CCGPS

Frameworks

CCGPS Advanced Algebra Mathematics

Unit 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

CCGPS Advanced Algebra

Unit 4: Exponential and Logarithmic
Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Unit 4
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................................3
STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS UNIT ............................................................................3
ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS ...........................................................................................4
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS.........................................................................................................4
CONCEPTS/SKILLS TO MAINTAIN .......................................................................................4
NOTE TO TEACHER: ...............................................................................................................5
SELECTED TERMS AND SYMBOLS ......................................................................................5
EVIDENCE OF LEARNING ......................................................................................................7
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT LESSONS (FAL) .......................................................................6
SPOTLIGHT TASK....................................................................................................................8
TASKS .......................................................................................................................................9
*Investigating Exponential Growth and Decay................................................................................... 12
Graphs of Exponential Functions ....................................................................................................... 16
*Zombie Apocalypse Simulation (Spotlight Task) ............................................................................. 24
Bacteria in the Swimming Pool .......................................................................................................... 34
*What is a Logarithm (Spotlight Task) .............................................................................................. 39
Evaluating Logarithms that are not Common or Natural..................................................................... 50
The Logarithmic Function ................................................................................................................. 56
How Long Does It Take? ................................................................................................................... 63
*Zombies Revisited – Can You Model Zombie Growth? (Spotlight Task).......................................... 71
Half Life............................................................................................................................................ 77
*How Does Your Money Grow? ........................................................................................................ 86
Applications of Logarithmic Functions ............................................................................................. 98
*Newton’s Law of Cooling-Coffee, Donuts, and (later) Corpses (Spotlight Task). ........................... 106
*Graphing Logarithmic and Exponential Functions (FAL) ............................................................... 136
**Culminating Task: Jason’s Graduation Present ............................................................................ 162
Appendix: Mini Assessments ........................................................................................................... 169
Appendix: Pentagon Zombie Plan Article ........................................................................................ 181

* New task added to the July 2014 edition

** Existing task modified in the July 2014 edition

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 2 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

OVERVIEW

In this unit students will:

• Review exponential functions and their graphs
• Explore exponential growth
• Develop the concept of a logarithm as an exponent along with the inverse relationship
with exponents
• Define logarithms and natural logarithms
• Develop the change of base formula
• Develop the concept of logarithmic function
• Solving problems relating to exponential functions and logarithms

Although the units in this instructional framework emphasize key standards and big ideas
at specific times of the year, routine topics such as estimation, mental computation, and basic
computation facts should be addressed on an ongoing basis. Ideas related to the eight process
standards should be addressed constantly as well. To assure that this unit is taught with the
appropriate emphasis, depth, and rigor, it is important that the tasks listed under “Evidence of
Learning” be reviewed early in the planning process. A variety of resources should be utilized to
supplement this unit. This unit provides much needed content information, but excellent learning
activities as well. The tasks in this unit illustrate the types of learning activities that should be
utilized from a variety of sources.

STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS UNIT

Mathematical standards are interwoven and should be addressed throughout the year in as many
different units and activities as possible in order to emphasize the natural connections that exist
among mathematical concept and topics.

KEY STANDARDS
Write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and

explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential

functions.

Analyze functions using different representations

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 3 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7e Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, showing intercepts and end
behavior.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Build new functions from existing functions

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models and solve problems
MCC9‐12.F.LE.4 For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab(ct) = d
where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using
technology.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Refer to the Comprehensive Course Overview for more detailed information about the
Standards for Mathematical Practice.

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

4. Model with mathematics.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically.

6. Attend to precision.

7. Look for and make use of structure.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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July 2014  Page 4 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
• There is an inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms.
• Logarithms can be used to solve exponential equations.
• An exponential equation can be written as a logarithmic equation; a logarithmic equation
can be written as an exponential equation.
• Two special logarithmic functions are the common logarithmic function and the natural
logarithmic function. These special functions occur often in nature.
• Common logarithms and natural logarithms can be used to evaluate logarithms with bases
other than 10 or 𝑒.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
• What does exponential growth mean? What does exponential decay mean?
• What are the characteristics of the graph of an exponential function?
• Why are logarithms important?
• What are the characteristics of the graph of a logarithmic function?
• How are logarithms used to solve equations?
• What is the meaning of half-life?
• What kinds of situations are represented by an exponential function?
• What are some real-world applications of logarithmic functions?

CONCEPTS/SKILLS TO MAINTAIN

It is expected that students will have prior knowledge/experience related to the concepts and
skills identified below. It may be necessary to pre-assess in order to determine if time needs to
be spent on conceptual activities that help students develop a deeper understanding of these
ideas.

1. The concept of a function

2. Various representations of functions
3. Exponential functions and characteristics of their graphs
4. The solution of linear equations using algebra and graphing approaches
5. Familiarity with graphing technology
6. Use patterns to write a function to model a situation
***It is MUCH EASIER to convince students of exponential and logarithmic functions being
inverses of one another if students have a firm grasp and quick recall of some integer bases and
exponents. A chart and some quick quizzes are included in this unit for teachers to use (in order)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 5 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

to allow the meaning of a logarithm to be a slow dawning on students rather than throwing the
idea out all at once.

NOTE TO TEACHER:

The development of a logarithm as the inverse of an exponential equation is typically very

difficult-just as subtraction is harder than addition and multiplication is easier than division. A
full and complete understanding of addition facts is needed to be able to understand subtraction.
Furthermore, quick access to addition facts enhances understanding of subtraction. The same is
true for multiplication and division-quick recall of multiplication facts is extremely helpful to
learn division. While there is no “magic bullet” for teaching logarithms, the development of the
concept will be much easier if students have at their command quick reference and recall to the
exponential facts. At the conclusion of this unit, you will find examples of exponent charts and
exponent quizzes that slowly build the logarithm understanding without even using the word,
“logarithm.” These are provided for your convenience and are suggested as openers or tickets
out the door for at least the first half of this unit, if not all the way through.

SELECTED TERMS AND SYMBOLS

The following terms and symbols are often misunderstood. These concepts are not an
inclusive list and should not be taught in isolation. However, due to evidence of frequent
difficulty and misunderstanding associated with these concepts, instructors should pay particular
attention to them and how their students are able to explain and apply them.
The definitions below are for teacher reference only and are not to be memorized by the
students. Students should explore these concepts using models and real life examples.
Students should understand the concepts involved and be able to recognize and/or
demonstrate them with words, models, pictures, or numbers.
The websites below are interactive and include a math glossary suitable for middle school
children. Note – At the high school level, different sources use different definitions. Please
preview any website for alignment to the definitions given in the frameworks.

http://intermath.coe.uga.edu/dictnary/homepg.asp
Definitions and activities for these and other terms can be found on the Intermath website.
Intermath is geared towards middle and high school students.

• Asymptote: An asymptote is a line or curve that approaches a given curve arbitrarily

closely. A graph never crosses a vertical asymptote, but it may cross a horizontal or
oblique asymptote.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 6 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

• Common logarithm: A logarithm with a base of 10. A common logarithm is the exponent,
a, such that 10a = b. The common logarithm of x is written log x. For example, log 100 =
2 because 102 = 100.

• Continuously compounded interest: Interest that is, theoretically, computed and added to
the balance of an account each instant. The formula is A = Pert, where A is the ending
amount, P is the principal or initial amount, r is the annual interest rate, and t is the time
in years.

• Compounded interest: A method of computing the interest, after a specified time, and
adding the interest to the balance of the account. Interest can be computed as little as
𝑛𝑛
once a year to as many times as one would like. The formula is 𝐴 = 𝑃�1 + 𝑛𝑟 � where A
is the ending amount, P is the principal or initial amount, r is the annual interest rate, n is
the number of times compounded per year, and t is the number of years.

• Exponential functions: A function of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1.

• Logarithmic functions: A function of the form 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 with b ≠ 1 and b and x both
positive. A logarithmic function is the inverse of an exponential function. The inverse of
y = bx is 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥.

• Logarithm: The logarithm base b of a number x, log𝑏 𝑥, is the exponent to which b must
be raised to equal x.

• Natural exponential: Exponential expressions or functions with a base of e; i.e., y = ex.

• Natural logarithm: A logarithm with a base of e. 𝑙𝑙 𝑏 is the exponent, a, such that ea =

b. The natural logarithm of x is written ln x and represents log 𝑒 𝑥. For example, ln 8 =
2.0794415… because e2.0794415…= 8.

