4

Exponential
andLogarithmic
Functions
TERMINOLOGY
Exponential equation: Equation where the pronumeral is
the index or exponent such as 3 x = 9
x
Exponential function: A function in the form y = a where
the variable x is a power or exponent

Logarithm: A logarithm is an index. The logarithm is the

power or exponent of a number to a certain base
i.e. 2 x = 8 is the same as log2 8 = x

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Introduction
This chapter introduces a new irrational number, e, that has
special properties in calculus. You will learn how to differentiate
and integrate the exponential function f (x) = e x.
The definition and laws of logarithms are also introduced in
this chapter, as well as differentiation and integration involving
logarithms.

DID YOU KNOW?

John Napier (15501617), a Scottish theologian and an amateur mathematician, was the first to
invent logarithms. These natural, or Naperian, logarithms were based on e. Napier was also
one of the first mathematicians to use decimals rather than fractions. He invented the notation of
the decimal, using either a comma or a point. The point was used in England, but a few European
countries still use a comma.
Henry Briggs (15611630), an Englishman who was a professor at Oxford, decided that
logarithms would be more useful if they were based on 10 (our decimal system). These are called
common logarithms. Briggs painstakingly produced a table of logarithms correct to 14 decimal
places. He also produced sine tablesto 15 decimal placesand tangent tablesto 10 decimal
places.
The work on logarithms was greatly appreciated by Kepler, Galileo and other astronomers
at the time, since they allowed the computation of very large numbers.

Differentiation of Exponential Functions

When differentiating exponential functions f (x) = a x from first principles, an
interesting result can be seen. The derivative of any exponential function gives
a constant which is multiplied by the original function.

EXAMPLE
Sketch the derivative (gradient) function of y = 10 x.

Solution

continued

161

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The graph of y = 10 x always has a positive gradient that is becoming steeper.

So the derivative function will always be positive, becoming steeper.

The derivative function of an exponential function will always have a

shape similar to the original function.
We can use differentiation from first principles to find how close this
derivative function is to the original function.

EXAMPLE
Differentiate f (x) = 10x from first principles.

Solution
f l(x) = lim

f ( x + h ) f ( x)

h
10 x + h 10 x
= lim
h "0
h
10 x (10 h 1)
= lim
h "0
h
10 h 1
x
= 10 lim
h "0
h
h "0

You can explore

limits using a
graphics package
on a computer or a
graphical calculator.

Using the 10 x key on the calculator, and finding values of

is small, gives the result:

10 h 1
when h
h

f l(x) Z 2.3026 10x

or

d
(10x ) Z 2.3026 10x
dx

Drawing the graphs of y = 2.3026 10 x and y = 10 x together shows

how close the derivative function is to the original graph.
y
y = 10 x
y = 2.3026 10 x

12
10
8
6
4
2
2

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

163

Similar results occur for other exponential functions. In general,

d x
(a ) = kax where k is a constant.
dx

Application
If y = a x then

dy
dx

You will study exponential

growth and decay in
Chapter 6.

= ka x
= ky

This means that the rate of change of y is proportional to y itself. That is, if y is
small, its rate of change is small, but if y is large, then it is changing rapidly.
This is called exponential growth (or decay, if k is negative) and has many
applications in areas such as population growth, radioactive decay, the cooling of
objects, the spread of infectious diseases and the growth of technology.

Different exponential functions have different values of k.

EXAMPLES
1.

d x
(2 ) Z 0.6931 2 x.
dx
y
y = 0.6931 2x
y = 2x

12
10
8
6
4
2
3 2 1

2.

d x
(3 ) Z 1.0986 3 x.
dx
y

12
10

y = 3x
y = 1.0986 3x

8
6
4
2
3 2 1

1 2 3

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Notice that the derivative function of y = 3 x is very close to the original

function.
We can find a number close to 3 that gives exactly the same graph for the
derivative function. This number is approximately 2.71828, and is called e.
d x
(e ) = e x
dx

e is an irrational number
like .

DID YOU KNOW?

A transcendental
number is a number
beyond ordinary
numbers. Another
transcendental
number is .

The number e was linked to logarithms before this useful result in calculus was known. It is
a transcendental (irrational) number. This was proven by a French mathematician, Hermite,
in 1873. Leonhard Euler (170783) gave e its symbol, and he gave an approximation of e to
23decimal places. Currently, e is known to about 100 000 decimal places.
Euler studied mathematics, theology, medicine, astronomy, physics and oriental languages.
He did extensive research into mathematics and wrote more than 500 books and papers.
Euler gave mathematics much of its important notation. He caused to become standard
notation and used i for the square root of 1. He first used small letters to show the sides of
triangles and the corresponding capital letters for their opposite angles. Also, he introduced
the symbol S for sums and f(x) notation.

ex

KEY

Use this key to find powers of e.

For example, to find e2:
Press SHIFT e x 2 = e 2
7.389056099
To find e:
Press SHIFT e x 1 = e 1
2.718281828

EXAMPLES
1. Sketch the curve y = e x.

