Bellwork

• Find the value of x in each exponential equation.

 Introduction to
Logarithmic Functions
Section 6.3
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

In 1st semester, you were introduced to inverse functions.

•Inverse functions is the set of ordered pair obtained by interchanging
the x and y values.
f(x) f-1(x)
 Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

•Inverse functions can be created graphically by a reflection

on the y = x axis.
f(x)

x
y= f-1(x)
 Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

•A logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function

•Exponential functions have the following characteristics:

Domain: ARN
Range: {y > 0}
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

•Let us graph the exponential function y = 2x

•Table of values:
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

•Let us find the inverse the exponential function y = 2x

•Table of values:
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

•When we add the function f(x) = 2x to this graph, it is evident that the
inverse is a reflection on the y = x axis
f(x) f-1(x)

f(x)

f-1(x)
 Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

•Next, you will find the inverse of an exponential algebraically

•Write the process in your notes
base
y = ax
Interchange x  y x = ay
x = ay
•We write these functions as: exponent

x = ay y = logax

y = logax
exponent base
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

x
y
yx = log
a
Inverse
Logarithmic
of the Exponential
Exponential Form
Function
Function
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Example 1) Write the following into logarithmic form:

a) 33 = 27

b) 45 = 256

c) 27 = 128

d) (1/3)x=27 ANSWERS
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Example 1) Write the following into logarithmic form:

a) 33 = 27 log327=3

b) 45 = 256 log4256=5

c) 27 = 128 log2128=7

d) (1/3)x=27 log1/327=x
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Example 2) Write the following into exponential form:

a) log264=6

b) log255=1/2

c) log81=0

d) log1/39=-2 ANSWERS
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Example 2) Write the following into exponential form:

a) log264=6 26 = 64

b) log255=1/2 251/2 = 5

c) log81=0 80 = 1

d) log1/39=-2 (1/3)-2 = 9
 Two special logarithm values that you should learn to
recognize. let b be a positive real number such that b ≠ 1.
(Take note)
 Types of logarithms: (Take Note)

logarithms to base 10 are called common logarithms

logarithms to base 2 are called binary logarithms
logarithms to base ‘e’ are called natural logarithms
Logarithmic Identities:

log bx
b x
bx
log b x
Bellwork
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Example 3) Find the value of x for each example:

a) log1/327 = x b) log5x = 3

c) logx(1/9) = 2 d) log3x = 0
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Example 3) Find the value of x for each example:

a) log1/327 = x b) log5x = 3
(1/3)x = 27 53 = x
(1/3)x = (1/3)-3 x = 125
x = -3

c) logx(1/9) = 2 d) log3x = 0
x2 = (1/9) 30 = x
x = 1/3 x=1
Introduction to Logarithmic Functions

Scientific calculators can perform logarithmic operations. Your calculator has

a LOG button.

This button represents logarithms in BASE 10 or log10

Example 4) Use your calculator to find the value of each of the following:

a) log101000 b) log 50 c) log -1000

=3 = 1.699 = Out of Domain
Finding Inverse Functions
You Try