EVIDENCE OF LEARNING

By the conclusion of this unit, students should be able to demonstrate the following
competencies:
1. Identify the characteristics of the graphs of exponential functions and logarithmic functions.
2. Use logarithms to solve exponential equations.
3. Understand that logarithms and exponential equations connect the same numeric data
inversely.
4. Given an exponential equation, write the corresponding logarithmic equation; given a
logarithmic equation, write the corresponding exponential equation.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 7 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

5. Given a situation that can be modeled with an exponential function or logarithmic function,
write the appropriate function and use it to answer questions about the situation.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT LESSONS (FAL)

Formative Assessment Lessons are intended to support teachers in formative assessment. They
reveal and develop students’ understanding of key mathematical ideas and applications. These
lessons enable teachers and students to monitor in more detail their progress towards the targets
of the standards. They assess students’ understanding of important concepts and problem solving
performance, and help teachers and their students to work effectively together to move each
student’s mathematical reasoning forward.

More information on Formative Assessment Lessons may be found in the Comprehensive

Course Overview.

SPOTLIGHT TASKS

A Spotlight Task has been added to each CCGPS mathematics unit in the Georgia resources for
middle and high school. The Spotlight Tasks serve as exemplars for the use of the Standards for
Mathematical Practice, appropriate unit-level Common Core Georgia Performance Standards,
and research-based pedagogical strategies for instruction and engagement. Each task includes
teacher commentary and support for classroom implementation. Some of the Spotlight Tasks are
revisions of existing Georgia tasks and some are newly created. Additionally, some of the
Spotlight Tasks are 3-Act Tasks based on 3-Act Problems from Dan Meyer and Problem-Based
Learning from Robert Kaplinsky.

TASKS

SMPs
Task Name Task Type Content Addressed
Addressed
Grouping Strategy
Understand the concept of a
function
*Investigating Interpret functions that arise in
Exponential Growth Scaffolding Task 1,2,3,4,5
applications in terms of the
and Decay Individual/Partner
context
Analyze functions using
different representations

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 8 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Analyze functions using

Scaffolding Task different representations
Graphs of Exponential
Graph exponential functions 2,3,5,8
Functions Partner/Small
Group expressed symbolically and
show key features of the graph

Understand the nature of

exponential growth, and what
*Zombie Apocalypse makes a base of a function,
Simulation (Spotlight Scaffolding Task 1-8
write the equation of the
Task) Partner
exponential function and
explore limits to exponential
growth
Interpret functions that arise in
applications in terms of context
Bacteria in the Scaffolding Task Analyze functions using
Partner/Small different representations 2,3,4,5,8
Swimming Pool
Group Build a function that models a
relationship between two
quantities
*What is a Logarithm? Scaffolding Task Write expressions in equivalent 2,3,4,5,6,7
(Spotlight Task) Partner/Small forms
Group
Evaluating Logarithms Scaffolding Task
that are not Common or Write expressions in equivalent 1-8
Partner/Small
Natural forms
Group
Analyze functions using
The Logarithmic Scaffolding Task different representations
Graph logarithmic functions 2,3,4,5,7
Function Partner/Small
Group expressed symbolically and
show key features of the graph
Write expressions in equivalent
forms
How Long Does It Performance Task Understand the concept of a
function and use function 1-8
Take? Partner/Small
Group notation
Interpret functions that arise in
applications in terms of the

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 9 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

context
Analyze functions using
different representations
Construct exponential models
and solve problems

Represent “real-life” situation

*Zombies Revisited with exponential equation and
Scaffolding Task 1-8
(Spotlight Task) then solve these equations
graphically.
Write expressions in equivalent
forms
Understand the concept of a
function and use function
notation
Scaffolding Task Interpret functions that arise in
Half-Life 1-8
Partner/Small applications in terms of the
Group context
Analyze functions using
different representations
Construct exponential models
and solve problems

Write expressions in equivalent

forms
Understand the concept of a
function and use function
notation
How Does Your Money Performance Task
Interpret functions that arise in 1-8
Grow? Partner/Small
applications in terms of the
Group
context
Analyze functions using
different representations
Construct exponential models
and solve problems
Applications of Performance Task Write expressions in equivalent
Partner/Small forms 1-8
Logarithmic Functions
Group Understand the concept of a

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

function and use function

notation
Interpret functions that arise in
applications in terms of the
context
Analyze functions using
different representations
Construct logarithmic models
and solve problems
Write expressions in equivalent
forms
*Newton’s Law of Performance Interpret functions that arise in
Cooling-Coffee, Donuts, (Spotlight Task) applications in terms of context 1-8
and Corpses (Spotlight Partner/Small Analyze functions using
Task)
Group Tasks different representations
Construct logarithmic models
and solve problems
* Graphing Logarithmic Graph Exponential and
Formative
and Exponential Logarithmic Equations and 1,2,3,6
Assessment Lesson
Functions (FAL) Identify the Key features of
Pairs
each.
Write expressions in equivalent
forms
Understand the concept of a
function and use function
notation
**Culminating Task: Culminating Task Interpret functions that arise in
Jason’s Graduation 1-8
Partner/Small applications in terms of the
Present
Group context
Analyze functions using
different representations
Construct exponential models
and solve problems

An end of unit balanced assessment with some constructed response, multiple choice, and
technology modeling activities should be administered to thoroughly assess mastery of the
standards in this unit.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 11 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Investigating Exponential Growth and Decay

Mathematical Goals
Develop the concepts of exponential growth and decay through a visual model

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential
functions.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.

Introduction
This task gives students a visual way to experience exponential growth and decay. Two things
are going on in this task: As you continue to fold the paper, the process shows a simultaneous
exponential growth (the number of sections) and exponential decay (the area of one of the
sections). However, this task is also located in Coordinate Algebra, Unit 1. For that reason,
another exponential growth/decay task is included after this task. Do not hesitate to ask students
if they recall doing the Paper Folding task. If they didn’t do it or don’t remember it, it is elegant
in its simplicity. But if they do remember it still, moving to the other demonstration of
exponential functions would be advisable.

Materials
• Large sheet of rectangular paper for folding

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 12 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Investigating Exponential Growth and Decay

1. Take a large rectangular sheet of paper and fold it in half. You now have two equal sized
sections each with an area that is half the original area.

2. Fold the paper in half again. How many sections of paper do you have? What is the area of
each section compared to the area of the original piece of paper?

Area is ¼ the area of the original piece of paper.

Continue this process until you cannot fold the paper anymore. Fill in the table below as you
go.
Number of Folds 0 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 4 8 16 32
Number of Sections
Area of each section 1 1 1 1 1 1
compared to area of 2 4 8 16 32
original paper

3. The relationship between the number of folds and the number of sections is a function.
Why? For each number of folds there is a unique number of sections.

What is the domain of this function? {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …}

On graph paper let the horizontal axis represent the number of folds. Let the vertical axis
represent the number of sections. Plot the points (# of folds, # of sections).

Does it make sense to connect these points with a smooth curve? Why or why not?

In the context of this problem, it does not make sense to connect the points. The domain
is the set of whole numbers so only points that have x-coordinates that are whole
numbers will be included.

Write the function f for the number of sections of paper you will have after x folds.

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 𝑥

Use your function to determine the number of sections you would have if you were able
to fold the paper 15 times.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

𝑓(15) = 215 = 32768 sections

The function f is an example of exponential growth. What do you notice about the table,
equation, and graph of an exponential growth function

4. The relationship between the number of folds and the area of a section is a function.
Why? For each number of folds there is a unique number that represents the area of a
section.

What is the domain of this function? {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …}

Now plot the points (# of folds, section area). Let the horizontal axis represent the
number of folds; let the vertical axis represent the area of the section created.

Does it make sense to connect these points with a smooth curve? Why or why not?

In the context of this problem, it does not make sense to connect the points. The domain
is the set of whole numbers so only points that have x-coordinates that are whole
numbers will be included.

Write the function g for the section area you will have after x folds.
1 𝑥
𝑔 (𝑥 ) = � �
2

Use your function to determine the area of a section as compared to the area of the
original paper if you were able to fold the paper 15 times.
1
The area is 15 of the area of the original piece of paper.
2

The function g for the area of a section is an example of exponential decay. What do
you notice about the table, equation, and graph of an exponential decay function?

As the independent variable increases in value the dependent variable decreases in value
but not at a constant rate. Furthermore, as the independent variable approaches infinity,
the dependent variable approaches a constant value.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 14 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Investigating Exponential Growth and Decay

1. Take a large rectangular sheet of paper and fold it in half. You now have two equal sized
sections each with an area that is half the original area.

2. Fold the paper in half again. How many sections of paper do you have? What is the area of
each section compared to the area of the original piece of paper?

Continue this process until you cannot fold the paper anymore. Fill in the table below as
you go.

Number of Folds 0 1 2 3 4 5

Number of Sections
Area of each section
compared to area of
original paper

3. The relationship between the number of folds and the number of sections is a function.
Why?

What is the domain of this function?

On graph paper let the horizontal axis represent the number of folds. Let the vertical axis
represent the number of sections. Plot the points (# of folds, # of sections).

