Learning Guide Module

Subject Code Math 3 Mathematics 3

Module Code 8.0 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Lesson Code 8.4 Transforming Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
Time Frame 30 minutes

TARGET Time Allocation: 1 minute

Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

By the end of this learning guide, the students will have been able to:

1. apply basic transformations on the graph of a logarithmic function,

2. illustrate and explore basic transformations of the graph and equation of a logarithmic
function, and
3. sketch transformed equation of logarithmic functions and determine its properties.

HOOK Time Allocation: 1 minutes

Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

In learning guide 8.2, we have explored how to graph exponential functions with the help of
transformations. In this lesson, we will also learn how the different types of transformations can also be
applied to the graphs of logarithmic functions. We will observe how applying translation, reflections,
stretches, and compressions will affect the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥.

IGNITE Time Allocation: 18 minutes

Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

Shifting Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

Let us start exploring how the graph of 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 is used to sketch the graphs of functions of
the form 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥 + 𝑐) + 𝑑. When we shift parent logarithmic functions, we follow these rules:

i. For any constant 𝒄, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥 + 𝒄) shifts the parent function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 𝒄 units in the opposite direction of the sign on 𝑐. (𝑐 > 0, shift to the left;
𝑐 < 0, shift to the right)

ii. For any constant 𝒅, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) + 𝒅 shifts the parent function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 𝒅 units in the direction of the sign on 𝑑. (𝑑 > 0, shift upwards; 𝑑 < 0, shift
downwards)

As examples, let us sketch the graphs of the functions 𝑔(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥 + 3),
ℎ(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥 − 3), 𝑝(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥) + 3, and 𝑞(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥) − 3. Note that the parent function of
1
these functions is 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2(𝑥) with a graph passing through the points (2 , −1) , (1,0), and (2,1).

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 Figure 1. Horizontal Shifts Applied to the Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥)
The Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 (𝒙 + 𝒄)
• The domain changes to (𝑐, ∞).
• The range remains (−∞, ∞).
• The asymptote changes 𝑥 = 𝑐.
• The constant 𝑐 is added to every 𝑥-coordinate of the
points on the parent function.

The Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒙 + 𝒅

• The domain (0, ∞) is unchanged.
• The range (−∞, ∞) is unchanged.
• The asymptote 𝑥 = 0 is unchanged.
• The constant 𝑑 is added to every
𝑦-coordinate of the points on the
parent function.

Figure 2. Vertical Shifts Applied to the Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥)

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Graphing Stretches and Compressions

When we multiply the parent function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) by a positive constant 𝑎, the result is a
vertical stretch or compression.

i. For any constant 𝑎 > 1, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎log 𝑏 (𝑥) stretches the parent function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) vertically by a factor of 𝑎.
ii. For any constant 0 < 𝑎 < 1, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎log 𝑏 (𝑥) compresses the parent
function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) vertically by a factor of 𝑎.

Figure 3. Vertical Stretches and Compressions Applied to the Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2(𝑥)
The Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒙
• The domain (0, ∞) is unchanged.
• The range (−∞, ∞) is unchanged.
• The asymptote 𝑥 = 0 is unchanged.
• The x-intercept is still (1,0)
• Every 𝑦 −coordinate of the points on the parent function is multiplied by 𝑎.

Graphing Reflections

Here are the rules in reflecting logarithmic functions:

i. The graph of 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) is reflected about the 𝑥 −axis to get the graph of the function
𝒇(𝒙) = − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃(𝒙).
ii. The graph of 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) is reflected about the 𝑦 −axis to get the graph of the function
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃(−𝒙).

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 The Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = − 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 𝒙
• The domain (0, ∞) is
unchanged.
• The range (−∞, ∞) is
unchanged.
• The asymptote 𝑥 = 0 is
unchanged.
• The x-intercept is still
(1,0)
• Every 𝑦 −coordinate of
the points on the parent
function is multiplied by
−1.

Figure 4. Horizontal Reflection Applied to the Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2(𝑥)

The Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝒃 (−𝒙)

• The domain will change
to (−∞, 0).
• The range (−∞, ∞) is
unchanged.
• The asymptote 𝑥 = 0 is
unchanged.
• The x-intercept will
change to (−1,0).
• Every 𝑥 −coordinate of
the points on the parent
function is multiplied by
−1.

