You are on page 1of 50

Properties of Exponential and

Logarithmic Functions
Math 11A : General Mathematics
Week 10-11
A.Y. 2021-2022
1
Contents

Contents:
1. Properties of Exponential Functions
2. Natural Exponential Functions
3. Laws of Exponents
4. Properties of Logarithmic Functions
5. Common Logarithmic Functions
6. Natural Logarithmic Functions
7. Laws of Logarithms
8. Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities
9. Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities
11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
2
Properties of Exponential Function

Definition
The exponential function with base 𝑎 is defined by
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎𝑥
if 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1.

Note:
In the exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑥 , 𝑎 is called the base and 𝑥 is called the exponent of
the exponential function.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


3
Properties of Exponential Function

Basic Properties of Exponential Functions (𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙 )


1. The domain of the function 𝑓 is ℝ (the set of real numbers) and the range is ℝ+ (the set of
positive real numbers).
2. The function is increasing if 𝑎 > 1 and is decreasing if 0 < 𝑎 < 1.
𝑥 𝑥
3 2
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥
2 3 1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 2
𝑥 5
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 =
7 𝑓 𝑥 =
5 7

Function is increasing for 𝑎 > 1 Function is decreasing for 0 < 𝑎 < 1

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


4
Properties of Exponential Function

Basic Properties of Exponential Functions (𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙 )


3. The graph always passes through (0, 1) since 𝑎0 = 1. As a result, the 𝑦 −intercept is 1.
There is no 𝑥 −intercept.
𝑥 𝑥
3 2
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥
2 3 1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 2
𝑥 5
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 =
7 𝑓 𝑥 =
5 7

Graph passes through (0,1)


11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
5
Properties of Exponential Function

Basic Properties of Exponential Functions (𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙 )


4. The x-axis (or the line 𝑦 = 0) serves as a horizontal asymptote. There is no vertical
asymptote.
𝑥 𝑥
3 2
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥
2 3 1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 2
𝑥 5
𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 𝑓 𝑥 =
7 𝑓 𝑥 =
5 7

5. It is a one-to-one correspondence (bijective). It satisfies the horizontal line test.


11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
6
Natural Exponential Function

Natural Exponential Function


The natural exponential function is an exponential function of the form
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒𝑥
where the base is 𝑒 ≈ 2.71828 …

Note:
𝑒 ≈ 2.71828 is called as the Euler’s number. This makes the natural logarithmic function
increasing (𝑒 > 1).

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


7
Laws of Exponents

Examples:
LAWS OF EXPONENTS
Use the Laws of Exponents to simplify the
1. Zero Exponent Rule: 𝑎0 = 1
following expressions.
2. Product Rule: 𝑎𝑚 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛
65
3. Power Rule: 𝑎𝑚 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛 1. 63
−𝑚 1
4. Negative Exponent Rule: 𝑎 = 𝑎𝑚 6𝑥 3
2.
2𝑥 7
𝑎𝑚
5. Quotient Rule: = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 3. 2𝑐𝑑 4 2 𝑐 3 𝑑2 5
𝑎𝑛
1
𝑛
6. nth-root Rule: 𝑎 =
𝑛 𝑎

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


8
Laws of Exponents

Solutions:
Use the Laws of Exponents to simplify the following expressions.
65
1. = 65−3 = 62 = 𝟑𝟔
63

6𝑥 3 𝟑
2. = 3 𝑥 3−7 = 3𝑥 −4 = 𝒙𝟒
2𝑥 7

3. 2𝑐𝑑 4 2 𝑐 3 𝑑2 5 = 4𝑐 2 𝑑 4∙2 𝑐 3∙5 𝑑2∙5 = 4𝑐 2 𝑑8 𝑐15 𝑑10 = 4𝑐 2+15 𝑑8+10 = 𝟒𝒄𝟏𝟕 𝒅𝟏𝟖

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


9
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Definition
The Logarithmic function takes the form 𝑓 𝑥 = log 𝑏 𝑥 (read as the logarithm of 𝑥 base 𝑏).
Note:
1. 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 = log 𝑏 𝑥 if and only if 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥
2. The logarithmic and exponential functions are inverse functions of each other.
3. In the logarithmic function 𝑓 𝑥 = log 𝑏 𝑥, 𝑏 is called the base and 𝑥 is called the
argument of the logarithmic function. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑦 is the exponent of the equivalent
exponential function of the logarithmic function.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


10
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Examples:
Express the exponential equations in its logarithmic form.
1. 104 = 10,000

