1 Functions

What should I expect?

a. Identify the functions and not functions.

b. Graph functions.
c. Solve the following functions.

What do I know?
DIRECTIONS: Given the following symbols, identify the right term being shown
on each item by matching column A to column B.

What do I remember?
Human beings relate with each other where in different ways. A newly born baby
needs attention from both parents in order to feel the love and care and to be able to grow
healthy. Students learn better when properly guided by their teachers who act as second
parents to them. Mentors serve as inspirations in achieving students’ goals.
In this chapter, relation is treated in a different manner. Symbols, notations and
diagrams are used to show relations between two quantities and ideas. The connection
between relations and functions is extensively given emphasis throughout the chapter in
order to see their relevance to daily life.

1
 What do I need to know?

Definition: A relation is a rule that relates values from a set of values (called the domain)
to a second set of values (called the range).
A relation is a set of ordered pairs (x,y).
Definition: A function is a relation where each element in the domain is paired to only one
value in the range by some rule.
A function is a set of ordered pairs (x,y) such that no two ordered pairs have the same x-
value but different y-values. Using functional notation, we can write f(x) = y, read as “f of x is
equal to y.” In particular, if (1, 2) is an ordered pair associated with the function f, then we
say that f(2) = 1.
Example 1. Which of the following relations are functions?
*( ) ( )( )( )+
*( ) ( )( )( ) ( )+
*( ) ( )( ) ( ) +
Solution:
The relations f and h are functions because no two ordered pairs have the same x-value but
different y-values. Meanwhile, g is not a function because (1,3) and (1,4) are ordered pairs
with the same x-value but different y-values.
Relations and functions can be represented by mapping diagrams where the elements of
the domain are mapped to the elements of the range using arrows. In this case, the relation
or function is represented by the set of all the connections represented by the arrows.
Example 2.
Which of the following mapping diagrams represent functions?

1 3

2
Solution:
The relations f and g are functions because each value y in Y is unique for a specific
value of x. The relation h is not a function because there is at least one element in X for
which there is more than one corresponding y-value. For example, x=7 corresponds to y =
11 or 13. Similarly, x=2 corresponds to both y=17 or 19.
A relation between two sets of numbers can be illustrated by a graph in the Cartesian
plane, and that a function passes the vertical line test.

The Vertical Line Test

A graph represents a function if and only if each vertical line intersects the graph at most
once.

Example 3.

Which of the following can be graphs of functions?

a c

b
d

Solution.
Graphs a.), b.), c.) are graphs of functions while d.) and e.) are not because they do not
pass the vertical line test.
3
 What should I remember?

 In mathematics, relation exists in a different manner which simply means making

association between two objects. A relation is a set ordered pairs. The set of x-
coordinates is called domain while the set of y-coordinates is called range.
 A function is also a set of ordered pairs where every value of x corresponds to a
unique value of y.
 Relations and Functions can be described in a form of graph and arrow diagram.
 A graph of a mathematical relation is a function if any vertical line drawn passing
through the graph intersects the graph at exactly one point.

REFERENCE:
Orines, F. B. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix Publishing
House, Inc. pp. 1-22.

4
 2 Evaluating Functions

What should I expect?

d. Explain the definition of evaluating function.

e. Evaluate functions
f. Solve problems involving functions.

What do I know?
DIRECTIONS: Show the relation 𝑦 𝑥 graphically.

What do I remember?
Evaluating a function means replacing the variable in the function, in this case x, with
a value from the function's domain and computing for the result. To denote that we are
evaluating f at a for some a in the domain of f, we write f(a).

5
What do I need to know?

6
 A very important quantity in
calculus is the expression

𝑓 (𝑥 + ) 𝑓(𝑥)

Difference Quotient

This quantity is called difference quotient. Specifically, the difference quotient is

used in the discussion of the rate of change, a fundamental concept in calculus.