Does it make sense to connect these points with a smooth curve? Why or why not?

Write the function f for the number of sections of paper you will have after x folds.

Use your function to determine the number of sections you would have if you were able
to fold the paper 15 times.

The function f is an example of exponential growth. What do you notice about the table,
equation, and graph of an exponential growth function?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

4. The relationship between the number of folds and the area of a section is a function.
Why?

What is the domain of this function?

Now plot the points (# of folds, section area). Let the horizontal axis represent the
number of folds; let the vertical axis represent the area of the section created.

Does it make sense to connect these points with a smooth curve? Why or why not?

Write the function g for the section area you will have after x folds.

Use your function to determine the area of a section as compared to the area of the
original paper if you were able to fold the paper 15 times.

The function g for the area of a section is an example of exponential decay. What do
you notice about the table, equation, and graph of an exponential decay function?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Graphs of Exponential Functions

Mathematical Goals
Graph exponential functions
Identify the characteristics of an exponential function

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Investigating Exponential Growth and Decay

Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, showing intercepts and end behavior.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Look for and make use of structure.

Introduction
In this task students graph a variety of exponential functions to determine the characteristics of
these functions.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

In Coordinate Algebra one of the functions studied was the exponential function. By definition
an exponential function is 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1. An exponential function returns
powers of a base number a. The input of the exponential function is the exponent and the output
is the number obtained when the base number is raised to that exponent.

1. For each function given, represent the function as a table and then use these points to graph
the function on graph paper.

a. 𝑦 = 2𝑥
b. 𝑦 = 3𝑥
c. 𝑦 = 4𝑥
d. 𝑦 = 10𝑥

2. What common characteristics of these functions do you see? In particular, determine the
domain and range of the functions and any intercepts. Also describe any characteristics of
their graphs such as increasing/decreasing, asymptotes, end-behavior, etc.

For each function the domain is all real numbers and the range is positive real numbers.
The y-intercept for each is (0,1). There is no x-intercept. The functions are increasing
throughout. There is an asymptote of y = 0. As x becomes infinitely small, y is positive
but approaches 0 in value. As x becomes infinitely large, y also becomes infinitely large.

How does the graph of the exponential function change as the base a changes?

As a increases, the graph increases more quickly.

3. The symbol 𝑒 represents the irrational number 2.718281828…. Recall an irrational number
is represented by a non-terminating, non-repeating decimal number. 𝑒 is one of those
important numbers in mathematics like π that keeps showing up in all kinds of places.
𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 is the natural exponential function.

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = 2𝑥 , 𝑦 = 3𝑥 , and 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 . How do their graphs

compare? What do you notice about the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 in relationship to the graphs of
𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ?

The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 lies between the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = 3𝑥 .

4. Use graphing technology to graph each function.

a. 𝑦 = 2−𝑥
b. 𝑦 = 3−𝑥
c. 𝑦 = 4−𝑥
d. 𝑦 = 10−𝑥

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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How do these graphs compare to those in part (1) above? Use what you know about
transformations of functions to explain the relationship between the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and
𝑦 = 2−𝑥 .
The graphs are reflections over the y-axis of the graphs in part (1).

Does the same relationship hold for 𝑦 = 3𝑥 and 𝑦 = 3−𝑥 ? For 𝑦 = 4𝑥 and 𝑦 = 4−𝑥 ? In
general, what is the relationship between the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑎−𝑥 ?
Yes, the same relationship holds. The graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑎−𝑥 are reflections over
the y-axis of each other.

1 𝑥
Graph 𝑦 = � � . Compare its graph to 𝑦 = 2−𝑥 . What do you observe?
2
These graphs are the same.
1 𝑥
Use properties of exponents to explain the relationship between � � and 2−𝑥 .
2

1 𝑥
� � = [ (2)−1 ] 𝑥 = 2−𝑥
2

1 𝑥
Do your observations about the graphs of 𝑦 = � � and 𝑦 = 2−𝑥 now make sense?
2

1 𝑥 1 𝑥
Since � � and 2−𝑥 are equal, then the graphs of 𝑦 = � � and 𝑦 = 2−𝑥 should certainly
2 2
be equal.

5. Graph 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3. How does this graph compare to that of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ?

The graph of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 is shifted up 3 units from the graph of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 .

Based on what you know about transformations of functions, describe in words how
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 transforms the graph of the parent function 𝑦 = 2𝑥 .

𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 vertically translates 𝑦 = 2𝑥 up 3 units .

Discuss what you notice about the domain, range, intercepts, and asymptote of
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3.
The domain is all real numbers but the range is y > 3. The asymptote is y = 3 and the y-
intercept is (0, 4).
6. Graph 𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 . How does this graph compare to that of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ?

Graph has been shifted 5 units to the right.

Based on what you know about transformations of functions, describe in words how
𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 transforms the graph of the parent function 𝑦 = 2𝑥 .

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 horizontally translates the graph o f 𝑦 = 2𝑥 5 units to the right.

Discuss what you notice about the domain, range, intercepts, and asymptote of 𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 .

Domain is all real numbers. Range is y > 0. Read from the graph we find the y-intercept is
(0, .03125) . Asymptote is y = 0.

7. The exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 is defined for all real numbers 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1.
a. Why do you think the function is not defined for bases that are negative real numbers?
Often to determine why something cannot be true, it helps to see what would happen if it
were true!! So…explore what would happen for negative values of 𝑎; for example, see
what would happen if 𝑎 = −2. Set up a table of values to see if you can determine a
reasonable explanation for why the base is not allowed to be negative in an exponential
function.

For a < 0, there would be x values for which the function is defined. For example, if x =
½, the value of y is undefined since the square root of a negative number is not a real
number.

b. Why do you think the function is not defined for a base of 0 or a base of 1? Explore the
functions 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 for 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑎 = 1. Can you offer a reasonable explanation for
excluding values of 0 and 1 for the base of an exponential function?

For a = 0, the function is the constant linear function y = 0 (for x ≠ 0) ; for a = 1, the
function is the constant linear function y = 1.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Graphs of Exponential Functions

In Coordinate Algebra one of the functions studied was the exponential function. By
definition an exponential function is 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1. An exponential
function returns powers of a base number a. The input of the exponential function is the
exponent and the output is the number obtained when the base number is raised to that
exponent.

1. For each function given, represent the function as a table and then use these points to
graph the function on graph paper.

a. 𝑦 = 2𝑥
b. 𝑦 = 3𝑥
c. 𝑦 = 4𝑥
d. 𝑦 = 10𝑥

2. What common characteristics of these functions do you see? In particular, determine the
domain and range of the functions and any intercepts. Also describe any characteristics
of their graphs such as increasing/decreasing, asymptotes, end-behavior, etc.

How does the graph of the exponential function change as the base a changes?

3. The symbol 𝑒 represents the irrational number 2.718281828…. Recall an irrational

number is represented by a non-terminating, non-repeating decimal number. 𝑒 is one of
those important numbers in mathematics like π that keeps showing up in all kinds of
places. 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 is the natural exponential function.

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = 2𝑥 , 𝑦 = 3𝑥 , and 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 . How do their graphs

compare? What do you notice about the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 in relationship to the graphs of
𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = 3𝑥 ?

4. Use graphing technology to graph each function.

a. 𝑦 = 2−𝑥
b. 𝑦 = 3−𝑥
c. 𝑦 = 4−𝑥
d. 𝑦 = 10−𝑥

How do these graphs compare to those in part (1) above? Use what you know about

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

transformations of functions to explain the relationship between the graphs of 𝑦 = 2𝑥

and 𝑦 = 2−𝑥 .

Does the same relationship hold for 𝑦 = 3𝑥 and 𝑦 = 3−𝑥 ? For 𝑦 = 4𝑥 and 𝑦 = 4−𝑥 ? In
general, what is the relationship between the graphs of 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑎−𝑥 ?

1 𝑥
5. Graph 𝑦 = � � . Compare its graph to 𝑦 = 2−𝑥 . What do you observe?
2

1 𝑥
Use properties of exponents to explain the relationship between � � and 2−𝑥 .
2

1 𝑥
Do your observations about the graphs of 𝑦 = � � and 𝑦 = 2−𝑥 now make sense?
2

6. Graph 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3. How does this graph compare to that of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ?

Based on what you know about transformations of functions, describe in words how
𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3 transforms the graph of the parent function 𝑦 = 2𝑥 .

Discuss what you notice about the domain, range, intercepts, and asymptote of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 +
3.

7. Graph 𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 . How does this graph compare to that of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ?

Based on what you know about transformations of functions, describe in words how
𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 transforms the graph of the parent function 𝑦 = 2𝑥 .

Discuss what you notice about the domain, range, intercepts, and asymptote of 𝑦 = 2𝑥−5 .