1
2. 5−2 = 25

3. 4𝑥 = 70

4. 35 = 𝑤

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


11
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Solution:
Express the exponential equation in logarithmic form.
1. 104 = 10,000 3. 4𝑥 = 70

⇒ log 10,000 = 4 ⇒ log 4 70 = 𝑥

−2 1
2. 5 = 25
4. 35 = 𝑤

1
⇒ log 3 𝑤 = 5
⇒ log 5 25 = −2

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


12
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Examples:
Evaluate the following logarithms.
1. log 1000

2. log 2 32

3. log 0.1

4. log16 4

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


13
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Solution:
Evaluate the following logarithms.
1. log 1000 2. log 2 32
⇒ 𝑦 = log 1000 (Equate it to 𝑦) ⇒ 𝑦 = log 2 32
⇒ 10𝑦 = 1000 (Transform into exponential form) ⇒ 2𝑦 = 32
⇒ 10𝑦 = 103 ⇒ 2𝑦 = 25
⇒𝑦=5
⇒𝑦=3
Hence, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 𝟑. Hence, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟐 𝟑𝟐 = 𝟓 .

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


14
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Solution:
Evaluate the following logarithms.
3. log 0.1 4. log16 4
⇒ 𝑦 = log 0.1 ⇒ 𝑦 = log16 4
⇒ 16𝑦 = 4
⇒ 10𝑦 = 0.1 1

1
⇒ 16𝑦
= 16 = 16 2
⇒ 10𝑦 = 0.1 = = 10−1 1
⇒𝑦=2
10
⇒ 𝑦 = −1
𝟏
Hence, 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟏𝟔 𝟒 = 𝟐
Hence, 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 = 𝟑.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


15
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Basic Properties of Logarithmic Functions (𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙)


1. The domain of the function 𝑓 is ℝ+ (the set of positive real numbers) and the range is ℝ
(the set of real numbers).
2. The function is increasing if 𝑏 > 1 and is decreasing if 0 < 𝑏 < 1.

Function is increasing for 𝑏 > 1 Function is decreasing for 0 < 𝑏 < 1

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


16
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Basic Properties of Exponential Functions (𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙)


3. The graph always passes through (1, 0) since log 𝑏 1 = 0. As a result, the 𝑥 −intercept is 1.
There is no 𝑦 −intercept.

Graph passes through (1,0)


11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
17
Properties of Logarithmic Function

Basic Properties of Exponential Functions (𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙)


4. The y-axis (or the line 𝑥 = 0) serves as a vertical asymptote. There is no horizontal
asymptote.

5. It is a one-to-one correspondence (bijective). It satisfies the horizontal line test.


11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
18
Common Logarithmic Function

Common Logarithmic Functions


The logarithm with base 10 is called the common logarithm and is denoted by omitting the
base:

log 𝑥 = log10 𝑥

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


19
Natural Logarithmic Function

Natural Logarithmic Functions


The Natural Logarithmic Function takes the base 𝑏 = 𝑒.
𝑓 𝑥 = log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 (read as the natural logarithm of x).
Note that y = 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 if and only if 𝑒 𝑦 = 𝑥 and all other properties for logarithm apply.
Other Properties:

1. ln 1 = 0 3. ln 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥
2. ln 𝑒 = 1 4. 𝑒 ln 𝑥 = 𝑥

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


20
Laws of Logarithms

LAWS OF LOGARITHMS Examples:


1. log 𝑏 𝑏 = 1 Use the Laws of Logarithms to simplify the
2. log 𝑏 1 = 0 following expressions.
3. log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑟 = 𝑟 log 𝑏 𝑥
4. log 𝑏 𝑥𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 + log 𝑏 𝑦 1
𝑥
1. 3 log 𝑥 + 2 log 𝑥 + 1
5. log 𝑏 = log 𝑏 𝑥 − log 𝑏 𝑦 1
𝑦
2. 3 ln 𝑠 + 2 ln 𝑡 − 4 ln 𝑡 2 + 1
log𝑏 𝑥
6. = log 𝑦 𝑥 Change of base
log𝑏 𝑦
7. log 𝑏 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥
8. 𝑏 log𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥
11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
21
Laws of Logarithms

Solutions:
Use the Laws of Logarithms to simplify the following expressions.
1
1. 3 log 𝑥 + 2 log 𝑥+1
1 𝟏
log 𝑥 3 + log 𝑥 + 1 2 = 𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝒙𝟑 𝒙+𝟏 𝟐

1
2. 3 ln 𝑠 + 2 ln 𝑡 − 4 ln 𝑡 2 + 1
𝟏
1 𝟑
𝒔 𝒕𝟐
ln 𝑠 3 + ln 𝑡 − ln 𝑡 2 + 1
2 4
= 𝒍𝒏 𝟒
𝒕𝟐 +𝟏

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


22
Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

An exponential expression is an expression of the form 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 + 𝑑 where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1.