Find the difference quotient for each of the following function.

a) (𝑥 ) 𝑥

b) (𝑥 ) 𝑥

Solution:
Replace x in the function rule with the entire expression within the parentheses,
then, simplify the resulting expression.
a) (𝑥 ) 𝑥
(𝑥 + ) (𝑥 + ) 𝑥+
(𝑥 + ) (𝑥) 𝑥+ ( 𝑥 )

𝑥+ 𝑥

b) (𝑥 ) 𝑥
(𝑥 + ) (𝑥 + ) 𝑥 + 𝑥+
(𝑥 + ) (𝑥) 𝑥 + 𝑥+ (𝑥 )

𝑥 + 𝑥+ 𝑥

7
 𝑥+

𝟐𝒙 + 𝒉

What should I remember?

 The process of finding the value of f(x) for a given value of x is called evaluating
the function.
 The rule in evaluating a function replaces every x in the function rule f(x) with
the given replacement value then, simplify the resulting numerical expression.
 A very important quantity in calculus is the expression
(𝑥 + ) (𝑥)

REFERENCE:
Mercado, J. P. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc. pp. 31-37.

8
3-5 Operation of Functions

What should I expect?

g. Discuss the fundamental operation of functions.

h. Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, composition of functions.
i. Solve problems involving operation of functions

What do I know?

What do I remember?

9
 To obtain new functions, the four basic operations (addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division) may be applied.

When a fundamental operation is applied to two or more given functions, a new

function can be formed.

What do I need to know?

We can add two functions:

( + )(𝑥) (𝑥) + (𝑥 )
 Note: we put the f + g inside ( ) to show they both work on x.

Example 1
Let (𝑥) 𝑥+ and (𝑥) 𝑥
( + )(𝑥) (𝑥) + (𝑥 )
( 𝑥 + ) + (𝑥 )
𝑥+ +𝑥
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑

Example 2

Let 𝑣(𝑥) 𝑥+ and 𝑤(𝑥) 𝑥

(𝑣 + 𝑤)(𝑥) 𝑣 (𝑥) + 𝑤(𝑥 )

( 𝑥+ )+( 𝑥 )

𝑥+ + 𝑥

𝟖𝒙 𝟏

10
Example 3

Let (𝑥 ) 𝑥 𝑥 + and (𝑥 ) 𝑥 + 𝑥
( + )(𝑥 ) (𝑥 ) + (𝑥)
( 𝑥 𝑥+ )+( 𝑥 + 𝑥 )
𝟐𝒙𝟑 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝟑𝒙 𝟐

Example 4

Let (𝑥 ) 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 8 and (𝑥 ) 𝑥 𝑥+
( + )(𝑥 ) (𝑥 ) + (𝑥)
( 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 8 )+( 𝑥 𝑥+ )
𝟒𝒙𝟑 𝟑𝒙𝟐 𝟗𝒙 𝟓

Example 5

Find the sum of 𝐺 (𝑥) and 𝑆(𝑥)

Solution:
(𝐺 + 𝑆)(𝑥) 𝐺 (𝑥) + 𝑆(𝑥)
+
( ) ( )
=

=
𝟑𝟏𝒙 𝟐𝟔
= 𝟐

If f and g are functions with domains 𝐷 and 𝐷 , their difference is defined as

( )(𝑥) (𝑥) (𝑥)

Example 1
Let (𝑥) 𝑥 𝑥 + and (𝑥) 𝑥 + 𝑥
( )(𝑥) (𝑥) (𝑥 )
( 𝑥 𝑥+ ) ( 𝑥 + 𝑥 )
𝑥 𝑥+ 𝑥 𝑥+
𝒙𝟐 𝟕𝒙 + 𝟏
11
Example 2

Find the difference of (𝑥) and (𝑥)

Solution:
( + )(𝑥) (𝑥) + (𝑥)

( ) ( )
=

𝒙 𝟐𝟗
= 𝟑

Example 3

Find the difference of 𝑄 (𝑥) 𝑥 and 𝑅(𝑥)

