LESSON 16: LAWS OF LOGARITHMS

Learning Competency: The learner illustrates the laws of logarithms (M11GM-Ih-3)

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LAWS OF COMMON LOGARITHM

Let b be a positive number not equal to 1. Let x and y be any positive number and n be any
real number. Then,

1. Logarithm of a Product. The logarithm of a product is equal to the sum of the logarithm of its
factors.
log 𝑏 𝑥𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 + log 𝑏 𝑦

2. Logarithm of a Quotient. The logarithm of a quotient is equal to the logarithm of the

numerator minus the logarithm of the denominator.
𝑥
log 𝑏 = log 𝑏 𝑥 − log 𝑏 𝑦
𝑦
3. Logarithm of a Power. The logarithm of a power 𝑥 𝑛 is equal to the product of the exponent n
and the logarithm of the base x.
log 𝑏 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 log 𝑏 𝑥

Illustrative Examples:
1. Expand log 3 (7⦁5).
Solution: Using the first law of logarithm, we have
log 3 (7⦁5) = log 3 7 + log 3 5

2. Expand log 5𝑥
Solution: Using the first law of logarithm, we have
log 5𝑥 = log 5 + log 𝑥
8
3. Expand log 5 𝑥
Solution: Using the second law of logarithm, we have
8
log 5 = log 5 8 − log 5 𝑥
𝑥

4. Expand log 4 93
Solution: Using the third law of logarithm, we have
log 4 93 = 3 log 4 9
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5. Write log(3𝑥 + 4) − log 𝑥 as a single logarithm.

Solution: Using the second law of logarithm we have
3𝑥 + 4
log(3𝑥 + 4) − log 𝑥 = log
𝑥

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 LAWS OF NATURAL LOGARITHM
The function defined by
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 , 𝑥 > 0
is called the natural logarithmic function.

1. ln 1 = 0 because 𝑒 0 = 1.
2. ln 𝑒 = 1 because 𝑒 1 = 𝑒.
3. ln 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥 and 𝑒 ln 𝑥 = 𝑥.
4. If ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑦, then 𝑥 = 𝑦.
5. ln 𝑥𝑦 = ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑦
𝑥
6. ln = ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑦
𝑦
7. ln 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛 ln 𝑥.

Illustrative Examples:
√𝑥−3
1. Expand ln 4
Solution:
√𝑥 − 3
ln = ln √𝑥 − 3 − ln 4
4
1
= ln(𝑥 − 3)2 − ln 4
1
= ln(𝑥 − 3) − ln 4
2
2. Expand 2 ln 3𝑥 √𝑥 + 4
Solution:
2
2 ln 3𝑥√𝑥 + 4 = ln(3𝑥√𝑥 + 4)
= ln[ 9𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 4)]
= ln 9 + ln 𝑥 2 + ln(𝑥 + 4)
= ln 9 + 2 ln 𝑥 + ln(𝑥 + 4)

3.

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 ACTIVITY 16.1 Expanding Terms
Directions: Use the laws of logarithms to expand each term.

1. log 3 4𝑥

2. log 2 15

3𝑥
3. log 4

4. log 𝑏 𝑥 3√𝑦

3𝑥+4
5. log 5 3

ACTIVITY 16.2 Writing As One

Directions: Condense each expression into a single logarithm

1. log 3 3 + log 3 4

2. log(3𝑥 + 4) − log 𝑥

3. 2 log 𝑥 + log(𝑥 + 2)

1
4. log 𝑥 + 3 log(𝑥 − 3)
3

5. 5ln(x + 3) − ln 𝑥

ACTIVITY 16.3 Log 2 and Log 5

1. Express each logarithm in terms of log 2 and log 5.

a. log 10
2
b. log 125
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ACTIVITY 16.4 Evaluate

1. Evaluate log 2 128 − log 2 8.

2. Evaluate log 6 4 − log 6 54 .

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 LESSON
3. 17: SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

Learning Competency: The learner solves logarithmic equations and inequalities (M11GM-Ih-i-
1).

DEVELOPING SKILLS

GUIDELINES IN SOLVING LOGARITHMIC EQUATIONS

1. Isolate the logarithmic term on one side of the equation.
2. Write the equation in exponential form.
3. Solve or the variable.
4. Check to make sure you do not have extraneous solutions.

ONE-TO-ONE PROPERTY OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

• For any logarithmic function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥 𝑦, if log 𝑥 𝑦 = log 𝑥 𝑧, then 𝑦 = 𝑧.

Illustrative Examples:
Find the value of x in the following equations.
1. log 4 (2𝑥) = log 4 10
Solution:
log 4 (2𝑥) = log 4 10
2𝑥 = 10
𝑥=5
2. log 3 (2𝑥 − 1) = 2
Solution:
log 3 (2𝑥 − 1) = 2
2𝑥 − 1 = 32
2𝑥 − 1 = 9
2𝑥 = 10
𝑥=5
3. log 5 (𝑥 + 8) = 3
Solution:
log 5 (𝑥 + 8) = 3
𝑥 + 8 = 53
𝑥 + 8 = 125
𝑥 = 133
4. log 2 (𝑥 + 1) + log 2 (𝑥 − 1) = 3
Solution:
log 2 (𝑥 + 1) + log 2(𝑥 − 1) = 3
log 2 ((𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)) = 3
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) = 23
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𝑥2 − 1 = 8
𝑥2 − 9 = 0
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3) = 0