Solution
Use ex on your calculator to draw up a table of values:
x

-3

-2

-1

0.05

0.1

0.4

2.7

7.4

20.1

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

165

2. Differentiate 5e x.

Solution
d x
(e ) = e x
dx
d
d
`
(5e x) = 5 (e x)
dx
dx
= 5e x
3. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 3e x at the point(0, 3).

Solution
dy
dx

= 3e x

At (0, 3),
`

dy
dx

= 3e 0
dy

=3
m=3

dx

Equation y y1 = m (x x1)
y 3 = 3 (x 0 )
= 3x
y = 3x + 3

continued

gives the gradient of

the tangent.

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4. Differentiate

2x + 3
.
ex

Solution
This is the quotient rule
from Chapter 8 of the
Preliminary Course book.

dy
dx

=
=

u lv v lu
v2
2 . e x e x (2 x + 3)

( e x) 2
2e x 2xe x 3e x
=
e 2x
e x 2xe x
=
e 2x
e x (1 + 2x)
=
e 2x
(1 + 2x)
=
ex

4.1 Exercises
1. Find, correct to 2 decimal places,
the value of
(a) e 1.5
(b) e 2
(c) 2e 0.3
1
(d) 3
e
(e) 3e 3.1
2. Sketch the curve
(a) y = 2e x
(b) y = e x
(c) y = e x
3. Differentiate
(a) 9e x
(b) e x
(c) e x + x 2
(d) 2x 3 3x 2 + 5x e x
(e) (e x + 1) 3
(f) (e x + 5)7
(g) (2e x 3) 2
(h) xe x
ex
(i) x

(j) x 2 e x
(k) (2x + 1) e x
(l)

ex
7x 3

5x
(m) x
e
4. If f (x) = x 3 + 3x e x, find f l(1)
and f m(1) in terms of e.
5. Find the exact gradient of the
tangent to the curve y = e x at the
point (1, e).
6. Find the exact gradient of the
normal to the curve y = e x at the
point where x = 5.
7. Find the gradient of the tangent
to the curve y = 4e x at the point
where x = 1.6, correct to 2
decimal places.
8. Find the equation of the tangent
to the curve y = e x at the point
(1, e).

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

9. Find the equation of the normal

to the curve y = e x at the point
where x = 3, in exact form.

167

11. Find the first and second

derivatives of y = 7e x. Hence show

10. Find the stationary point on the

curve y = xe x and determine its
nature. Hence sketch the curve.

that

d 2y
dx 2

= y.

12. If y = 2e x + 1, show that

d2y
dx 2

= y 1.

Function of a function rule

Remember that the function of a function rule uses the result
dy dy du
=
.

dx du dx

You studied this in Chapter 8 of

the Preliminary Course book.

EXAMPLE
Differentiate e x

+ 5x 3

Solution
Let u = x 2 + 5x 3
Then y = e u
dy
du
= 2x + 5 and
= eu
dx
du
dy
dx

dy

du

du dx
= e u (2x + 5)
=

= e x + 5x 3 (2x + 5)
= (2x + 5) e x + 5x 3
2

Can you see a quick way to

do this?

If y = e f (x) then

Proof
Let u = f (x)
Then y = e u
dy
du
= f l(x)
= e u and

du
dx
dy dy du
=

dx du dx
= e u f l(x)
= f l(x) e f (x)

dy
dx

= f l(x) ef (x)

168

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

EXAMPLES
1. Differentiate e 5x 2

Solution
y l = f l(x) e f (x)
= 5e 5x 2
2. Differentiate x 2 e 3x.
This is the product rule from
Chapter 8 of the Preliminary
Course book.

Solution
dy
dx

= ulv + vlu
= 2x . e3x + 3e3x . x2
= xe3x (2 + 3x)

3. Given y = 2e 3x + 1, show that

d2 y
dx 2

= 9 (y 1) .

Solution
y = 2e 3x + 1
dy
= 6e 3x
dx
d2 y
= 18e 3x
dx 2
= 9 (2e 3x)
= 9 (2e 3x + 1 1)
= 9 (y 1)

4.2 Exercises
1. Differentiate
(a) e 7x
(b) e x
(c) e 6x 2
(d) e x + 1
(e) ex + 5x + 7
(f) e 5x
(g) e 2x
(h) e 10x
(i) e 2x + x
(j) x 2 + 2x + e 1 x
(k) (x + e 4x)5
(l) xe 2x
2

e 3x
(m) 2
x
(n) x 3 e 5x
e 2x + 1
(o)
2x + 5

2. Find the second derivative of

(e 2x + 1)7.
3. If f (x) = e 3x 2, find the exact value
of f l(1) and f m(0) .
4. Find the gradient of the tangent
to the curve y = e 5x at the point
where x = 0.

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

5. Find the equation of the tangent

to the curve y = e 2x 3x at the
point (0, 1).
6. Find the exact gradient of the
normal to the curve y = e 3x at the
point where x = 1.
7. Find the equation of the tangent to
the curve y = e x at the point (1, e).
2

8. If f (x) = 4x 3 + 3x 2 e 2x, find

f m(1) in terms of e.

d2y
dx 2

= 16y.

d2y
dx

dy
dx

+ 2y = 0, given

y = 3e 2x .