𝑥+1 𝑥2
Examples: (a) 2 + 4; (b) 3 ; (c) 4𝑥−3 − 3

Differentiating Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities


Exponential Equation Exponential Inequality Exponential Function
An equation involving An inequality involving A function of the form
exponential expressions. exponential expressions (i.e., 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 + 𝑑
Definition
those involving the symbols where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1.
>, <, ≥, ≤, or ≠)
2𝑥−𝑥 2
1
Example 7 = 52𝑥 − 5𝑥+1 ≤ 0 𝑓 𝑥 = 1.8𝑥
343

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


23
Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Examples: Determine whether the given is an exponential function, an exponential equation,


an exponential inequality, or none of these.
Solution:
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 5𝑥 2 1. None of these
1 𝑥
2. 2 ≥ 2. Exponential Inequality
2
3. 74𝑥 = 𝑦 3. Exponential Function
4. 4 10𝑥−2 = 500 4. Exponential Equation
5. 𝑦 = 14𝑥+3 5. Exponential Function

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


24
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Solving Exponential Equations

One-to-One Property of Exponential Equations


If 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 , then 𝑏 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑏 𝑥2 . Conversely, if 𝑏 𝑥1 = 𝑏 𝑥2 , then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

Using this property, we can solve exponential equations by transforming both sides into an
exponential expression of the same base. By then, we can already equate the exponents.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


25
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the value of 𝑥.
1. 4𝑥+1 = 16
Solution:
Note that 16 = 42 . Thus, we can make both sides of the equation have a base equal to 4.
4𝑥+1 = 42
Now we can use the one-to-one property of exponential equations.
𝑥+1=2
𝒙=𝟏

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


26
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the value of 𝑥.
2. 125𝑥−1 = 25𝑥+3
Solution:
Note that we cannot write 125 as an exponential expression with base 25 and we cannot also
write 25 as an exponential expression with base 125. Note however, 52 = 25 and 53 = 125.
(53 )𝑥−1 = (52 )𝑥+3
Now we can use the one-to-one property of exponential equations.
3 𝑥−1 =2 𝑥+3 → 3𝑥 − 3 = 2𝑥 + 6 → 3𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 6 + 3
𝒙=𝟗

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


27
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the value of 𝑥.
𝑥 2
3. 9 = 3𝑥+3
Solution:
Note that 9 = 32 . Thus, we can make both sides of the equation have a base equal to 3.
2 𝑥2
(3 ) = 3𝑥+3
Now we can use the one-to-one property of exponential equations.
2 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 + 3 → 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 3 = 0 → 2𝑥 − 3 𝑥 + 1 = 0
𝟑
𝒙 = 𝐨𝐫 𝒙 = −𝟏
𝟐

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


28
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Solving Exponential Inequalities

Property of Exponential Inequalities


• If 𝑏 > 1, then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is increasing for all 𝑥. This means that 𝑏 𝑥 <
𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.
• If 0 < 𝑏 < 1, then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is decreasing for all 𝑥. This means that
𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.

We can use this property and the one-to-one property for exponential equations to solve
exponential inequalities.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


29
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Solve for the following inequalities.
1. 3𝑥 < 9𝑥−2
Solution:
Note that 9 = 32 . Thus, we can make both sides of the inequality have a base equal to 3.
3𝑥 < (32 )𝑥−2 → 3𝑥 < 32𝑥−4

Since the base is 3, which is greater than 1 (3>1), by property of exponential inequalities, we
will retain the given inequality. Now, using the one-to-one property of exponential equations,

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


30
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

𝑥 < 2𝑥 − 4
𝑥 − 2𝑥 < −4
−𝑥 < −4
𝒙>𝟒
(note that multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number will change the
inequality into its opposite)

The solution set to the inequality is 𝒙 𝒙 > 𝟒 or (𝟒, +∞).