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

8. The exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 is defined for all real numbers 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑎 ≠ 1.
a. Why do you think the function is not defined for bases that are negative real
numbers? Often to determine why something cannot be true, it helps to see what
would happen if it were true!! So…explore what would happen for negative values
of 𝑎; for example, see what would happen if 𝑎 = −2. Set up a table of values to see
if you can determine a reasonable explanation for why the base is not allowed to be
negative in an exponential function.

b. Why do you think the function is not defined for a base of 0 or a base of 1? Explore
the functions 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 for 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑎 = 1. Can you offer a reasonable explanation
for excluding values of 0 and 1 for the base of an exponential function?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Zombie Apocalypse Simulation (Spotlight Task)

Mathematical Goals
Develop the concepts of exponential growth through a visual model, as well as understand the
magnitude of exponential growth and the idea of exponential compounding.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.

Standards Addressed
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

Analyze functions using different representations

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Introduction
This task gives students a visual way to experience exponential growth, as well as graphing
exponential equations. The fast increase in the rate of growth is explored, as is a beginning of
the “Compound Interest” idea in that the original amount (principal) remains PLUS additional.
The comparison of large vs. small beans as “Zombies” allows them to speculate as to how the
relative size of the “zombie”

Materials
• Dried Pinto Beans and Dried Beans of at least two other types

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

• Pan or Paper Box Lid (one per pair)

• Cups-2 per pair of students

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Zombie Apocalypse Simulation

Say to students:
You have been placed into pairs for this activity. You should have a box lid/pan on your desk
and two cups. In one of those cups, you should see normal dried pinto beans. Each of those
beans represents a healthy member of the human population. Each group also has an empty
cup. Take the empty cup and come choose a second type of bean. You can choose Giant Lima
Beans, tiny Adzuki Beans, Lentils, or Kidney Beans. It doesn’t matter. But your second cup will
contain only one type.

For this activity, you will need at least two different types of dried
beans. Kidney beans of two colors are good, but you may want to consider using several
different types of beans. While each student or pair of students would only get two types, the
different types of beans leads to richer discussion. For instance, if every group got pinto beans
to represent the non-diseased population, but one group got giant lima beans to represent
disease, another group got black beans to represent disease, and another group got kidney
beans, the discussions would be far richer.
Materials:
Beans of at least two different types (not mixed together…separated by type)-enough for each
group to get two cups –each of different type-would be easier for teacher if the beans are in
containers that the beans can be easily poured into, and also that the cups fit into and can scoop
from easily to facilitate quick setup and cleanup.

At exactly 8am, a Zombie staggers into a building of healthy, disease free people and begins to
infect others. It takes a normal, disease-free person four hours to turn into a Zombie once bitten.
There is actually a Pentagon Action plan for “Zombie Apocalypse.”Read below. The Zombie
analogy was used by the Pentagot to counter any sort of exponentially-increasing threat.
Zombiefication was a tongue-in-cheek look at a very real possibility in terms of disease,
biological warfare, Social Media bandwagon threats (which arguably has played major role in
the overthrow of many world governments very recently) or propagation of cyber attacks. The
text is below-students will appreciate the levity!

In this exploration, you will use a model to examine the spread of the Zombie pathogen. You
will need a cup of pinto beans which represents people and a cup of another type of beans which
represents zombies.
Procedure: You may change the bean types listed below if you happen to have different types.
Pour the dried pinto beans in a flat box. Each pinto bean represents a healthy, disease-free
individual. Try to encourage a variety of types of beans if you can to create more interesting
discussion later.
Place one dried white bean in the container. This bean represents a Zombie. This is time t=0,
where b(x)=1 and z(x)=1. Gently shake the container. They are stirring it up each time so that
the Zombies are not bunched together. Pat the beans down so there is only one layer. Any pinto

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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bean that is within 1 mm of the white bean has been bitten by the Zombie. The thickness of a
dime is about 1.35 mm. So if they could not squeeze a dime in between the Zombie bean and the
Pinto…the Pinto is bitten. Replace the newly-bitten pintos with a white Zombie bean, because
that’s what happens when you are bitten-you turn into a zombie. Count the number of white
beans in the container. The number of new white beans is the number of bites, and the total
number of white beans is the number of zombies See the blue photo example below. Student
answers will be different based on the type of beans and luck of the Shake. Write this number in
the appropriate column of Table 1.

(This table is sample data. The data will vary…)

TABLE 1: Simulated Spread of a Disease
Shake Number (x) Number of Bites (b(x)) Number of Zombies (z(x))

(8:00 am) 0 0 1

(12:00 pm) 1 7 8

(4:00 pm) 2 16 23

(8:00 pm) 3 95 118

(12:00 am) 4 194 312

(4:00 am) 5 OUT OF BEANS OUT OF BEANS

(8:00am) 6 OUT OF BEANS OUT OF BEANS

What times correlate to each Shake Number? Write those in the space to the left of the Shake
Numbers in the chart. See chart above.
Graph b(x) and z(x) on their respective axes, below, being sure to label completely.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

What is the difference between the meanings of b(x) and z(x) at any given time? The difference
is that the number of Zombies is the SUM of all of the Number of Bites, inclusive of the most
recent ones. In a Calculus sense, the Number of Zombies graph is giving the integral (area
under the curve) of the Number of Bites graph. Obviously that’s beyond the scope of this course,
but if you were to plot dots underneath the “Bites” curve, they would understand that every dot
represents a new Zombie.
About how many more shakes do you think it would take for your entire population of pinto
bean people to be Zombies? It only took five, total. (students would guess if it were longer)

What does the y-intercept on your graph represent, as far as diseased/healthy people? The y-
intercept represents the one Zombie. If there were three zombies to start, the y-intercept would
be (0,3).

About how many healthy people did your diseased person infect in a single interaction? Each
Zombie bit 6-7 people each time.

How does the size of the pinto bean vs. the Zombie bean affect the number of bites? The Zombie
was bigger, so he could touch more people. In real terms, it may be that the Zombie is bigger,
but it could also mean he was quicker or that the environment gives people nowhere to go.

Now come together with another group whose “diseased person” was a different type of bean
than the one that you measured, preferably one with a different size, and compare your answers
to 1-4 with theirs. Do you notice any differences? If so, why do you think one “diseased
person” affects the healthy population differently? The smaller the Zombie, the smaller the
multiplier each time. The bigger the Zombie, the more people it could take out each shake.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

For each shake for your group and your neighbors, describe how fast the number of zombies
changed mathematically compared with the last shake. What is the pattern or relationship? (It
won’t be exact because this is a simulation, but you should see a relationship between a shake
and the one before it that is similar to the relationship between a shake and the one after). For
this one, the number of bites changed by a factor of around 7 times the previous number. But the
total number of Zombies appeared to be a multiple of 8, which is generally not what students
expect. It is because of the compounding nature of the Zombie Problem. This will be addressed
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
later after Compound Interest is discussed, and we will revisit this. 𝐴(𝑡) = 𝑃 �1 + � . A(t) is
𝑛
the amount in an account at any given time, “t.” P is the initial amount, r is the rate of return, n
is the number of times the return is calculated, and t is the units of time you choose to use
(money uses years but we can use others). So P in this case is 1 (there is one Zombie initially), r
is the rate of return, and in this case, it’s 700% so r=7. n=1. While this is beyond the scope of
their knowledge right now, you can revisit this task after compound interest to determine the
actual equation.
Noting the relationships that you and your neighbors noticed #12, what do you think will happen
from one shake of a box to another in the photos below, if the speckled bean is the “Zombie?”
You can tell the repeated multiplier by the number of beans surrounding it.

a. The factor/repeated b. The factor/repeated c. The factor/repeated d. The factor/repeated

multiplier would be 4. multiplier would be multiplier would be 6. multiplier would be 7
about 11. or 8. It could be that
the little beans at the
top aren’t close
enough to count-but if
students recognize
this, they understand
this concept.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Zombie Apocalypse Simulation (Spotlight Task)

Mathematical Goals
Develop the concepts of exponential growth through a visual model, as well as understand the
magnitude of exponential growth and the idea of exponential compounding.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.

Standards Addressed
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

Analyze functions using different representations

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Introduction
This task gives students a visual way to experience exponential growth, as well as graphing
exponential equations. The fast increase in the rate of growth is explored, as is a beginning of
the “Compound Interest” idea in that the original amount (principal) remains PLUS additional.
The comparison of large vs. small beans as “Zombies” allows them to speculate as to how the
relative size of the “zombie”

Materials
• Dried Pinto Beans and Dried Beans of at least two other types
• Pan or Paper Box Lid (one per pair)
• Cups-2 per pair of students

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

The situation:
At exactly 8am, a Zombie staggers into a school building of healthy, disease free people. It takes
a normal, disease-free person four hours to turn into a Zombie once bitten. In this exploration,
you will use a model to examine the spread of the Zombie pathogen. You will need a cup of
pinto beans which represents people and a cup of another type of beans which represents
zombies.
TABLE 1: Simulated Spread of a Disease
Number
Shake Number
of
Number of Bites
Zombies
(x) (b(x))
(z(x))
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. What times correlate to each Shake Number? Write those in the space to the left of the
Shake Numbers in the chart.
2. Graph b(x) and z(x) on their respective axes, below, being sure to label completely.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

3.