Figure 5. Vertical Reflection Applied to the Graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 (𝑥)

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 NAVIGATE Time Allocation: 8 minutes
Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

(b) and (d) items are graded.

1. Describe how the graph of 𝑔 is obtained from the graph of 𝑓.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥, 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 + log 2 −𝑥

b) 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥, 𝑔(𝑥) = − ln(𝑥 + 2)

2. Given the transformation applied to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥), write a formula for the resulting
function 𝑔.

a) The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑥 is shifted 5 units to the left and 2 units down.
b) The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 3 𝑥 is reflected across the 𝑥-axis and shifted 2 units up.
c) The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = ln 𝑥 is vertically stretched by a factor of 3.
1
d) The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥 is vertically compressed by a factor of 2 and reflected across
the 𝑦 −axis.

3. Graph each given function by starting from the graphs of the parent function (already
provided for you). Then, state the domain, range, and asymptote.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = log 3 (𝑥 − 2) − 1 b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 − 3log 2 𝑥

Domain: Domain:
_______________________________ ________________________________
Range: Range:
_______________________________ ________________________________
Asymptote: Asymptote:
_______________________________ ________________________________

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 KNOT Time Allocation: 2 minutes
Actual Time Allocation: _____ minutes

The rules for graphing transformations of logarithmic functions is summarized below.

1. For any constant 𝒄, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥 + 𝒄) shifts the parent function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 𝒄 units in the opposite direction of the sign on 𝑐. (𝑐 > 0, shift to the left;
𝑐 < 0, shift to the right)

2. For any constant 𝒅, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) + 𝒅 shifts the parent function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 𝑥 𝒅 units in the direction of the sign on 𝑑. (𝑑 > 0, shift upwards; 𝑑 < 0,
shift downwards)

3. For any constant 𝑎 > 1, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎log 𝑏 (𝑥) stretches the parent function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) vertically by a factor of 𝑎.

4. For any constant 0 < 𝑎 < 1, the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎log 𝑏 (𝑥) compresses the parent
function 𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (𝑥) vertically by a factor of 𝑎.

5. The graph of 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) is reflected about the 𝑥 −axis to get the graph of the function
𝑓(𝑥) = − log 𝑏 (𝑥).

6. The graph of 𝑦 = log 𝑏 (𝑥) is reflected about the 𝑦 −axis to get the graph of the function
𝑓(𝑥) = log 𝑏 (−𝑥).

References:

Albarico, J.M. (2013). THINK Framework. (Based on Ramos, E.G. and N. Apolinario. (n.d.) Science
LINKS. Rex Bookstore, Inc.)

International GeoGebra Institute. (2020). GeoGebra. https://geogebra.org/

Learning, Lumen. “College Algebra.” (n.d.) Graphing Transformations of Logarithmic Function.

Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/ivytech-collegealgebra/chapter/graphing-
transformations-of-logarithmic-functions/.

Prepared by: Julius O. Albina Reviewed by: Maria Genile C. Caballero

Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) IV Position: Special Science Teacher (SST) IV
Campus: PSHS-CVISC Campus: PSHS-CMC

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Answer Key:

1. Describe how the graph of 𝑔 is obtained from the graph of 𝑓.

a) The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = log 2 𝑥 is reflected across the 𝑦 −axis and then shifted 3 units up to
obtain the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 + log 2 −𝑥.

2. Given the transformation applied to the graph of 𝑓(𝑥), write a formula for the resulting
function 𝑔.

a) 𝑔(𝑥) = log(𝑥 + 5) − 2
b) 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 − log 3 𝑥
c) 𝑔(𝑥) = 3ln 𝑥

3. Graph each given function by starting from the graphs of the parent function (already
provided for you). Then, state the domain, range, and asymptote.

a) 𝑓(𝑥) = log 3 (𝑥 − 2) − 1

Domain:
(2, ∞)
Range:
(−∞, ∞)
Asymptote:
𝑥=2

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