Solution:
(𝑄 + 𝑅)(𝑥) 𝑄 (𝑥) + 𝑅(𝑥)
𝑥 -( )
( ) ( )
=
𝒙𝟑 𝟒𝒙 𝟒
= 𝒙

If f and g are functions with domains 𝐷 and 𝐷 , their product is defined as

( · )(𝑥) (𝑥) · (𝑥 )

Example 1
Let (𝑥) 𝑥+ and (𝑥) 𝑥
( · )(𝑥) (𝑥) · (𝑥 )
( 𝑥 + )(𝑥 )
𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒙𝟐

Example 2
Let (𝑥) 𝑥 𝑥+ and (𝑥) 𝑥
( · )(𝑥) (𝑥) · (𝑥 )

12
 ( 𝑥 𝑥+ )( 𝑥 )
𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑥 +𝑥
𝟔𝒙𝟒 𝟑𝒙 𝟑 + 𝒙 𝟐 + 𝒙 𝟏

Example 3
Let (𝑥) 𝑥 𝑥+ and (𝑥) 𝑥
( · )(𝑥) (𝑥) · (𝑥 )
( 𝑥 𝑥+ )( 𝑥 )
𝑥 𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑥 +𝑥
𝟔𝒙𝟒 𝟑𝒙 𝟑 + 𝒙 𝟐 + 𝒙 𝟏

Find the difference of (𝑥) and (𝑥)

Solution:
( + )(𝑥) (𝑥) + (𝑥 )

·
( )( ) ( )( )
=( )(
·
) ( )( )

=1

If f and g are functions with domains 𝐷 and 𝐷 , their product is defined as

(𝑥)
( ) (𝑥)
(𝑥)

Example 1

Given that 𝐹 (𝑥) and 𝐻(𝑥)

𝐹 𝐹 (𝑥)
( ) (𝑥)
𝐻 𝐻(𝑥)

13
 = ·
( )( )
= ( )( )·

=𝟏

Example 2

Find if (𝑥) 𝑥 and (𝑥) 𝑥

(𝑥 )
( ) (𝑥 )
(𝑥 )

=
( )( )
= ( )( )

𝒙𝟐 𝒙 𝟏
= 𝒙 𝟏

Composite Functions

If g and h are functions with 𝐷 and 𝐷 , the composite functions g with h is (g ○ h) (x)
= g *h(x)+. The domain of g ○ h contains all real numbers x in the domain of h for which h(x) is
in the domain of g.

Example 1

Find the values of the following composite functions.

1. ( ○ g)(𝑥)
Given:
(𝑥) 𝑥 +
(𝑥) 𝑥

14
Solution:
( ○ g)(𝑥) , (𝑥)-
Replace 𝑥 in (𝑥) with 𝑥
( ○ g)(𝑥) ( 𝑥 ) +
𝑥 𝑥+ +
𝟒𝒙 𝟐 𝟏𝟔𝒙 + 𝟏𝟗

Example 2

. ( ○ h)(𝑥 )

Given:
(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑥
(𝑥) 𝑥+

Solution:
( ○ h)(𝑥) (𝑥 + ) (𝑥 + )
=𝑥 + 𝑥 + 𝑥+8 𝑥
= 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟔𝒙𝟐 + 𝟗𝒙 + 𝟐

Example 3

. ( ○ h)(𝑥 )

Given:
(𝑥) 𝑥 +

Solution:
( ○ h)(𝑥) (𝑥 + ) +

= ( 𝑥 + 𝑥 + )+
= 𝑥 + 8𝑥 + +
= 𝟐𝟕𝒙𝟒 + 𝟏𝟖𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒

Example 4
, ○ ( + )-(𝑥)

15
Given:
(𝑥) 𝑥 + 𝑥
(𝑥) 𝑥+
(𝑥) √𝑥
Solution:
( + )(𝑥) (𝑥) + (𝑥 )
( 𝑥 + ) + ( 𝑥 + 𝑥)
𝑥+ + 𝑥 + 𝑥
𝟗𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟏

, ○ ( + )-(𝑥) √ 𝑥 + 𝑥+

√( 𝑥 + )
𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏

What should I remember?