4. What is the difference between the meanings of b(x) and z(x) at any given time?

5. About how many more shakes do you think it would take for your entire population of pinto
bean people to be Zombies?

6. What does the y-intercept on your graph represent, as far as diseased/healthy people?

7. About how many healthy people did your diseased person infect in a single interaction?

8. How does the size of the pinto bean vs. the Zombie bean affect the number of bites?

9. Now come together with another group whose “diseased person” was a different type of bean
than the one that you measured, preferably one with a different size, and compare your
answers to 1-4 with theirs. Do you notice any differences? If so, why do you think one
“diseased person” affects the healthy population differently?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

10. For each shake for your group and your neighbors, describe how fast the number of zombies
changed mathematically compared with the last shake. What is the pattern or relationship?
(It won’t be exact because this is a simulation, but you should see a relationship between a
shake and the one before it that is similar to the relationship between a shake and the one
after).
11. Noting the relationships that you and your neighbors noticed #12, what do you think will
happen from one shake of a box to another in the photos below, if the speckled bean is the
“Zombie?”

a. b. c. d.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Bacteria in the Swimming Pool 1

Mathematical Goals
Represent a real-world situation with an exponential function
Solve an exponential equation using a numerical and a graphical approach

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to
reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.

Introduction
This is a problem that models exponential growth. It is solved using a numerical approach and a
graphical approach. The lack of an algebraic way to solve it motivates the need for a logarithm.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

1
Adapted from NCTM’s Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics Addenda Series, Grades 9-
12: Algebra in a Technological World.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

The bacteria count in a heated swimming pool is 1500 bacteria per cubic centimeter on Monday
morning at 8 AM, and the count doubles each day thereafter.

What bacteria count can you expect on Wednesday at 8 AM?

Complete the table below.

Time (days) since Monday at 8 AM 0 1 2 3 4 5

Number of bacteria per cc 3000 6000 12000 24000 48000

1500

Suppose we want to know the expected bacteria count at 2 PM Thursday, 3.25 days after the
initial count. Use the values in your table to estimate the number of bacteria. Explain your
thinking.

Students should give a value between 12000 and 24000. Some may incorrectly predict 15000
since 15000 is ¼ of the way between 12000 and 24000 just as 3.25 is ¼ of the distance between 3
and 4. If this happens, come back to it after doing #6; point out the bacteria problem is not a
direct variation.

To answer this question more precisely, it would be helpful if we can write a function for the
bacteria count in terms of the number of days since Monday at 8 AM. To do this, it is helpful to
look for a pattern. However, if you calculated the bacteria count for each number of days in the
table, then the process you used to get the number of bacteria is probably camouflaged; this
means it may be difficult to identify a pattern that can lead you to a generalized expression.
Instead, consider writing the number of bacteria for each number of days in terms of 1500, the
initial bacteria count. Ask yourself: If you began with a count of 1500 bacteria, how do you get
the number of bacteria after 1 day? Do you see this is 1500 ∙ 2 ? Then the number after 2 days
is found by doubling the number of bacteria after 1 day so we now have (1500 ∙ 2) ∙ 2. Then the
number after 3 days is found by doubling the number after 2 days so we have (1500 ∙ 2 ∙ 2) ∙ 2 .
Do you see a pattern? As the number of days increases, what stays the same in the expressions
for the number of bacteria? What is changing in the expressions for the number of bacteria?

1500 stays the same. There is a factor of 2 but what changes is the number of factors of 2.

Use the pattern from Problem 3 to write a function P that represents the number of bacteria per
cc after t days. (Be sure your function gives you the same data you wrote in the table of Problem
2.)

Solution: P(t) = 1500(2)t

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

How can you use the function to determine the number of bacteria present after 3.25 days?

Solution: P(3.25) = 1500(2)3.25 ≈ 14270 bacteria per cc

Use graphing technology to graph the function. Explain how to use the graph to determine the
bacteria count after 3.25 days.

We could trace the function to find the point that has an x-coordinate of approximately 3.25.
The y-coordinate of this point is the number of bacteria after 3.25 days.

If nothing is done and the bacteria continue to double, how long will it take for the count to reach
3 million bacteria? Write an equation to represent this situation. Find at least 2 different ways to
solve the equation.

1500 (2𝑡 ) = 3000000

It could be solved graphically. Graph 𝑦1 = 1500 (2𝑡 ) and 𝑦2 = 3000000 and find their point
of intersection. The x-coordinate of this point is the number of days it will take for the
population to reach 3000000.

We could also use guess and check; just continue to substitute values in for t until you get
1500 (2𝑡 ) to equal 3000000 (or very close to it!).

The number is 3000000 in just under 11 days.

To solve the equation you wrote in Problem 8 algebraically, we need a strategy to isolate the
exponent t. This strategy requires logarithms that are defined in the next task.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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July 2014  Page 36 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Bacteria in the Swimming Pool

The bacteria count in a heated swimming pool is 1500 bacteria per cubic centimeter on Monday
morning at 8 AM, and the count doubles each day thereafter.

What bacteria count can you expect on Wednesday at 8 AM?

Complete the table below.

Time (days) 0 1 2 3 4 5
since Monday at
8 AM
Number of
bacteria per cc 1500

Suppose we want to know the expected bacteria count at 2 PM Thursday, 3.25 days after the
initial count. Use the values in your table to estimate the number of bacteria. Explain your
thinking.

To answer this question more precisely, it would be helpful if we can write a function for the
bacteria count in terms of the number of days since Monday at 8 AM. To do this, it is helpful to
look for a pattern. However, if you calculated the bacteria count for each number of days in the
table, then the process you used to get the number of bacteria is probably camouflaged; this
means it may be difficult to identify a pattern that can lead you to a generalized expression.
Instead, consider writing the number of bacteria for each number of days in terms of 1500, the

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 37 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

initial bacteria count. Ask yourself: If you began with a count of 1500 bacteria, how do you get
the number of bacteria after 1 day? Do you see this is 1500 ∙ 2 ? Then the number after 2 days
is found by doubling the number of bacteria after 1 day so we now have (1500 ∙ 2) ∙ 2. Then the
number after 3 days is found by doubling the number after 2 days so we have (1500 ∙ 2 ∙ 2) ∙ 2 .
Do you see a pattern? Do you see a pattern? As the number of days increases, what stays the
same in the expressions for the number of bacteria? What is changing in the expressions for the
number of bacteria?

Use the pattern from Problem 3 to write a function P that represents the number of bacteria per
cc after t days. (Be sure your function gives you the same data you wrote in the table of Problem
2.)

How can you use the function to determine the number of bacteria present after 3.25 days?

Use graphing technology to graph the function. Explain how to use the graph to determine the
bacteria count after 3.25 days.

If nothing is done and the bacteria continue to double, how long will it take for the count to reach
3 million bacteria? Write an equation to represent this situation. Find at least 2 different ways to
solve the equation.

To solve the equation you wrote in Problem 8 algebraically, we need a strategy to isolate the
exponent t. This strategy requires logarithms that are defined in the next task.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

What is a Logarithm? (Spotlight Task)

***If you have been using the rapid recall quizzes in the appendix, this should really be a very
very quick task for students. They will (by now) already know that LogArithm = Logical
Arithmetic, and they will already have seen how it’s just thinking backwards. In fact, with the
Logical Arithmetic, this task will be quick AND will be a real, “AHA!” For them. So quick, in
fact, that there is now an additional activity involving a card sort to reinforce the
verballogexponentialmeaning to logarithms.

Mathematical Goals
Understand the concept of a logarithm
Develop the ability to move flexibly from exponential form to logarithmic form and vice versa
Understand how logarithms can be used to solve problems
Use the calculator to evaluate common and natural logarithms

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential
functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.

Introduction
In this task students learn there is a direct connection between a logarithm and an exponent.

Materials
Calculator

As a society, we are accustomed to performing an action and then undoing or reversing that
action. Identify the action that undoes each of those named.
Putting on a jacket Removing a jacket

Opening a door Closing a door

Walking forward Walking backward

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Depositing money in a bank Withdrawing money from a bank

In mathematics we also find it useful to be able to undo certain actions.

What action undoes adding 5 to a number? Subtracting 5 from the result

What action undoes multiplying a number by 4? Dividing the result by 4

What action undoes squaring a number?