12. Show

d2 y
dx 2

= b 2 y for y = ae bx .

13. Find the value of n if y = e 3x

satisfies the equation
d 2y
dy
+2
+ ny = 0.

2
dx
dx
14. Sketch the curve y = e x + x 2,
showing any stationary points
and inflexions.
2

9. Find any stationary points on

the curve y = x 2 e 2x and sketch the
curve.
10. If y = e 4x + e 4x, show that

11. Prove

169

x2 + 1
,
ex
showing any stationary points
and inflexions.

15. Sketch the curve y =

Integration of Exponential Functions

Since

d x
(e ) = e x, then the reverse must be true.
dx

# e x dx = e x + C
To find the indefinite integral (primitive function) when the function of
a function rule is involved, look at the derivative first.

EXAMPLE
Differentiate e 2x + 1.
Hence find
Find

# 2e 2x + 1 dx.

# e 2x + 1 dx.

Solution
d 2x + 1
(e
) = 2e 2x + 1
dx
`

# 2e 2x + 1 dx = e 2x + 1 + C
# e 2x + 1 dx = 12 # 2e 2x + 1 dx
=

1 2x + 1
e
+C
2

Integration is the inverse of

differentiation.

170

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

In general

# e ax + b dx = 1a e ax + b + C
Proof
d ax + b
(e ) = ae ax + b
dx
` # ae ax + b dx = e ax + b + C
# e ax + b dx = 1a # ae ax + b dx
1
= a e ax + b + C

EXAMPLES
1. Find

# (e 2x e x) dx.

Solution

# (e 2x e x) dx = 12 e 2x (11) e x + C
=

1 2x
e + ex + C
2

2. Find the exact area enclosed between the curve y = e 3x, the x-axis and
the lines x = 0 and x = 2.

Solution
2

Area = # e 3x dx
0

2
1
= ; e 3x E
3
0
1 6 1 0
= e e
3
3
1 6
= (e e 0)
3
1
= (e 6 1) units 2
3

3. Find the volume of the solid of revolution formed when the curve
y = e x is rotated about the x-axis from x = 0 to x = 2.

Solution
Use index laws to simplify (e x) 2.

y = ex
` y 2 = ( e x) 2
= e 2x

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

V = # y2 dx
a

= # e2x dx
0

2
1
= ; e2x E
2
0
1 4 1 0
=c e e m
2
2
1 4 1
=c e m
2
2
4
= (e 1) units3
2

4.3 Exercises
1. Find these indefinite integrals.

# e dx
(b) # e 4x dx
(c) # e x dx
(d) # e 5x dx
(e) # e 2x dx
(f) # e 4x + 1 dx
(g) # 3e 5x dx
(h) # e 2t dt
(i) # (e 7x 2) dx
(j) # (e x 3 + x) dx
2x

(a)

2. Evaluate in exact form.

(a)

#0

e 5x dx

(b) # e x dx
0

(c)

#1

2e 3x + 4 dx

(d) # (3x 2 e 2x) dx

2

(e)

#0

(f)

#1

(e 2x + 1) dx
(e x x) dx

(g) # (e 2x e x) dx
0

3. Evaluate correct to 2 decimal places.

(a)

#1

e x dx

(b) # 2e 3y dy
0

(c)

#5

(ex + 5 + 2x 3) dx

(d) # (e 3t + 4 t) dt
0

(e)

#1

(e 4x + e 2x) dx

4. Find the exact area enclosed by

the curve y = 2e 2x, the x-axis and
the lines x = 1 and x = 2.
5. Find the exact area bounded by
the curve y = e 4x 3, the x-axis and
the lines x = 0 and x = 1.
6. Find the area enclosed by the
curve y = x + e x, the x-axis and
the lines x = 0 and x = 2, correct
to 2 decimal places.
7. Find the area bounded by the
curve y = e 5x, the x-axis and the
lines x = 0 and x = 1, correct to
3significant figures.
8. Find the exact volume of the
solid of revolution formed when
the curve y = e x is rotated about
the x-axis from x = 0 to x = 3.
9. Find the volume of the solidformed
when the curve y = e x + 1 is rotated
about the x-axis from x = 1 to x = 2,
correct to 1 decimal place.

171

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Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

10. Use Simpsons rule with 3

function values to find an

#1

xe x dx,

approximation to

correct to 1 decimal place.

11. (a) Differentiate x 2 e x .

(b) Hence find # x(2 + x)e dx.

x

12. Find # x 2e x + 1 dx using the

substitution u = x 3 + 1.

14. The curve y = e x + 1 is rotated

about the x-axis from x = 0 to
x = 1. Find the exact volume of
the solid formed.
15. Find the exact area enclosed
between the curve y = e 2x and the
lines y = 1 and x = 2.

13. Use the substitution u = x 2 to

2
evaluate # xe x dx (give exact
0
value).
2

Application

You will study these formulae in

Chapter 6.

The exponential function occurs in many fields, such as science and economics.
P = P0 e kt is a general formula that describes exponential growth.
P = P0 e - kt is a general formula that describes exponential decay.

Logarithms
Logarithm is another name for the index or power of a number. Logarithms
are related to exponential functions, and allow us to solve equations like
2 x = 5. They also allow us to change the subject of exponential equations such
as y = e x to x.

