of 1 cm = 1 unit on the x-axis
14-02 and 2 cm = 1 unit on the y-axis.)
Graph of c Use the graph of y = log10 x to help you find:
y = loga x i log10 3 ii log10 6.5 iii log10 8.4 iv log10 (0.5)
Compare your answers with those of other students. (You can also check your results using
your calculator.)

590 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

 d Use your graph to help you solve the equations:
i log10 x = 0.7 ii log10 x = 0.25 iii log10 x = − 0.5
iv log10 x = 0.9 v log10 x = −10 vi log10 x = 0.5
Compare your answers with those of other students.

Just for the record

Acid or alkali?
The acidity or alkalinity of a solution is found by measuring the concentration of hydrogen
ions ([H3O+]). This is expressed as the pH scale. The pH of a substance (soil, water, and so
on) is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the hydrogen ion concentration.
We write pH = −log10 [H3O+].
So, if a solution contains 0.001 mole/L of hydrogen ions:
[H3O+] = 0.001 mole/L
∴ pH = −log10 (0.001)
= −log10 (10−3)
=3
Solutions are defined as neutral, acidic or alkaline, and the pH scale runs from 1 (extreme
acidity) to 14 (extreme alkalinity).
If: pH = 7, the solution is neutral.
pH < 7, the solution is acidic.
pH > 7, the solution is alkaline.
1 a If [H3O+] = 6.38 × 10−6 moles/L for a particular solution, find its pH.
b If the pH of a solution is 3.89, find [H3O+] (the concentration of hydrogen ions).
c What is ‘litmus’ and how is it used to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution?
2 Other measurements that use a logarithmic scale are the Richter scale and the decibel
scale. Select one of the scales and briefly describe it and what it is used to measure.

Exponential and logarithmic equations Worksheet

14-04
Exponential equations are equations involving powers or indices. Logarithms
Logarithms (and a calculator) can be used to solve exponential equations without resorting to a review
‘guess and check’ method.

Example 16
Solve:
a 3x = 2187 b 4m + 1 = 1
----------
8 2
Solution
a 3x = 2187
Taking log10 of both sides:
x log10 3 = log10 2187
log 10 2187
x= --------------------------
log 10 3
=7 ( log 2187 ÷ log 3 = )
(Note: log10 = log key)

F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 591 CHAPTER 14

STAGE
5.3 b 4m + 1 = 1
----------
8 2
Taking log10 of both sides:
(m + 1) log10 4 = log10 ⎛ ---------
1 ⎞
-
⎝ 8 2⎠

∴ (m + 1) log10 4 = −log10 ( 8 2 )
− log 10 8 2
(m + 1) = ---------------------------
-
log 10 4
m + 1 = −1.75
m = − 2.75

Example 17
Solve 5x = 17, correct to three decimal places.
Solution
5x = 17
Taking log10 of both sides:
log10 5x = log10 17
x log10 5 = log10 17 (logarithm Law 3)
log 10 17
∴x= -------------------- (log10 = log key)
log 10 5
= 1.760 37 …
≈ 1.760 (correct to three decimal places)

Example 18
Solve each of the following:
a log5 x = −3 b logx 18 = 3
Solution
a If log5 x = −3 b If logx 18 = 3
∴ x = 5−3 x3 = 18
1
= ----
-
3 ∴ x = 3 18
5
1
= 2.6207 …
= --------- ≈ 2.621
125

Example 19
$500 is invested at 1% per month compound interest. How long will it take that $500 to grow to
$750?
Solution
A = P(1 + R)n where A = 750, P = 500, R = 0.01
∴ 750 = 500 (1 + 0.01)n
750 = 500 (1.01)x
750
--------- = (1.01)x
500
1.5 = (1.01)x
log10 1.5 = x log10 1.01
log 1.5
x= --------------------
log 1.01

592 N E W C E N T U R Y M A T H S 1 0 : S T A GE S 5.2/ 5.3

 ∴ x = 40.748 907 …
x ≈ 41
It will take about 41 months for the $500 to grow to $750.

Exercise 14-09
1 Solve each of the following: Example 16

a 2k = 1024 b 5m = 390 625 c 3d = 59 049

1 CAS
d 5x = 25 5 e 2y = ------------- f 4a = 128 14-03
16 2
Logarithmic and
g 3k + 2 = 27 3 h 6n − 2 = 1
---------------- i 91 − d = 1
------------- exponential
216 6 27 3
equations
2 Solve each of the following, correct to three decimal places:
Example 17
a 7x = 16 b 5x = 36 c 11x = 420 d 2x = 0.52
e 3x = 1.6 f 4x = 2
--- g 2x − 2 = 47 h 3x + 4 = 72
5
i 6x + 3 = 29 j 85 − x = 4000 k 5y = 4.8 l 7k + 5 = 300
3 Solve each of the following equations by expressing both sides to base 2. Check your solution
by using logarithm laws.
a 2x + 2 = 16 b 8x = 32 c 4x − 1 = 2 d 81 − x = 16 2
1–x x
e 42 − x = 1
--- f 8x + 1 = 1
---------- g ⎛ 1---⎞ = 2 h 5 ⎛⎝ 1---⎞⎠ = 20
8 8 2 ⎝ 4⎠ 2

4 Solve: Example 18
a log2 x = 3 b log10 x = 3 c log5 x = −2 d log4 x = −3
5 3
e log 3 x = 4 f log4 x = --- g log10 x = −3 h log8 x = ---
--- 2 2
2
i log10 x = − 1--- j log4 x = − 3--- k log4 x = 3 1--- l log x = −4
2 2 2 5
5 Solve these equations. (Express your answers correct to three decimal places
where necessary.)
1
a logx 4 = 2 b logx 5 = −1 c logx --- =2 d logx 0.01 = 2
4
1 1
e logx 16 = --- f logx 8 = 3 g logx 60 = 3 h logx 4.8 = ---
2 2
3
i logx 842 = 5 j logx 2000 = 4 k logx 8 = 4 l logx 84 = --- Example 19
2
6 Use the compound interest formula A = P(1 + to solve these problems: R)n,
a How many years will it take an investment of $1000 to grow to $2000, if it earns
compound interest at a rate of 6% p.a.?
b Penny invests $12 000 at 1% per month compound interest. How many months will it take
for Penny’s investment to grow to $15 000?
7 A radioactive substance with a mass of 150 grams decays according to the equation
-t
⎛ t------ ⎞
A = 150 × ⎝2-----
-
20
20 ⎠ , where A (grams) is the amount remaining after t days.
a Find A when t = 10.
b Find the time taken for the substance to decay to half its original mass.
c Find the time taken for the substance to decay to a mass of 20 g. (Give your answer to the
nearest day.)
d Show that it takes about 200 days for all but 0.1% of the substance to decay. Topic test
Chapter 14
F UNCT I ONS AND LOGAR I T H M S 593 CHAPTER 14