Taking the square root of the result

We say that addition and subtraction are inverse operations because one operation undoes the
other. Multiplication and division are also inverse operations; squaring and taking the square
root are inverse operations.

Inverse operations in mathematics help us solve equations. Consider the equation

2x + 3 = 35. This equation implies some number (represented by x) has been multiplied by 2;
then 3 has been added to the product for a result of 35. To determine the value of x, we subtract
3 from 35 to undo adding 3. This means that 2x must equal to 32. To undo multiplying the
number by 2, we divide 32 by 2 and find the number represented by x is 16.

Explain how inverse operations are used in the solution of the following problems.

In right triangle ABC with right angle B, if BC is 8 cm and AC is 17 cm, determine the measure
of angle A.
A B
Since ABC is a right triangle, then
8 8
𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝐴 = so 𝐴 = 𝑠𝑠𝑠−1 � �. C
17 17

If √𝑥 + 8 = 10, determine the value of 𝑥.

We’ve taken a number x, added 8 to it, then taken the square root of this sum and gotten 10. So
we must reverse our steps using the inverse operations. Take the result 10 and first square it to
get 100 and then subtract 8 from 100.

Solve x3= 27 for x.

If we have cubed a number x to get 27 so we must take the cube root of the result, 27, to
determine the original number x.

Solve 2x = 10 for x.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

We have multiplied a number by 2 and gotten 10 so we must divide the result 10 by 2 to

determine the original number x.

In problem 8 of Task 3, “Bacteria in the Swimming Pool,” we obtained the equation 1500(2)𝑡 =
3000000 to solve for t. This equation is equivalent to equivalent to 2𝑡 = 2000. Why? While
in Task 3 we had no algebraic way to solve this equation because we lacked a strategy to isolate
the exponent t. Our goal in this current task is to continue our idea of “undoing” to solve an
equation; specifically, we need to find an action that will undo raising 2 to a power. This action
needs to report the exponent to which 2 has been raised in order to obtain 2000. In order to
rewrite 2𝑡 = 2000 so t is isolated, we need to define logarithms. Logarithms allow us to rewrite
an exponential equation so that the exponent is isolated. Specifically, if 𝑎 = 𝑏𝑐 , then “c is the
logarithm with base b of a” and is written as log 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑐. (We read “log 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑐” as “log base b
of a is c.”)

Using logarithms we can write 2𝑡 = 2000 as log 2 2000 = 𝑡. These two expressions are
equivalent, and in the expression log 2 2000 = 𝑡 we have t isolated. Although this is a good
thing, we still need a way to evaluate the expression log 2 2000. We know it equals the
exponent to which 2 must be raised in order to obtain a value of 2000, but we still don’t know
how to calculate this value. Hang on…we will get there in the next task! First some preliminary
work must be done!

Let’s look at a few examples:

102 = 100 is equivalent to log 10 100 = 2. Notice that 10 is the base in both the exponential form
and the logarithmic form. Also notice that the logarithm is the exponent to which 10 is raised to
obtain 100.
Evaluate log 4 64. This question asks for the exponent to which 4 is raised to obtain 64. In other
words, 4 to what power equals 64? ____3____
Consider the following problem: log2 𝑛 = 4. This equation is equivalent to 24 = 𝑛; thus,
𝑛 = 16.

The relationship between exponents and logarithms must be understood clearly. The following
practice problems will help you gain this understanding.

Rewrite each exponential equation as a logarithmic equation.

62 = 36 𝑙𝑙𝑙6 36 = 2
103 = 1000 𝑙𝑙𝑙10 1000 = 3
1 1
252 = 5 𝑙𝑙𝑙25 5 =
2

Rewrite each logarithmic equation as an exponential equation.

log 4 16 = 2 42 = 16
log 6 1 = 0 60 = 1
𝑡
log 3 𝑛 = 𝑡 3 =𝑛

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Evaluate each of the following.

1
log10 (0.1) We want the exponent that 10 must be raised in order to get 0.1 or . That
10
exponent is -1 so 𝑙𝑙𝑙10 (0.1) = −1
log 3 81 4
1
log 2 -4
16
log 5 5 1
Between what two whole numbers is the value of log 3 18?

𝑙𝑙𝑙3 18 is the exponent to which 3 must be raised to obtain 18.

Since 32 = 9 and 33 = 27, then the exponent to which 3 must be raised to obtain 18 is
between 2 and 3.

Between what two whole numbers is the value of log 2 50?

Since 25 = 32 and 26 = 64, then the exponent 2 must be raised to obtain 50 is

between 5 and 6.

Solve each logarithmic equation for x.

log 9 𝑥 = 81
log 2 𝑥 = 32
log 7 1 = x
log 8 x = 3
log 5 (3x + 1) = 2
log 6 (4x – 7) = 0

Solution: a. x=2 b. x = 5 c. x=0

d. x = 512 e. x = 8 f. x = 2

Hopefully you now have an understanding of the relationship between exponents and logarithms.
In logarithms, just as with exponential expressions, any positive number can be a base except 1
(we will explore this fact later). Logarithms which use 10 for the base are called common
logarithms and are expressed simply as log x. It is not necessary to write the base. Calculators are
programmed to evaluate common logarithms.

Use your calculator to evaluate log 78. First think about what this expression means.

Solution: 𝑥 ≈ 1.89
Understanding logarithms can help solve more complex exponential equations. Consider solving
the following equation for x:

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

10x = 350

We know that 102 = 100 and 103 = 1000 so x should be between 2 and 3. Rewriting
10𝑥 = 350 as the logarithmic equation x = log 350, we can use the calculator to determine the
value of x to the nearest hundredth. Solution: x = 2.54

Solve each of the following for x using logarithms. Determine the value of x to the nearest
hundredth.
10x = 15
10x = 0.3458
3(10x) = 2345
-2(10x) = -6538

Solution: 1. x ≈ 1.18 2. x ≈ -0.46 3. x ≈ 2.89 4. x ≈ 3.51

Logarithms that use the irrational number 𝑒 as a base are of particular importance in many
applications. Recall an irrational number is represented by a non-terminating, non-repeating
decimal number. The value of 𝑒 is 2.718281828…. The function 𝑦 = log 𝑒 𝑥 is the natural
logarithmic function and has a base of 𝑒. The shorthand for 𝑦 = log 𝑒 𝑥 is 𝑦 = ln 𝑥.
Calculators are also programmed to evaluate natural logarithms.
Consider ln 34 which means the exponent to which the base 𝑒 must be raised to obtain 34. The
calculator evaluates ln 34 as approximately 3.526. This value makes sense because 𝑒 3.526 is
approximately 33.9877, a value very close to 34!

Evaluate ln 126. Use an exponential expression to confirm your solution makes sense. Approx
4.84 ; since 𝑒 4.84 ≈ 126.47, the solution makes sense.

Evaluate ln 𝑒. Explain why your answer makes sense. 𝑙𝑙 𝑒 means the exponent to which 𝑒 is
raised to obtain 𝑒. Since 𝑒 1 = 𝑒, then this exponent is 1 so 𝑙𝑙 𝑒 = 1.

If ln 𝑥 = 7, determine the value of x to the nearest hundredth. HINT: Write the logarithmic
equation in exponential form.

𝑙𝑙 𝑥 = 7 is equivalent to 𝑒 7 = 𝑥. So x is approx 1096.63.

If 𝑒 𝑥 = 85, determine the value of x to the nearest hundredth. HINT: Write the exponential
equation in logarithmic form.

𝑒 𝑥 = 85 is equivalent to 𝑙𝑙 85 = 𝑥 so x is approx 4.44.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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July 2014  Page 43 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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July 2014  Page 44 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

What is a Logarithm? (Spotlight Task)

As a society, we are accustomed to performing an action and then undoing or reversing that
action. Identify the action that undoes each of those named.
Putting on a jacket

Opening a door

Walking forward

Depositing money in a bank

In mathematics we also find it useful to be able to undo certain actions.

What action undoes adding 5 to a number?

What action undoes multiplying a number by 4?

What action undoes squaring a number?

We say that addition and subtraction are inverse operations because one operation undoes the
other. Multiplication and division are also inverse operations; squaring and taking the square
root are inverse operations.

Inverse operations in mathematics help us solve equations. Consider the equation

2x + 3 = 35. This equation implies some number (represented by x) has been multiplied by 2;
then 3 has been added to the product for a result of 35. To determine the value of x, we subtract
3 from 35 to undo adding 3. This means that 2x must equal to 32. To undo multiplying the
number by 2, we divide 32 by 2 and find the number represented by x is 16.

Explain how inverse operations are used in the solution of the following problems.

In right triangle ABC with right angle B, if BC is 8 cm and AC is 17 cm, determine the measure
of angle A.
A B

C
If √𝑥 + 8 = 10, determine the value of 𝑥.

Solve x3= 27 for x.

