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Lesson 33 - Logarithmic Functions

This document discusses logarithmic functions including: 1) Converting between exponential and logarithmic statements using the definition that the logarithm represents the exponent to which a number must be raised to equal another number. 2) Evaluating logarithmic expressions by writing them in exponential form. 3) The domain of a logarithmic function consists of positive real numbers since the argument must be greater than zero. 4) Graphing logarithmic functions by reflecting the graph of the corresponding exponential function about the line y=x. 5) Solving logarithmic equations by changing them to exponential form or using properties of logarithms.

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20 views

Lesson 33 - Logarithmic Functions

This document discusses logarithmic functions including: 1) Converting between exponential and logarithmic statements using the definition that the logarithm represents the exponent to which a number must be raised to equal another number. 2) Evaluating logarithmic expressions by writing them in exponential form. 3) The domain of a logarithmic function consists of positive real numbers since the argument must be greater than zero. 4) Graphing logarithmic functions by reflecting the graph of the corresponding exponential function about the line y=x. 5) Solving logarithmic equations by changing them to exponential form or using properties of logarithms.

Uploaded by

Shaine
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Logarithmic Functions

LESSON 33

OBJECTIVES:
1. Change Exponential Statements to Logarithmic Statements and Logarithmic
Statements to Exponential Statements
2. Evaluate Logarithmic Expressions
3. Determine the Domain of a Logarithmic Function
4. Graph Logarithmic Functions
5. Solve Logarithmic Equations
Recall that a one-to-one function has an inverse function
that is defined (implicitly) by the equation . In particular, the
exponential function , where and , is one-
to-one and hence has an inverse function that is defined implicitly by
the equation

This inverse function is so important that it is given a name, the


logarithmic function.

As this definition illustrates, a logarithm is a name for a certain


exponent. So, represents the exponent to which a must be
raised to obtain x.
Change Exponential Statements to Logarithmic
Statements and Logarithmic Statements to
Exponential Statements
We can use the definition of a logarithm to convert from
exponential form to logarithmic form, and vice versa, as the following
two examples illustrate.
Evaluate Logarithmic Expressions
To find the exact value of a logarithm, we write the logarithm in
exponential notation using the fact that is equivalent to
and use the fact that if , then .
Determine the Domain of a Logarithmic Function
The logarithmic function has been defined as the
inverse of the exponential function . That is, if ,
then . Based on the discussion given in Section 6.2
on inverse functions, for a function and its inverse , we have

Domain of Range of and Range of Domain of

Consequently, it follows that

In the next box, we summarize some properties of the logarithmic


function:
The domain of a logarithmic function consists of the positive real
numbers, so the argument of a logarithmic function must be greater
than zero.
Graph Logarithmic Functions
Since exponential functions and logarithmic functions are
inverses of each other, the graph of the logarithmic function
is the reflection about the line of the graph of the
exponential function , as shown in Figure 30.
For example, to graph , graph and reflect it about
the line . See Figure 31. To graph , graph and
reflect it about the line . See Figure 32.
The graphs of in Figures 30(a) and (b) lead to the following
properties.
If the base of a logarithmic function is the number e, then we
have the natural logarithm function. This function occurs so frequently
in applications that it is given a special symbol, ln (from the Latin,
logarithmus naturalis). That is,

Since and the exponential function are inverse


functions, we can obtain the graph of by reflecting the graph
of about the line . See Figure 33.
If the base of a logarithmic function is the number 10, then we
have the common logarithm function. If the base a of the logarithmic
function is not indicated, it is understood to be 10. That is,

Since and the exponential function are


inverse functions, we can obtain the graph of by reflecting
the graph of about the line . See Figure 36.
Solve Logarithmic Equations
Equations that contain logarithms are called logarithmic
equations. Care must be taken when solving logarithmic equations
algebraically. In the expression , remember that a and M are
positive and . Be sure to check each apparent solution in the
original equation and discard any that are extraneous. Some
logarithmic equations can be solved by changing the logarithmic
equation to exponential form using the fact that means
.
NOTE A BAC of 0.30% results
in a loss of consciousness in
most people.

NOTE Most states use 0.08%


or 0.10% as the blood
alcohol content at which a
DUI citation is given.
THANK YOU!!!

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