Investigating Logarithmic Functions
Now that we are familiar with logarithmic equations it’s time to look at the graphs of logarithmic
functions. It’s useful to remember that logarithms are the inverses of exponential functions. Do you
remember what that means? If not, review your notes or read about inverse functions in your book
before continuing.
Starting with the f (x)=2x graph, what should g( x )=lo g 2 x look like? Sketch it below.
Check that your sketch is correct by substituting g( x )=lo g 2 x
Questions to consider about the exponential and logarithmic functions
Exponential Logarithmic
1. What are the equations of the
asymptotes?
2. What is the y-intercept?
3. What is the x-intercept?
4. What happens to y is x is negative?
5. What is the domain?
6. What is the range?
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Challenge
In the graphs below, add the inverse function graph like you did in the first part of this worksheet.
Also give the equation of each graph – both the original exponential function and the inverse
logarithmic function. You will need to review what you learned about the graphs of exponential
functions!