 We can perform the four fundamental operations on functions and then a new
function will be created.
 To add, subtract, multiply or divide functions just do as the operation says.
 The domain of the new function will have the restrictions of both functions that
made it.

REFERENCE:
Mercado, J. P. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc. pp. 38-54.
16
 6 Rational Equations

What should I expect?

j. Define rational equation.

k. Use the techniques in simplifying and manipulating rational expressions.
l. Solve rational equations.

What do I know?
DIRECTIONS: Perform the indicated operations. Express your answers in simplest
form.

1. +
2.
3. ·
4. ÷
5. ÷
6. +
7. +
8. ·
9. ·
10.

What do I remember?

A rational equation is an equation containing at least one fraction whose numerator

( )
and denominator are polynomials. ( )
These fractions may be on one or both sides of the
equation.

17
 A common way to solve these equations is to reduce the fractions to a common
denominator and then solve the equality of the numerators. While doing this, we have to
make sure to note cases where indeterminate forms like or may arise.

What do I need to know?

Rational Equations

An equation that contains rational expressions is referred to as rational equation. The

following are examples of rational equations.

A.

B.
C.

A.

B.

18
C. The given equation is in proportion form. Hence, the product of the extremes 4x-6 and
x+1 is equal to the product of the means 2x-3 and 7

19
 What should I remember?

REFERENCE:
Mercado, J. P. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc. pp. 55-67.

20
 7 Rational Functions

What should I expect?

m. Define rational function.

n. Demonstrate appreciation of solving rational functions.
o. Solve rational equations using the techniques for simplifying and manipulating
rational expressions.

What do I know?
DIRECTIONS: Write “yes” if the following expressions are a polynomial and “no” if
it is not a polynomial.

1. 𝑥
2. 𝑥 + 𝑥+

3.
4. 𝑥 +

5. 𝑥 +𝑥 𝑥+ 𝑥
6. √ 𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑥 +
7. + 𝑥

8. 𝑥
9. (𝑥 )(𝑥 + )
10. 𝑥

What do I remember?
We begin our study of rational functions — functions of the form p(x)/q(x),
where p and q are both polynomials.
Rational functions are similar in structure to rational numbers (commonly
thought of as fractions), and they are studied and used extensively in mathematics,
engineering, and science.

21
What do I need to know?

22
23
24
25
26
 What should I remember?

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it
today.”---Malcolm X

REFERENCE:
Mercado, J. P. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc. pp. 68-80.

27
 Inverse of One-to-One
8-9 Function

What should I expect?

p. Determine whether a function is one-to-one.

q. Identify and find the inverse functions
r. Solve the following inverse functions.

What do I know?
DIRECTIONS: Use the given form of each relation to complete the other forms.
Then determine if the relation is a function.

What do I remember?
An inverse function is a function that will “undo” anything that the original
function does. For example, we all have a way of tying our shoes, and how we tie our
shoes could be called a function. So, what would be the inverse of tying our shoes?
The inverse function would be “untying” our shoes, because “untying” our shoes will
“undo” the original function of tying our shoes.

28
 Let’s look at an inverse function from a mathematical point of view. Consider the
function f(x)=2x-5. If we take any value of x and plug it into f(x) what would happen to that
value of x? First, the value of x would get multiplied by 2 and then we would subtract 5. The
two mathematical operations that are taking place in the function f(x) are multiplication and
subtraction. Now let’s consider the inverse function. What two mathematical operations
would be needed to “undo” f(x)? Division and addition would be needed to “undo” the
multiplication and subtraction. A little farther down the page we will find the inverse of
f(x)=2x-5, and hopefully the inverse function will contain both division and addition (see
example 5).