Thus, 𝑥 = 3, −3. But, upon checking at 𝑥 = −3:

log 2((−3) + 1) + log 2((−3) − 1) = 3
log 2 (−2) + log 2(−4) = 3
log 2 (−2)(−4) ≠ 3
Hence, 𝑥 = 3 is the only solution
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 PROPERTIES OF LOGARITHMIC INEQUALITIES
• Given the logarithmic expression log 𝑏 𝑥
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
Illustrative Examples:
1. Solve log 3 𝑥 ≤ 5
Solution:
Convert the log into exponential form. 𝑥 ≤ 35
Evaluate the power. 𝑥 ≤ 243
Excluded the zero and all negative numbers 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 243

2. Solve log 5 (3𝑥 + 2) < log 5 (2𝑥 + 5)

Solution:
The bases are the same o remove the logs from 3𝑥 + 2 < 2𝑥 + 5
the inequality.
Solve the inequality. 𝑥<3
Find the values that are not included by setting 3𝑥 + 2 > 0 and
each side of the given inequality greater than 0. 2𝑥 + 5 > 0
Solve the resulting inequalities 2 −5
𝑥> − 3 and 𝑥 > 2

Combine the inequalities. −2

<𝑥<3
3
ACTIVITY 17.1 Finding X

Directions: Solve the following logarithmic equations and inequalities.

2
1. (log 𝑥) + 2 log 𝑥 − 3 = 0

2. log 4 (2𝑥) = log 4 10

3. log 6 (𝑥 + 8) ≤ 2

4. log 5 (3𝑥 + 2) < log 5 (𝑥 + 2)

5. log 2 (𝑥 + 5) − log 2(𝑥 − 2) = 3

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6. log 4 (3𝑥 − 5) > 1

7. log12(𝑥 − 1) < 2

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 LESSON 18: GRAPHING LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

Learning Competency: The learner

a. represents a logarithmic function through its: (a) table of values, (b)
graph, and (c) equation (M11GM-Ii-2);
b. finds the domain and range of a logarithmic function (M11GM-Ii-3);
c. determines the intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes of logarithmic
functions (M11GM-Ii-4); and
d. graphs logarithmic function (M11GM-Ij-1).

DEVELOPING SKILLS

PROPERTIES OF LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS

1. The domain is the set of all positive numbers or {𝑥𝜖ℝ ; 𝑥 > 0}. Recall that these are precisely
the permitted values of x in the expression log 𝑏 𝑥.
2. The range is the set of all positive real numbers.
3. It is a one-to-one function. It satisfies the Horizontal Line Test.
4. The x-intercept is 1. There is no y- intercept.
5. The vertical asymptote is the lie x=o (or the y-axis). There is no horizontal asymptote.

Illustrative Examples:
1. Sketch the graph of 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥.
Solution:
a. Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the given function.
x 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 8
16 8 4 2
y -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

b. Plot the points in the coordinate plane.

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c. Analysis: It can be observed that the function is defined only for 𝑥 > 0. the function is
strictly increasing, and attains all real values. As x approaches 0 from the right, the function
decreases without bound, i.e., the line 𝑥 = 0 is a vertical asymptote.

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 ACTIVITY 18 Graphing Logarithmic Functions
Directions: Sketch the graph of the following functions. Identify the domain, range, the intercepts,
zeroes of each function.

1. 𝑦 = log 𝑥 (𝑥 + 3)

2. 𝑦 = log 1 (𝑥 − 1)
3

3. 𝑦 = log 5 𝑥 + 6

4. 𝑦 = log 6 (𝑥 + 1) + 5

5. 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 1)

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 LESSON 19: PROBLEMS INVOLVING LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
Learning Competency: The learner:
a. represents real-life situations using logarithmic functions (M11GM-
Ih-1); and
b. solves problems involving logarithmic functions, equations, and
inequalities (M11GM-Ij-2).
DEVELOPING SKILLS
LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS AS REPRESENTATIONS OF REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS
Logarithms allow us to discuss very large numbers in more manageable ways. For example, 1031,
a very large number, may be difficult to work with. But its common logarithm, log 1031 = 31 is easier to
grasp. Because logarithms can facilitate an understanding of very large numbers, it has applications in
various situations.

Illustrative Examples:
1. We are going to put P125 000 into an account that earns interest at a rate of 12%. If we want to
have P200 000 in the account when we close, it how long should we keep the money in the
account if we compound continuously?
Solution:

If interest is compounded continuously then we will have 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 after t years. Thus, we

have the following computation:
𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡
200000 = 125000𝑒 0.12𝑡
200000
= 𝑒 0.12𝑡
125000
1.6 = 𝑒 0.12 𝑡
ln 1.6 = ln 𝑒 0.12𝑡
ln 1.6 = 0.12𝑡
ln 1.6
𝑡=
0.12
𝑡 = 3.92 ≈ 4 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠.

2. A certain strain of E coli bacteria (found in fecal matter) has a doubling rate of 30 minutes. If
there are 100 E coli bacteria that can grow under ideal conditions, how long will it take to reach
1 million bacteria?
Solution:

The cells are doubling not every hour, but every half hour. To reflect this doubling rate,
we need to place a ‘2’ next to our variable ‘t’ because it doubles twice per hour and have a base of
two due to the doubling nature of bacteria. This is the formula that captures the relationship
above.
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𝐵 = (100)22𝑡
1000000 = (100)22𝑡
10000 = 22𝑡
log 22𝑡 = 10000
2𝑡 log 2 = 10000
10000
𝑡=
2 log 2
𝑡 = 6.64
Type equation here.
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