Definition
If y = a x, then x is called the logarithm of y to the base a.

If y = a x, then x = loga y

Logarithm keys
log is used for log 10 x
In is used for log e x

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

173

EXAMPLES
1. Find log 10 5.3 correct to 1 decimal place.

Solution
log 10 5.3 = 0.724275869
= 0.7 correct to 1 decimal place

Use the log key.

2. Evaluate log e 80 correct to 3 significant figures.

Solution
log e 80 = 4.382026634
= 4.38 correct to 3 significant figures
3. Evaluate log 3 81.

Solution
Let

log3 81 = x
3 x = 81

Then
i.e.
`
So

(by definition)

3 =3
x=4
log3 81 = 4.
x

4. Find the value of log 2

Solution
1
=x
4
1
2x =
Then
4
1
= 2
2
= 22
x = 2
`
1
So
log2 = 2.
4
Let

log2

1
.
4

Use the In key.

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Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

Class Investigation
1. Sketch the graph of y = log 2 x.
There is no calculator key for logarithms to the base 2. Use the
definition of a logarithm to change the equation into index form,
and the table of values:
x

2. On the same set of axes, sketch the curve y = 2 x and the line y = x.
What do you notice?

4.4 Exercises
1. Evaluate
(a) log2 16
(b) log4 16
(c) log5 125
(d) log3 3
(e) log7 49
(f) log7 7
(g) log5 1
(h) log2 128
2. Evaluate
(a) 3 log2 8
(b) log5 25 + 1
(c) 3 log3 81
(d) 4 log3 27
(e) 2 log10 10 000
(f) 1 + log4 64
(g) 3 log4 64 + 5
(h) 2 + 4 log6 216
log3 9
(i)
2
log8 64 + 4
(j)
log2 8
3. Evaluate
1
(a) log 2
2
(b) log 3 3
(c) log4 2

(d) log 5

1
25

(e) log 7 4 7
1
(f) log3 3
3
1
(g) log4
2
(h) log8 2
(i) log 6 6 6
(j) log2

2
4

4. Evaluate correct to 2 decimal

places.
(a) log10 1200
(b) log10 875
(c) loge 25
(d) ln 140
(e) 5 ln 8
(f) log10 350 + 4.5
log10 15
(g)
2
(h) ln 9.8 + log10 17
log10 30
(i)
loge 30
(j) 4 ln 10 7

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

5. Write in logarithmic form.

(a) 3 x = y
(b) 5 x = z
(c) x 2 = y
(d) 2 b = a
(e) b 3 = d
(f) y = 8 x
(g) y = 6 x
(h) y = e x
(i) y = a x
(j) Q = e x
6. Write in index form.
(a) log3 5 = x
(b) loga 7 = x
(c) log3 a = b
(d) logx y = 9
(e) loga b = y
(f) y = log 2 6
(g) y = log 3 x
(h) y = log 10 9
(i) y = ln 4
(j) y = log 7 x
7. Solve for x, correct to 1 decimal
place where necessary.
(a) log 10 x = 6
(b) log 3 x = 5
(c) logx 343 = 3
(d) logx 64 = 6
(e) log 5

1
=x
5

(f) log x

3=

1
2

(g) ln x = 3.8
(h) 3 log 10 x 2 = 10
3
2
1
(j) log x 4 =
3
(i) log 4 x =

8. Evaluate y given that log y 125 = 3.

9. If log 10 x = 1.65, evaluate x correct
to 1 decimal place.
10. Evaluate b to 3 significant figures
if log e b = 0.894.
11. Find the value of log2 1. What is
the value of loga 1?
12. Evaluate log5 5. What is the value
of loga a?
13. (a)Evaluate ln e without a
calculator.
(b) Using a calculator, evaluate
(i)
loge e3
(ii) loge e2
(iii) loge e5
(iv) loge e
1
(v) loge e
(vi) eln 2
(vii) eln 3
(viii) eln 5
(ix) eln 7
(x) eln 1
(xi) eln e
14. Sketch the graph of y = log e x.
What is its domain and range?
15. Sketch y = 10 x, y = log10 x and
y = x on the same number plane.
What do you notice about the
relationship of the curves to
theline?
16. Change the subject of y = log e x
tox.

175

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Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

Class Discussion
1. Investigate these questions on the calculator. Can you see some
patterns?
(a) loge e
(b) loge e2
(c) loge e3
(d) loge e4
(e) loge e5
Can you write a rule for loge ex?
2. Evaluate using a calculator. Can you write a rule to show this pattern?
(a) eln 1
(b) eln 2
(c) eln 3
(d) eln 4
(e) eln 5
Can you write a rule for eln x?
3. Do these rules work if x is negative?

Logarithm laws

This corresponds to the

law a m a n = a m + n from
Chapter1 of the Preliminary
Course book.