What do I need to know?

NOTATION: If f(x) represents a function, then the notation f^(-1) (x), read “f inverse
of x”, will be used to denote the inverse of f(x). Similarly, the notation g^(-1) (x), read “g
inverse of x”, will be used to denote the inverse of g(x).
NOTE: (𝑥 ) ≠ . It is very important not to confuse function notation with
( )
negative exponents.

Does the Function have an Inverse?

Not all functions have an inverse, so it is important to determine whether or not a

function has an inverse before we try and find the inverse. If a function does not have an
inverse, then we need to realize the function does not have an inverse so we do not waste
time trying to find something that does not exists.
So how do we know if a function has an inverse? To determine if a function has an
inverse function, we need to talk about special type of function called a One-to-One
Function. A one-to-one function is a function where each input (x-value) has a unique
output (y-value). To put it another way, every time we plug in a value of x we will get a
unique value of y, the same y-value will never appear more than once. A one-to-one
function is special because only one-to-one functions have an inverse function.

NOTE: Only One-to-One Functions have an inverse function.

Now let’s look at a few examples to help demonstrate what a one-to-one function is.

Example 1
Determine if the function *( ) (8 )( )( )+ is a one-to-one function.

The function is a one-to-one function because each of the y-values in the ordered
pairs is unique; none of the y-values appear more than once. Since the function is one-to-
one function, the function must have an inverse.

Example 2
Determine if the function *( 8) ( )( )( )+ is a one-to-one function.

The function is not a one-to-one function because the y-value of is not unique;
the y-value of appears more than once. Since the function is not a one-to-one
function, the function does not have an inverse.
Remember that only one-to-one function have an inverse.
29
Is the Function a One-to-One Function?

We can determine if functions are one-to-one function by looking at ordered pairs

and determining if each of the y-values is unique, but what if we do not have ordered pairs?

We could create ordered pairs by plugging different x-values into the function and
finding the corresponding y-values giving us some ordered pairs. Rather than spending time
creating ordered pairs, why not consider looking at the entire graph of the function instead?

By looking at the entire graph rather than a few points, we should still be able to
determine if the function is a one-to-one function or not.

In looking the graph of the function we can determine if a function is a one-to-one

function or not by applying the Horizontal Line Test, or HLT. If the graph of the function
passes the Horizontal Line Test, then the function is a one-to-one function. If the graph of
the function fails the Horizontal Line Test, then the function is not a one-to-one function.

HORIZONTAL LINE TEST

The HLT says that a function is a one-to-one function if there is no horizontal line
that intersects the graph of the function at more than one point.
By applying the Horizontal Line Test not only can we determine if a function is a one-
to-one function, but more importantly we can determine if a function has an inverse or not.

Now let’s look at a few examples to help explain the Horizontal Line Test.

Example 3
Determine if the function (𝑥 ) 𝑥+ is a one-to-one function.
To determine (𝑥 ) if is a one-to-one function, we need to look at the graph of (𝑥 ).
Since (𝑥 ) is a linear equation the graph of (𝑥 ) is a line with a slope if and a y-intercept
of ( ).

In looking at the graph, you can see that any horizontal line (shown in red) drawn on the
graph will intersect the graph of (𝑥 ) only once.

Therefore, (𝑥 ) is a one-to-one function and (𝑥 ) must have an inverse.

30
Example 4

Determine if the function (𝑥 ) 𝑥 𝑥 is a one-to-one function.

To determine if (𝑥) is a one-to-one function, we need to look at the graph of (𝑥 ).

In looking at the graph, you can see that the horizontal line (shown in red) drawn on the
graph intersects the graph of (𝑥) more than once.

Therefore, (𝑥) is not a one-to-one function and (𝑥) does not have an inverse.