Solve 2x = 10 for x.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 45 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

In problem 8 of Task 3, “Bacteria in the Swimming Pool,” we obtained the equation 1500(2)𝑡 =
3000000 to solve for t. This equation is equivalent to equivalent to 2𝑡 = 2000. Why? While
in Task 3 we had no algebraic way to solve this equation because we lacked a strategy to isolate
the exponent t. Our goal in this current task is to continue our idea of “undoing” to solve an
equation; specifically, we need to find an action that will undo raising 2 to a power. This action
needs to report the exponent to which 2 has been raised in order to obtain 2000. In order to
rewrite 2𝑡 = 2000 so t is isolated, we need to define logarithms. Logarithms allow us to rewrite
an exponential equation so that the exponent is isolated. Specifically, if 𝑎 = 𝑏𝑐 , then “c is the
logarithm with base b of a” and is written as log 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑐. (We read “log 𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑐” as “log base b
of a is c.”)

Using logarithms we can write 2𝑡 = 2000 as log 2 2000 = 𝑡. These two expressions are
equivalent, and in the expression log 2 2000 = 𝑡 we have t isolated. Although this is a good
thing, we still need a way to evaluate the expression log 2 2000. We know it equals the exponent
to which 2 must be raised in order to obtain a value of 2000, but we still don’t know how to
calculate this value. Hang on…we will get there in the next task! First some preliminary work
must be done!

Let’s look at a few examples:

102 = 100 is equivalent to log 10 100 = 2. Notice that 10 is the base in both the exponential form
and the logarithmic form. Also notice that the logarithm is the exponent to which 10 is raised to
obtain 100.
Evaluate log 4 64. This question asks for the exponent to which 4 is raised to obtain 64. In other
words, 4 to what power equals 64? ________
Consider the following problem: log2 𝑛 = 4. This equation is equivalent to 24 = 𝑛; thus,
𝑛 = 16.

The relationship between exponents and logarithms must be understood clearly. The following
practice problems will help you gain this understanding.

Rewrite each exponential equation as a logarithmic equation.

62 = 36
103 = 1000
1
252 = 5

Rewrite each logarithmic equation as an exponential equation.

log 4 16 = 2
log 6 1 = 0
log 3 𝑛 = 𝑡

Evaluate each of the following.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

log10 (0.1)
lo𝑔3 81
1
log 2
16
log 5 5
Between what two whole numbers is the value of log 3 18?
Between what two whole numbers is the value of log 2 50?

Solve each logarithmic equation for x.

log 9 𝑥 = 81
log 2 𝑥 = 32
log 7 1 = x
log 8 x = 3
log 5 (3x + 1) = 2
log 6 (4x – 7) = 0

Hopefully you now have an understanding of the relationship between exponents and logarithms.
In logarithms, just as with exponential expressions, any positive number can be a base except 1
(we will explore this fact later). Logarithms which use 10 for the base are called common
logarithms and are expressed simply as log x. It is not necessary to write the base. Calculators are
programmed to evaluate common logarithms.

Use your calculator to evaluate log 78. First think about what this expression means.

Understanding logarithms can help solve more complex exponential equations. Consider solving
the following equation for x:

10x = 350

We know that 102 = 100 and 103 = 1000 so x should be between 2 and 3. Rewriting
10𝑥 = 350 as the logarithmic equation x = log 350, we can use the calculator to determine the
value of x to the nearest hundredth.

Solve each of the following for x using logarithms. Determine the value of x to the nearest
hundredth.
10x = 15
10x = 0.3458
3(10x) = 2345
-2(10x) = -6538

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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July 2014  Page 47 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Logarithms that use the irrational number 𝑒 as a base are of particular importance in many
applications. Recall an irrational number is represented by a non-terminating, non-repeating
decimal number. The value of 𝑒 is 2.718281828…. The function 𝑦 = log 𝑒 𝑥 is the natural
logarithmic function and has a base of 𝑒. The shorthand for 𝑦 = log 𝑒 𝑥 is 𝑦 = ln 𝑥.
Calculators are also programmed to evaluate natural logarithms.
Consider ln 34 which means the exponent to which the base 𝑒 must be raised to obtain 34. The
calculator evaluates ln 34 as approximately 3.526. This value makes sense because 𝑒 3.526 is
approximately 33.9877, a value very close to 34!

Evaluate ln 126. Use an exponential expression to confirm your solution makes sense.

Evaluate ln 𝑒. Explain why your answer makes sense.

If ln 𝑥 = 7, determine the value of x to the nearest hundredth. HINT: Write the logarithmic
equation in exponential form.

If 𝑒 𝑥 = 85, determine the value of x to the nearest hundredth. HINT: Write the exponential
equation in logarithmic form.

The cards you have been given are to be sorted. There will be six matches of five cards each.
You will see a verbal description of the exponential function, a verbal description of the
logarithmic function that means the same thing, the logarithmic equation written out, the
exponential equation written out, and the solution to the equations. Make the matches, and then
be prepared to tell:

a) Of the two equations that you saw, the exponential and the logarithmic, which one helped you
find the solution the easiest?

b) How does the solution that you found work for both the logarithmic and the exponential
equation?

c) Which ones could you have solved without any work at all except just using your calculator?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Evaluating Logarithms that are not Common or Natural

Mathematical Goals
Develop a strategy for evaluating logarithms that have bases different from 10 or e
Use technology to evaluate logarithms with bases other than 10 or e

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential

functions.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Introduction
This task ultimately leads to the change of base formula with common logarithms. Knowing this
formula helps students evaluate logarithms with bases other than 10 or 𝑒. However, the deeper
understanding gained by deriving this formula is extremely important. You may want to work
through this task as a whole class, posing questions along the way for students to discuss with
their neighbors.
Materials
Calculator

What does the expression log 15 mean? What is the value of log 15? How can you show the
value you obtained is correct?

𝑙𝑙𝑙 15 means the exponent to which 10 is raised to yield 15; 𝑙𝑙𝑙 15 ≈ 1.176 ; Observe
101.176 ≈ 14.996 ≈ 15

You can use your calculator to obtain the values of log 15 because the calculator is programmed
to evaluate common logarithms. The calculator can also evaluate natural logarithms such as
ln 20. A good question is …..how do I evaluate a logarithm such as log 2 45 that has a base that
is not 10 or 𝑒? This task is designed to help you evaluate such expressions. To make sense of

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

the idea, you must read each part carefully and look for patterns that will help you reach a
generalization.

First of all, explain what log2 45 means. Also, determine between what two whole numbers
log 2 45 is located and explain your thinking.

𝑙𝑙𝑙2 45 means the exponent to which 2 is raised to yield 45

Now let’s see how to determine its value. Do you agree that any positive number can be written
as a power of 10? Let’s try it!
How can you write 1 as a power of 10? How can you write 10 as a power of 10? What about 2?
What about 45? What about 70?

Did you use guess and check to determine the exponent or did you use your understanding of
logarithms to calculate the exponent? For example, what does log 2 mean? What does log 45
mean?

Since any positive number can be written as a power of 10, we can use this fact to help us
evaluate an expression such as log 2 45.

Now log 2 45 equals some value. Let’s call it 𝑥. (And we know 𝑥 is the exponent to which
___2___ must be raised in order to obtain _____45_____.)
So log 2 45 = 𝑥.

This means 2𝑥 = 45. Why?

Now any number can be written as a power of 10 so let 𝑟 and 𝑠 represent the exponents such that
45 = 10𝑟 and 2 = 10𝑠 .
This means that 10𝑠𝑠 = 10𝑟 . Why?
And now we know that 𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟. Why?
𝑟
Now we know that 𝑥 = . Why?
𝑠
𝑟
Remember that log 2 45 = 𝑥 so this means that log2 45 =
𝑠
But 45 = 10𝑟 and 2 = 10𝑠 so we know that 𝑟 = log 45 and 𝑠 = log 2. Why?
log 45
Therefore, log2 45 = . Notice that we’ve written log 2 45 in terms of common
log 2
logarithms.
log 45
Since we can evaluate , we now know the value of log 2 45.
log 2

log 45
We found in the previous problem that log 2 45 = . Use the same strategy as in problem 4
log 2
to evaluate log 6 132.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

log 45
In problem 4 we found log 2 45 = . In problem 5 you showed log6 132 =
log 2
𝑙𝑙𝑙 132
____ _______.
𝑙𝑙𝑙 6
What patterns are you observing? Based on the patterns you’ve noticed, can you suggest an
𝑙𝑙𝑙 79
easy way using common logarithms to evaluate log 2 79 ? 𝑙𝑙𝑙2 79 =
𝑙𝑙𝑙 2

Now let’s generalize; that is, given any expression log𝑏 𝑎 , what expression in terms of common
𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑎
logarithms is equivalent to log 𝑏 𝑎 ? 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏 𝑎 = This is the change of base formula
𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑏
using common logarithms.