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


31
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Solve for the following inequalities.
1 𝑥+5 1 3𝑥
2. ≥
10 100
Solution:
1 1 2 1
Note that = . Thus, we can make both sides of the inequality have a base equal to .
100 10 10
𝑥+5 3𝑥 𝑥+5 6𝑥
1 1 1 1
≥ → ≥
10 102 10 10

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


32
Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

1 1
Since the base is , which is less than 1
(10 < 1), by property of exponential inequalities, we
10
will reverse the given inequality. Now, using the one-to-one property of exponential equations,

𝑥 + 5 ≤ 6𝑥 (inequality is reversed)
𝑥 − 6𝑥 ≤ −5
−5𝑥 ≤ −5
𝒙≥𝟏
(note that multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number will change the
inequality into its opposite)

The solution set to the inequality is 𝒙 𝒙 ≥ 𝟏 or [𝟏, +∞).


11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
33
Logarithmic Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

A logarithmic expression is an expression of the form 𝑎 log 𝑏 (𝑥 + 𝑐) + 𝑑 where 𝑥 + 𝑐 > 0.


Examples: (a) 2 log 𝑥 − 5; (b) ln 𝑥 − 6; (c) log 3 (𝑥 − 7) − 1

Differentiating Logarithmic Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Logarithmic Equation Logarithmic Inequality Logarithmic Function


An equation involving An inequality involving A function of the form
logarithmic expressions. logarithmic expressions (i.e., 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎 log 𝑏 (𝑥 + 𝑐) + 𝑑
Definition
those involving the symbols where 𝑥 + 𝑐 > 0
>, <, ≥, ≤, or ≠)
Example log 2 (2𝑥 + 3) = 4 ln 𝑥 2 + 2 − 7 > log 4 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 log 4 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 4

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


34
Logarithmic Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Examples: Determine whether the given is a logarithmic function, a logarithmic equation, a


logarithmic inequality, or none of these.
Solution:
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = log 𝑥 3 1. Logarithmic Function
1
2. 𝑥 + 2 ≥ log 3 𝑥+3 2. Logarithmic Inequality
3. ln(𝑥 + 4) = 2𝑦 3. Logarithmic Function
4. 4 log 3𝑥 − 5 = 40 4. Logarithmic Equation
𝑥+2
5. 𝑦 = 3 log 2 5. Logarithmic Function
𝑥

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


35
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Solving Logarithmic Equations

One-to-One Property of Logarithmic Equations


log 𝑏 𝑢 = log 𝑏 𝑣 if and only if 𝑢 = 𝑣.

Note that the base 𝑏 of the logarithmic expressions in the equation should be equal to satisfy
the property. Using this property, we can solve logarithmic equations.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


36
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Solving Logarithmic Equations

Here are some strategies for solving logarithmic equations.


1. Rewriting the equation as an exponential equation.
2. Using laws of logarithms.
3. Applying the one-to-one property of logarithmic equations.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


37
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the value of 𝑥.
1. log 4 2𝑥 = log 4 10
Solution:
Since the base of the logarithmic expressions on both sides are equal (4), then we can use the
one-to-one property of logarithmic equations.
2𝑥 = 10
𝒙=𝟓


To check: log 4 2(5) = log 4 10 → log 4 10 = log 4 10

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


38
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the value of 𝑥.
2. log 3 (2𝑥 − 1) = 2
Solution:
To solve the given logarithmic equation, we need to convert it into its exponential form.
32 = 2𝑥 − 1 → 9 = 2𝑥 − 1 → 2𝑥 = 10
𝒙=𝟓


To check: log 3 (2 5 − 1) = 2 → log 3 9 = 2 → 2=2

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


39
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the value of 𝑥.
3. log 2 𝑥 + 1 + log 2 𝑥 − 1 = 3
Solution:
To solve the given logarithmic equation, we need to simplify it first. Using the laws of
logarithms,
log 2 𝑥 + 1 + log 2 𝑥 − 1 = 3
log 2 𝑥 + 1 𝑥 − 1 = 3
Now, we can convert the simplified logarithmic equation into its exponential form.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


40
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

log 2 𝑥 + 1 𝑥 − 1 = 3
23 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)
8 = 𝑥2 − 1
𝑥2 − 9 = 0
𝑥+3 𝑥−3 =0
𝑥 = −3 or 𝑥 = 3
To check:

For 𝑥 = 3: log 2 3 + 1 3 − 1 = 3 → log 2 8 = 3 → 3 = 3
For 𝑥 = −3: log 2 −3 + 1 −3 − 1 = 3 → log 2 (−8) = 3 → 𝑑. 𝑛. 𝑒 ≠ 3
Hence, 𝒙 = 𝟑 only.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


41
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Solving Logarithmic Inequalities

Property of Logarithmic Inequalities


If 0 < 𝑏 < 1, then 𝑥1 < 𝑥2 if and only if log 𝑏 𝑥1 > log 𝑏 𝑥2 .
If 𝑏 > 1, then 𝑥1 < 𝑥2 if and only if log 𝑏 𝑥1 < log 𝑏 𝑥2 .