How to Find the Inverse Function

Now that we have discussed what an inverse function is, the notation used to represent
inverse functions, one-to-one functions, and the Horizontal Line Test, we are ready to try
and find an inverse function.

Here are the steps required to find the inverse function:

Step 1
Determine if the function has an inverse. Is the function a one-to-one function? If the
function is a one-to-one function, go to step 2. If the function is not a one-to-one function,
then say that the function does not have an inverse and stop.

Step 2
Change (𝑥 ) to 𝑦.

Step 3
Switch 𝑥 and 𝑦.

Step 4
Solve for 𝑦.

Step 5
Change 𝑦 back to (𝑥)

By following these 5 steps we can find the inverse function. Make sure that you follow
all 5 steps. Many people will skip 1 and assume that the function has an inverse; however,
not every function has an inverse, because not every function is a one-to-one function. Only

31
functions that pass the Horizontal Line Test are one-to-one functions and only one-to-one
functions have an inverse.
Now let’s use the steps to work through some examples of finding inverse functions.

Example 5
If (𝑥 ) 𝑥 find the inverse.

This function passes the Horizontal Line Test which means it is a one-to-one function that
has an inverse.

32
Example 6
If (𝑥 ) 𝑥 + find (𝑥 ) .

This function does not pass the Horizontal Line Test which means it is not a one-to-one
function.

(𝑥) is not a one-to-one, so (𝑥 ) 𝑥 + does not have an inverse.

Example 7

If (𝑥 ) (𝑥 ) , find the inverse.

This function passes the Horizontal Line Test which means it is a one-to-one function that
has an inverse.

33
 Therefore, (𝑥 ) √𝑥 +

What should I remember?

 If f(x) represents a function, then the notation (𝑥), read “f inverse of x”, will be
used to denote the inverse of f(x).
 Only One-to-One Functions have an inverse function.
 We can determine if functions are one-to-one function by looking at ordered pairs
and determining if each of the y-values is unique.
 In looking at the graph of the function we can determine if a function is a one-to-
one function or not by applying the Horizontal Line Test, or HLT. If the graph of the
function passes the Horizontal Line Test, then the function is a one-to-one function.
 There are five steps required to find the inverse function. Make sure that you
follow all five steps.

REFERENCE:
Mercado, J. P. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix
Publishing House, Inc. pp. 88-102.

34
 10 Introduction to Logarithms

What should I expect?

a. Define logarithms.
b. Represent real-life situations using logarithmic function.
c. Solve problems involving logarithmic functions.

What do I know?
DIRECTIONS: Review exponents. Simplify the given expressions and find the value
of x in each case.
1. 2 4 = x
2. 43 = x
3. 5-1 = x
4. 16 – ½ = x

What do I remember?

We will look at it from another perspective. What if it is the exponent that is

missing? For example, how can we figure out the missing number in the expression?

1. 5x = 625
2. 3x = 1/9
3. 7x = 0
4. 10x = 100,000

How do we solve for x, aside from observation? There is a mathematical way to represent
(rewrite) the expression, and that is through logarithms, the inverse process of
exponentiation.

What do I need to know?

Definition
Let a and b be positive real numbers such that b≠1. The logarithm of a with base
b, denoted by logba, is defined as the number such that b logba = a. That is, logba is
the exponent that must be raised to produce a.
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 Think of a logarithm of x to the base b (denoted by logbx as the exponent of b that
gives x).