Because logarithms are closely related to indices there are logarithm laws that
correspond to the index laws.
loga (xy) = loga x + loga y

Proof
Let x = a m and y = a n
Then m = log a x and n = log a y
xy = a m a n
= am + n
` loga (xy) = m + n
(by definition)
= loga x + loga y
This corresponds to the
law a m a n = a m n .

x
log a b y l = log a x log a y

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

177

Proof
Let x = a m and y = a n
Then m = loga x and n = loga y
x
m
n
y =a a
= am n
x
` loga b y l = m n
= loga x loga y

(by definition)

This corresponds to the

law (a m) n = a mn .

loga x n = n loga x

Proof
Let x = a m
Then m = loga x

x n = (a m) n
= a mn
n
loga x = mn
= n loga x

(by definition)

Examples
1. Evaluate log6 3 + log6 12.

Solution
log6 3 + log6 12 = log6 (3 12)
= log6 36
=2

log 6 36 = 2, since 6 2 = 36.

2. Given log5 3 = 0.68 and log5 4 = 0.86, find

(a) log 5 12
(b) log5 0.75
(c) log 5 9
(d) log 5 20
continued

178

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

Solution
(a) log5 12 = log5 (3 4)
= log5 3 + log5 4
= 0.68 + 0.86
= 1.54
3
(b) log 5 0.75 = log 5
4
= log 5 3 log 5 4
= 0.68 0.86
= 0.18
(c) log 5 9 = log 5 3 2
= 2 log 5 3
= 2 0.68
= 1.36

log 5 5 = 1, since 5 1 = 5.

(d) log 5 20 = log 5 (5 4)

= log 5 5 + log 5 4
= 1 + 0.86
= 1.86
3. Solve log2 12 = log2 3 + log2 x.

Solution
log 2 12 = log 2 3 + log 2 x
= log 2 3x
So 12 = 3x

4=x

4.5 Exercises
1. Use the logarithm laws to
simplify
(a) loga 4 + loga y
(b) loga 4 + loga 5
(c) loga 12 loga 3
(d) loga b loga 5
(e) 3 logx y + logx z
(f) 2 logk 3 + 3 logk y
(g) 5 loga x 2 loga y
(h) loga x + loga y loga z
(i) log10 a + 4 log10 b + 3 log10 c
(j) 3 log3 p + log3 q 2 log3 r

2. Given log7 2 = 0.36 and

log75=0.83, find
(a) log7 10
(b) log7 0.4
(c) log7 20
(d) log7 25
(e) log7 8
(f) log7 14
(g) log7 50
(h) log7 35
(i) log7 98
(j) log7 70

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

3. Use the logarithm laws to

evaluate
(a) log5 50 log5 2
(b) log2 16 + log2 4
(c) log4 2 + log4 8
(d) log5 500 log5 4
(e) log9 117 log9 13
(f) log8 32 + log8 16
(g) 3 log2 2 + 2 log2 4
(h) 2 log4 6 (2 log4 3 + log4 2)
(i) log6 4 2 log6 12
(j) 2 log3 6 + log3 18 3 log3 2
4. If loga 3 = x and loga 5 = y, find an
expression in terms of x and yfor
(a) loga 15
(b) loga 0.6
(c) loga 27
(d) loga 25
(e) loga 9
(f) loga 75
(g) loga 3a
a
(h) loga
5
(i) loga 9a
125
(j) loga a
5. If loga x = p and loga y = q, find, in
terms of p and q.
(a) loga xy
(b) loga y3
y
(c) loga x

(d) loga x2
(e) loga xy5
x2
(f) loga y
(g) loga ax
a
(h) loga 2
y
(i) loga a3y
x
(j) loga ay
6. If loga b = 3.4 and loga c = 4.7,
evaluate
c
(a) loga
b
(b) loga bc2
(c) loga (bc)2
(d) loga abc
(e) loga a2c
(f) loga b7
a
(g) loga c
(h) loga a3
(i) loga bc4
(j) loga b4c2
7. Solve
(a) log4 12 = log4 x + log4 3
(b) log3 4 = log3 y log3 7
(c) loga 6 = loga x 3 loga 2
(d) log2 81 = 4 log2 x
(e) logx 54 = logx k + 2 logx 3

Change of base
Sometimes we need to evaluate logarithms such as log2 7. We use a change of
base formula.

log a x =

log b x
log b a

179

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Proof
Let y = log a x
Then x = a y
Take logarithms to the base b of both sides of the equation:
logb x = logb a y
= y logb a
logb x
=y
`
logb a
= loga x
You can use the change of base formula to find the logarithm of any number,
such as log 5 2. You change it to either log 10 x or log e x, and use a calculator.

Example
Find the value of log 5 2, correct to 2 decimal places.

Solution
log 5 2 =
You can use either log or In

log 2

log 5
Z 0.430676558
= 0.43

(by change of base)

Exponential equations
You can also use the change of base formula to solve exponential equations
such as 5 x = 7.
You studied exponential equations such as 2 x = 8 in the Preliminary
course. Exponential equations such as 2 x = 9 can be solved by taking
logarithms of both sides, or by using the definition of a logarithm and the
change of base formula.

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

181

Examples
1. Solve 5 x = 7 correct to 1 decimal place.

Solution
5 x = 7
Using the definition of a logarithm, this means:
log 5 7 = x
log 7

=x

(using change of base formula)

log 5
1.2 = x

You can use either

log or ln.