Note that before we ensure that the inequality is satisfied, we must first ensure that the
logarithms are defined (i.e., the arguments of the logarithmic expressions are positive).

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


42
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the solution set of the following logarithmic inequalities.
1. log 3 (2𝑥 − 1) > log 3 (𝑥 + 2)
Solution:
We need to ensure that the logarithms are defined (i.e., the arguments are positive).
2𝑥 − 1 > 0 𝑥+2>0 For the logarithms to be defined,
2𝑥 > 1 𝑥 > −2 1 1
1 , +∞ ∩ −2, +∞ = , +∞
𝑥> −2, +∞ 2 2
2
1 1
, +∞ or 𝑥 >
2 2

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


43
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Now we can solve for the inequality. Note that the base is 3, which is greater than 1 (3 > 1).
Hence, since log 3(2𝑥 − 1) > log 3 (𝑥 + 2), then 2𝑥 − 1 > 𝑥 + 2 by the property of
logarithmic inequality.
2𝑥 − 1 > 𝑥 + 2
2𝑥 − 𝑥 > 2 + 1
𝑥>3
Now, take the intersection of the 𝑥 −values that would make the inequality satisfied (𝑥 > 3)
and the 𝑥 −values that would make the logarithm defined (𝑥 > 1/2).
1
3, +∞ ∩ , +∞ = (3, +∞)
2
Hence, the solution set is (𝟑, +∞).
11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
44
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the solution set of the following logarithmic inequalities.
2. log1/5 5𝑥 ≥ −3
Solution:
We need to ensure that the logarithm is defined (i.e., the argument is positive).
For the logarithm to be defined 5𝑥 > 0 → 𝑥 > 0.

For us to use the property of logarithmic inequalities, we need to convert −3 into a logarithm
1 −3
with base 1/5. Using the law of logarithm (log 𝑏 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑥), −3 = log1/5 5 .

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


45
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

1 −3
Now we can solve for the inequality log1/5 5𝑥 ≥ log1/5 . Note that the base is 1/5,
5
1 −3 1 −3
which is less than 1 (1/5< 1). Hence, since log1/5 5𝑥 ≥ log1/5 5 , then 5𝑥 ≤ by the
5
property of logarithmic inequality.
−3
1
5𝑥 ≤
5
5𝑥 ≤ 53 (by the Negative Exponent Rule)
5𝑥 ≤ 125
𝑥 ≤ 25

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


46
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Now, take the intersection of the 𝑥 −values that would make the inequality satisfied (𝑥 ≤ 25)
and the 𝑥 −values that would make the logarithm defined (𝑥 > 0).
−∞, 25 ∩ 0, +∞ = 0, 25
Hence, the solution set is 𝟎, 𝟐𝟓 .

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


47
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Examples:
Find the solution set of the following logarithmic inequalities.
3. log 8 (3𝑥 − 5) < 2
Solution:
We need to ensure that the logarithm is defined (i.e., the argument is positive).
For the logarithm to be defined 3𝑥 − 5 > 0 → 𝑥 > 5/3.

For us to use the property of logarithmic inequalities, we need to convert 2 into a logarithm
with base 8. Using the law of logarithm (log 𝑏 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥), 2 = log 8 82 = log 8 64.

11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022


48
Solving Logarithmic Equations and Inequalities

Now we can solve for the inequality log 8 (3𝑥 − 5) < log 8 64. Note that the base is 8, which is
greater than 1 (8 > 1). Hence, since log 8 (3𝑥 − 5) < log 8 64, then 3𝑥 − 5 < 64 by the
property of logarithmic inequality.
3𝑥 − 5 < 64
3𝑥 < 69
𝑥 < 23
Now, take the intersection of the 𝑥 −values that would make the inequality satisfied (𝑥 < 23)
and the 𝑥 −values that would make the logarithm defined (𝑥 > 5/3).
5 5
(−∞, 23) ∩ , +∞ = , 23
3 3
Hence, the solution set is (𝟓/𝟑, 𝟐𝟑).
11/18/2021 Math 11A, A.Y. 2021-2022
49
The End

Properties of Exponential and


Logarithmic Functions
Math 11A : General Mathematics
Week 10-11
A.Y. 2021-2022
50

You might also like