Example 1

a. Log3 81 = 4 ( because 34 = 81 )
b. Log232 = 5 ( because 25 = 32
c. Log51 = 0 ( because 50 = 1 )
d. Log6 (1/6) = (-1) ( because 6-1 = 1/6

Logarithms and exponents allow us to express the same relationship in two different
ways. The following table shows how the expressions in example 1 can be written using two
equivalents

Logarithmic form Exponential form

Log3 81 = 4 34 = 81
Log232 = 5 25 = 32
Log51 = 0 50 = 1
Log6 (1/6) = (-1) 6-1 = 1/6

Exponential and logarithmic forms

Logarithmic form : logba = c

Exponential form : bc = a

 In both the logarithmic and exponential forms, b is the base

 In the exponential form, c is an exponent. But c = log ba. This implies
that the logarithm is actually an exponent
 In the logarithmic form logba, a cannot be negative. For example log2 (-
8) is not defined since 2 raised to any exponent will never result to a
negative number
 The value of logbx can be negative. For example, log 5 1/125 = - 3
because 5-3 = 1/25

Commons logarithms are logarithms with base 10, the base 10 is usually omitted
when writing common logarithms. This means that log x is a short notation for log 10 x. The
number e (which approximately 2.71828) has important applications in mathematics.
Logarithms with base e are called natural logarithms and are denoted by “ln”. In other
words, ln x is another way of writing log e x.

Example 2

Rewrite the following exponential equations in logarithmic form, whenever

possible.
1. 5 3 = 125
2. 7-2 = 1/49

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 3. 102 = 100
4. (2/3)2 = 4/9
5. (0.1) -4 = 10,000

Solution:
1. Log5125 = 3
2. Log7 1/49 = -2
3. Log 100 = 2
4. Log 2/3 (4/9) = 2
5. Log 0.1 10,000 = - 4

Example 3

Rewrite the following logarithmic equations in exponential form

1. Log m = n
2. Log3 81 = 4
3. Log ¾ 64/27 = - 3
4. Log42 = ½
5. In 8 = a

Solution:
1. 10n = m
2. 34 = 81
3. ( ¾ ) -3 = 64/27
4. 4 ½ = 2
5. ea = 8

Application
Some of the most common applications in real-life of logarithms are the Richter scale,
sound intensity, and pH level.
In 1935, Charles Richter proposed a logarithmic scale to measure the intensity of an
earthquake. He defined the magnitude of an earthquake as a function of its amplitude on a
standard seismograph. The following formula produces the same results, but is based on the
energy released by an earthquake.

Earthquake Magnitude on a Richter scale

The magnitude R of an earthquake is given by

where E (in joules) is the energy released by the earthquake (the quantity 104.40 joules is
the energy released by a very small reference earthquake).

The formula indicates that the magnitude of an earthquake is based on the logarithm of the
ratio between the energy it releases and the energy released by the reference earthquake.

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Example 4
Suppose that an earthquake released approximately 10 12 joules of energy. (a) What is its
magnitude on a Richter scale? (b) How much more energy does this earthquake release than
the reference earthquake?
Solution
Since by definition, log 107.6 is the exponent by which 10 must be raised to obtain 107.6,
then log 107.6 = 7.6.

SOUND INTENSITY
In acoustics, the decibel (dB) level of a sound is

where I is the sound intensity in watts/m2 (the quantity 10–12 watts/m2 is least audible
sound a human can hear).

Example 5
The decibel level of sound in a quiet office is 10 –6watts/m2. (a) What is the
corresponding sound intensity in decibels? (b) How much more intense is this sound than
the least audible sound a human can hear?

Solution
(a) Since by definition, log 106 is the exponent by which 10 must be raised to obtain 10 6,
then log 106 = 6.

Thus, D = 10(6) = 60 decibels.

This sound is 10–6/10–12 = 106 = 1,000,000 times more intense than the least audible sound a
human can hear.

What should I remember?

 The exponential and logarithmic functions are actually inverse functions

 Let a and b be positive real numbers such that b≠1. The logarithm of a with base b,
denoted by logba, is defined as the number such that blogba = a. That is, logba is the
exponent that must be raised to produce a.
 Exponential and logarithmic forms
(A)Logarithmic form : logba = c
(B) Exponential form : bc = a

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REFERENCE:
Orines, F. B. (2016). Next Century Mathematics: General Mathematics. Phoenix Publishing
House, Inc. pp. 106-115.

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