If you do not like to solve the equation this way, you can use the
logarithm laws instead.
Taking logs of both sides:
log 5 x = log 7
x log 5 = log 7
`

x=

Use loga x = n loga x

log 7

log 5
= 1.2 correct to 1 decimal place

2. Solve 4 y 3 = 9 correct to 2 decimal places.

Solution
4y 3 = 9
Using the logarithm definition and change of base:
log 4 9 = y 3
log 9
=y3
log 4
log 9
+3=y
log 4
4.58 = y
Using the logarithm laws:
Taking logs of both sides:
log 4 y 3 = log 9
(y 3) log 4 = log 9
y3=
y=

log 9
log 4
log 9

+3
log 4
= 4.58 correct to 2 decimal place

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4.6 Exercises
1. Use the change of base formula
to evaluate to 2 decimal places.
(a) log4 9
(b) log6 25
(c) log9 200
(d) log2 12
(e) log3 23
(f) log8 250
(g) log5 9.5
(h) 2 log4 23.4
(i) 7 log7 108
(j) 3 log11 340
2. By writing each equation as a
logarithm and changing the base,
solve the equation correct to
2 significant figures.
(a) 4 x = 9
(b) 3 x = 5
(c) 7 x = 14
(d) 2 x = 15
(e) 5 x = 34
(f) 6 x = 60
(g) 2 x = 76
(h) 4 x = 50
(i) 3 x = 23
(j) 9 x = 210
3. Solve, correct to 2 decimal places.
(a) 2 x = 6
(b) 5 y = 15
(c) 3 x = 20

(d) 7 m = 32
(e) 4 k = 50
(f) 3 t = 4
(g) 8 x = 11
(h) 2 p = 57
(i) 4 x = 81.3
(j) 6 n = 102.6
4. Solve, to 1 decimal place.
(a) 3 x + 1 = 8
(b) 53n = 71
(c) 2 x 3 = 12
(d) 4 2n 1 = 7
(e) 7 5x + 2 = 11
(f) 8 3 n = 5.7
(g) 2 x + 2 = 18.3
(h) 37xk 3 = 32.9
(i) 9 2 = 50
(j) 6 2y + 1 = 61.3
5. Solve each equation correct to
3significant figures.
(a) e x = 200
(b) e 3t = 5
(c) 2e t = 75
(d) 45 = e x
(e) 3000 = 100e n
(f) 100 = 20e 3t
(g) 2000 = 50e 0.15t
(h) 15 000 = 2000e 0.03k
(i) 3Q = Qe 0.02t
(j) 0.5M = Me 0.016k

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

183

Derivative of the Logarithmic Function

Drawing the derivative (gradient) function of a logarithm function gives a
hyperbola.

Example
Sketch the derivative function of y = log 2 x.

Solution
The gradient is always positive but is decreasing.

If y = log e x then

Proof

dx

1
= x

dy

dy

dx

1
dx dx
dy
Given y = log e x
Then x = e y
dx
= ey
dy
dy 1
`
=
dx e y
1
=x

dy

1
dx

is a special result that

dy
can be proved by differentiating
from first principles.

184

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

Function of a function rule

If y = log e f (x), then

Proof
Let u = f (x)
Then y = log e u
dy 1
=
`
du u
du
= f l(x)
Also
dx
dy dy du
.
=
dx du dx
1
= u . f l(x)
1 .
=
f l(x)
f (x)

Examples
1. Differentiate log e (x 2 3x + 1) .

Solution
d
2x 3
[loge (x 2 3x + 1)] = 2
dx
x 3x + 1
2. Differentiate log e

x+1
.
3x 4

Solution
x+1
3x 4
= loge (x + 1) loge (3x 4)

Let y = loge
dy
dx

3
1

x + 1 3x 4
1 (3x 4) 3 (x + 1)
=
(x + 1) (3x 4)
3x 4 3x 3
=
(x + 1) (3x 4)
7
=
(x + 1) (3x 4)
=

dy
dx

= f l(x) .

f l(x)
1
=
f ( x) f ( x )

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

185

3. Find the gradient of the normal to the curve y = loge (x 3 5) at the

point where x = 2.

Solution
dy

3x 2
dx x 3 5
When x = 2,
dy 3 (2) 2
=
dx 2 3 5
m1 = 4

The normal is perpendicular to the tangent

i.e. m1 m2 = 1
4m 2 = 1
1
`
m2 =
4
4. Differentiate y = log 2 x.

Solution
y = log 2 x
log e x
=
log e 2
1
=
log e x
log e 2
dy
1
1
=

dx log e 2 x
1
=
x log e 2
5. Find the derivative of 2x.

Solution
2 = e ln 2
` 2 x = (e ln 2) x
= e x ln 2
dy
= ln 2e x ln 2
dx
= ln 2 2 x
= 2 x ln 2

This result comes from the

Preliminary Course.

186

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

4.7 Exercises
1. Differentiate
(a) x + log e x
(b) 1 log e 3x
(c) ln (3x + 1)
(d) loge (x 2 4)
(e) ln (5x 3 + 3x 9)
(f) loge (5x + 1) + x 2
(g) 3x 2 + 5x 5 + ln 4x
(h) log e (8x 9) + 2
(i) log e (2x + 4) (3x 1)
4x + 1
(j) log e
2x 7
(k) (1 + loge x) 5
(l) (ln x x) 9
(m) (loge x) 4
(n) (x 2 + loge x) 6
(o) x log e x

6. Find the gradient of the normal

to the curve y = log e (x 4 + x) at the
point (1, log e 2).
7. Find the exact equation of the
normal to the curve y = log e x at
the point where x = 5.
8. Find the equation of the tangent
to the curve y = log e (5x + 4) at
the point where x = 3.
9. Find the point of inflexion on the
curve y = x loge x x 2 .
10. Find the stationary point on the
ln x

curve y = x and determine its

nature.

(r) x 3 log e (x + 1)

11. Sketch, showing any stationary

points and inflexions.
(a) y = x log e x
(b) y = (log e x 1) 3
(c) y = x ln x

(s) log e (log e x)

12. Find the derivative of log3 (2x + 5).

log e x
x
(q) (2x + 1) log e x
(p)

ln x
(t)
x2
(u)

2x

e
loge x

(v) e x ln x
(w) 5 (loge x) 2
2. If f (x) = log e 2 x , find f l(1).
3. Find the derivative of log 10 x.
4. Find the equation of the tangent
to the curve y = log e x at the
point (2, log e 2).
5. Find the equation of the tangent
to the curve y = log e (x 1) at the
point where x = 2.

13. Differentiate
(a) 3 x
(b) 10 x
(c) 2 3x 4
14. Find the equation of the tangent
to the curve y = 4 x + 1 at the point
(0, 4).
15. Find the equation of the normal
to the curve y = log 3 x at the
point where x = 3.

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

187

Integration and the Logarithmic Function

1
# dx
x = # x dx = log e x + C

f l(x)
f (x)

Integration is the inverse of

differentiation.

dx = log e f (x) + C

Examples
1
1. Find the area enclosed between the hyperbola y = x , the x-axis and
the lines x = 1 and x = 2, giving the exact value.

Solution

21
A = # x dx
1
= 7 loge x A 21
= loge 2 loge 1
= loge 2

So area is log e 2 units2.

2. Find

x2
dx.
x3 + 7

Solution

3x 2
x2
1
dx = # 3
dx
3 x +7
x +7
1
= loge (x 3 + 7) + C
3
3

continued

188

Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

3. Find

x+1
dx.
x2 + x + 4

Solution

2 (x + 1)
x+1
1
dx = # 2
dx
2 x + 2x + 4
x + 2x + 4
2x + 2
1
= # 2
dx
2 x + 2x + 4
1
= loge (x 2 + 2x + 4) + C
2
2

4.8 Exercises
1. Find the indefinite integral
(primitive function) of
2
(a)
2x + 5
4x
(b) 2
2x + 1
5x 4
(c) 5
x 2
1
(d)
2x
2
(e) x
5
(f)
3x
2x 3
(g) 2
x 3x
x
(h) 2
x +2
3x
(i) 2
x +7
x+1
(j) 2
x + 2x 5
2. Find
(a)

# 4x4 1 dx

dx
x+3
x2
dx
(c) # 3
2x 7
x5
dx
(d) # 6
2x + 5
x+3
dx
(e) # 2
x + 6x + 2
(b) #

3. Evaluate correct to 1 decimal

place.
2
dx
2x + 5
5 dx
(b) #
2 x + 1
7
x2
dx
(c) # 3
1 x + 2
3
4x + 1
dx
(d) #
0 2x 2 + x + 1
4 x 1
dx
(e) #
3 x 2 2x

(a)

#1

4. Find the exact area between the

1

curve y = x , the x-axis and the

lines x = 2 and x = 3.
5. Find the exact area bounded by
1
, the x-axis and

the curve y =
x1

the lines x = 4 and x = 7.
6. Find the exact area between the
1

curve y = x , the x-axis and the

lines y = x and x = 2 in the first
quadrant.
7. Find the area bounded by the
x

curve y = 2
, the x-axis and
x +1

the lines x = 2 and x = 4, correct
to 2 decimal places.

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

8. Find the exact volume of the

solid formed when the curve
1
y=

is rotated about the x-axis
x

from x = 1 to x = 3.

12. (a)Show that

3x + 3
1
2 .

=
+
x2 9 x + 3 x 3
3x + 3

(b)Hence find # 2
dx.
x 9

9. Find the volume of the solid

formed when the curve
2

y=
is rotated about the
2x 1

x-axis from x = 1 to x = 5, giving
an exact answer.

13. (a)Show that

10. Find the area between the curve

y = ln x, the y-axis and the lines
y = 2 and y = 4, correct to 3
significant figures.
11. Find the exact volume of the
solid formed when the curve
y = log e x is rotated about the
y-axis from y = 1 to y = 3.

x6
5
=1
.
x1
x1
x6
(b)Hence find #
dx.
x1

14. Find the indefinite integral

(primitive function) of 3 2x 1.
15. Find, correct to 2 decimal places,
the area enclosed by the curve
y = log 2 x, the x-axis and the
lines x = 1 and x = 3 by using
Simpsons rule with 3 function
values.

189

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Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

Test Yourself 4
1. Evaluate to 3 significant figures.
(a) e 2 1
(b) log 10 95
(c) log e 26
(d) log 4 7
(e) log 4 3
(f) ln 50
(g) e + 3
5e 3
(h)
ln 4
(i) e ln 6
(j) e ln 2

7. Find the volume of the solid formed if

the area bounded by y = e 3x, the x-axis
and the lines x = 1 and x = 2 is rotated
about the x-axis.

2. Differentiate
(a) e 5x
(b) 2e 1 x
(c) log e 4x
(d) ln (4x + 5)
(e) xe x
ln x
(f) x
(g) (e x + 1)10

9. Find the area enclosed between the curve

y = ln x, the y-axis and the lines y = 1 and
y = 3.

3. Find the indefinite integral (primitive

function) of
(a) e 4x
x
(b) 2
x 9
(c) e x
1
(d)
x+4
4. Find the equation of the tangent to the
curve y = 2 + e 3x at the point where x = 0.
5. Find the exact gradient of the normal to
the curve y = x e x at the point where
x = 2.
6. Find the exact area bounded by the curve
y = e 2x, the x-axis and the lines x = 2 and
x = 5.

8. If log 7 2 = 0.36 and log 7 3 = 0.56, find the

value of
(a) log 7 6
(b) log 7 8
(c) log 7 1.5
(d) log 7 14
(e) log 7 3.5

10. (a) Use Simpsons rule with 3 function

values to find the area bounded by the
curve y = ln x, the x-axis and the lines
x = 2 and x = 4.
(b) Change the subject of y = ln x to x.
(c) Hence find the exact area in part (a).
11. Solve
(a) 3 x = 8
(b) 2 3x 4 = 3
(c) logx 81 = 4
(d) log6 x = 2
(e) 12 = 10e 0.01t
12. Evaluate
(a)

#0

3e 2x dx

dx
3x 2
2 2x 3 x 2 + 5x + 3
dx
(c) #
x
1
(b) #

13. Find the equation of the tangent to the

curve y = e x at the point (4, e 4).
14. Evaluate log 9 8 to 1 decimal place.

Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

15. (a) Find the area bounded by the curve

y = e x, the x-axis and the lines x = 1 and
x = 2.
(b) This area is rotated about the
x-axis. Find the volume of the solid of
revolution formed.
16. Simplify
(a) 5 loga x + 3 loga y
(b) 2 log x k log x 3 + log x p

18. Find the stationary points on the curve

y = x 3 e x and determine their nature.
19. Use the trapezoidal rule with 4 strips
to find the area bounded by the curve
y = ln (x 2 1), the x-axis and the lines
x = 3 and x = 5.
20. Evaluate to 2 significant figures
(a) log 10 4.5
(b) ln 3.7

17. Find the equation of the normal to the

curve y = ln x at the point (2, ln 2).

Challenge Exercise 4
1. Differentiate

loge x
e 2x + x

2. Find # xe x dx, using the substitution

u = x 2.
2

3. Find the exact gradient of the tangent to

the curve y = e x + log x at the point where
x = 1.
e

4. If log b 2 = 0.6 and log b 3 = 1.2, find

(a) log b 6b
(b) log b 8
(c) log b 1.5b 2
5. Differentiate (e 4x + loge x) 9.
6. Find the shaded area, correct to
2decimal places.

7. Find the derivative of loge

1
.
2x 3

8. Use Simpsons rule with 5 function

values to find the volume of the solid
formed when the curve y = e x is rotated
about the y-axis from y = 3 to y = 5,
correct to 2 significant figures.
9. Differentiate 5 x.
10. Find

# x2ex 1 dx.
3

11. Show that

d 2
(x loge x) = x (1 + 2 loge x).
dx

Henceevaluate

#1

2x (1 + 2 loge x) dx,

giving an exact answer.

12. Find

# 3 x dx.

13. (a) Find the point of intersection of the

curves y = log e x and y = log 10 x.
(b) Find the exact equations of the
tangents to the two curves at this point
of intersection.
(c) Find the exact length of the interval
XY where X and Y are the y-intercepts of
the tangents.

191

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Maths In Focus Mathematics Extension 1 HSC Course

14. Use Simpsons rule with 3 function

values to find the area enclosed by the
curve y = e 2x, the y-axis and the line y = 3,
correct to 3 significant figures.
x loge x
.
15. Find the derivative of
ex
16. Use the substitution u = 3x 2 + 1 to find

# xe

3x 2 + 1

dx.
x

17. If y = e + e , show
x

d2y
dx 2

= y.

18. Use the substitution u = x 2 to

3

evaluate

#0

x2 ex

dx.

19. Prove

d2y
2

dx
5x
y = 3e 2 .

dy
dx

5y 10 = 0, given

20. Find the equation of the curve that has

f m(x) = 12e 2x and a stationary point at
(0, 3).
21. Sketch y = loge (x x 2).
22. A curve has

dy
dx

= xe x and passes through

the point c 0,

1
m . Use the substitution
2

u = x 2 to find the equation of the curve.