The generalization you’ve made is based on inductive reasoning. Now use deductive reasoning
(following the strategy outlined in problem 3) to prove your generalization.

Let 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑥. This means that 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑎. Let r and s be real numbers such that 𝑎 = 10𝑟 and
𝑏 = 10𝑠 . Then 𝑟 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑎 and 𝑠 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑏. Since 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑎 this means that (10𝑠 )𝑥 = 10𝑟 . But
𝑟 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑎
this means that 𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟. So 𝑥 = which means that 𝑥 =
𝑠 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑏

Since the calculator can also evaluate natural logarithms, use the strategy outlined in problem 3
to evaluate log 2 45 using natural logarithms rather than common logarithms. Begin by writing 2
and 45 as powers of 𝑒. What do you observe?

𝑙𝑙 45 𝑙𝑙𝑙 45
When students work through this, they find that = ; that is, the ratios of these
𝑙𝑙 2 𝑙𝑙𝑙 2
logarithms are equal. In fact, the more general change of base formula says that
𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑎
𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏 𝑎 = 𝑐 𝑏 for any positive real number c.
𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑐

Remember the problem “Bacteria in the Swimming Pool”? In this problem the bacteria count in
a heated swimming pool was 1500 per cubic centimeter on Monday morning at 8 AM, and the
count doubled each day thereafter. We determined the function for the number of bacteria t days
after the initial count was 𝑃(𝑡) = 1500(2)𝑡 . In the last question of this task, we wanted to
know how long it would take for the count to reach 3 million bacteria. This meant we needed to
solve the equation 1500(2)𝑡 = 3000000. At the time we had no way to solve the equation
algebraically. Use what you have learned about logarithms to find algebraically the solution to
1500(2)𝑡 = 3000000.
Solution:
1500(2)𝑡 = 3000000
So (2)𝑡 = 2000
This means that 𝑡 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙2 2000
𝑙𝑙𝑙 2000
So 𝑡 = which is approx 11.
𝑙𝑙𝑙 2
Thus, the bacteria count reaches 3 million in approx 11 days.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 52 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Evaluating Logarithms that are not Common or Natural

What does the expression log 15 mean? What is the value of log 15? How can you show the
value you obtained is correct?

You can use your calculator to obtain the values of log 15 because the calculator is programmed
to evaluate common logarithms. The calculator can also evaluate natural logarithms such as
ln 20. A good question is …..how do I evaluate a logarithm such as log 2 45 that has a base that
is not 10 or 𝑒? This task is designed to help you evaluate such expressions. To make sense of
the idea, you must read each part carefully and look for patterns that will help you reach a
generalization.

First of all, explain what log2 45 means. Also, determine between what two whole numbers
log 2 45 is located and explain your thinking.

Now let’s see how to determine its value. Do you agree that any positive number can be written
as a power of 10? Let’s try it!
How can you write 1 as a power of 10? How can you write 10 as a power of 10? What about 2?
What about 45? What about 70?

Did you use guess and check to determine the exponent or did you use your understanding of
logarithms to calculate the exponent? For example, what does log 2 mean? What does log 45
mean?

Since any positive number can be written as a power of 10, we can use this fact to help us
evaluate an expression such as log 2 45.

Now log 2 45 equals some value. Let’s call it 𝑥. (And we know 𝑥 is the exponent to which
______ must be raised in order to obtain __________.)
So log 2 45 = 𝑥.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

This means 2𝑥 = 45. Why?

Now any number can be written as a power of 10 so let 𝑟 and 𝑠 represent the exponents such that
45 = 10𝑟 and 2 = 10𝑠 .
This means that 10𝑠𝑠 = 10𝑟 . Why?

And now we know that 𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟. Why?

𝑟
Now we know that 𝑥 = . Why?
𝑠

𝑟
Remember that log 2 45 = 𝑥 so this means that log2 45 =
𝑠

But 45 = 10𝑟 and 2 = 10𝑠 so we know that 𝑟 = log 45 and 𝑠 = log 2. Why?

log 45
Therefore, log2 45 = . Notice that we’ve written log 2 45 in terms of common
log 2
logarithms.
log 45
Since we can evaluate , we now know the value of log 2 45.
log 2

log 45
We found in the previous problem that log 2 45 = . Use the same strategy as in problem 4
log 2
to evaluate log 6 132.

log 45
In problem 4 we found log 2 45 = . In problem 5 you showed log6 132 = ___________.
log 2
What patterns are you observing? Based on the patterns you’ve noticed, can you suggest an
easy way using common logarithms to evaluate log 2 79 ?

Now let’s generalize; that is, given any expression log𝑏 𝑎 , what expression in terms of common
logarithms is equivalent to log 𝑏 𝑎 ?

The generalization you’ve made is based on inductive reasoning. Now use deductive reasoning
(following the strategy outlined in problem 3) to prove your generalization.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Since the calculator can also evaluate natural logarithms, use the strategy outlined in problem 3
to evaluate log 2 45 using natural logarithms rather than common logarithms. Begin by writing 2
and 45 as powers of 𝑒. What do you observe?

Remember the problem “Bacteria in the Swimming Pool”? In this problem the bacteria count in
a heated swimming pool was 1500 per cubic centimeter on Monday morning at 8 AM, and the
count doubled each day thereafter. We determined the function for the number of bacteria t days
after the initial count was 𝑃(𝑡) = 1500(2)𝑡 . In the last question of this task, we wanted to
know how long it would take for the count to reach 3 million bacteria. This meant we needed to
solve the equation 1500(2)𝑡 = 3000000. At the time we had no way to solve the equation
algebraically. Use what you have learned about logarithms to find algebraically the solution to
1500(2)𝑡 = 3000000.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

The Logarithmic Function

Mathematical Goals
Graph logarithmic functions
Identify characteristics of logarithmic functions
Develop the ability to move flexibly from exponential form to logarithmic form and vice versa

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Look for and make use of structure.

Introduction
Students graph various logarithmic functions by hand and with technology to determine the
characteristics of these graphs.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

So far we have looked at logarithms as exponents, but in this task we will extend our study of
logarithms by looking at the logarithmic function. The logarithmic function is defined as
𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 for 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1. Associated with every logarithmic function is a base number.
Given an input value, the logarithmic function returns the exponent to which the base number is
raised to obtain this input; thus, the output of the logarithmic function is an exponent.

In Task 2 we saw there is a relationship between exponents and logarithms. The ability to go
from an exponential expression to a logarithmic expression is powerful. Not surprisingly, there
is a connection between an exponential function and a logarithmic function. In fact,
𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 implies 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥. Why? The connection between an exponential function and a
logarithmic function will be explored more deeply in Unit 6.

For each function given, complete the table of values and then use these points to graph the
function on graph paper.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

𝑦 = log 𝑥
x y = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 x
1 0
10 1
20 1.3
50 1.7
100 2

𝑦 = log 2 𝑥

x y = 𝑙𝑙𝑙2 x
1 0
2 1
4 2
8 3
16 4

What common characteristics of these functions do you see? In particular, determine the domain
and range of the functions and any intercepts. Also describe any characteristics of their graphs
such as increasing/decreasing, asymptotes, end-behavior, etc.

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = log 𝑥. Does your graph agree with your hand-drawn
graph?

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥. (Remember you can write any logarithmic
expression in terms of common logarithms—this will allow you to graph 𝑦 = log2 𝑥 with your
technology.) Does your graph agree with your hand-drawn graph?

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = ln 𝑥.

How does the graph of the logarithmic function change as the base b changes?

Use graphing technology to graph each function.

𝑦 = −log 𝑥
𝑦 = − log 2 𝑥
𝑦 = − ln 𝑥

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

How do these graphs compare to the graphs of 𝑦 = log 𝑥 and 𝑦 = log2 𝑥 and 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 ?

The graphs are reflections of each other over the x-axis.

Use what you know about transformations of functions to explain the relationship between
𝑦 = log 𝑥 and 𝑦 = −log 𝑥?

𝑦 = −𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑥 reflects 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑥 over the x-axis.

Does the same relationship hold for the graphs of 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − log 2 𝑥?
For 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − ln 𝑥? yes; yes
In general, what is the relationship between 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − log 𝑏 𝑥?

𝑦 = − 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏 𝑥 reflects the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑏 𝑥 over the x-axis.

Graph 𝑦 = log(𝑥 − 3). How does this graph compare to that of 𝑦 = log 𝑥?

Based on what you know about transformations of functions, describe in words how
𝑦 = log(𝑥 − 3) transforms the parent function 𝑦 = log 𝑥.

𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙(𝑥 − 3) translates 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑥 3 units horizontally to the right.

Solution:

Solution: The transformation was a horizontal shift to the right 3 units so all the attributes of the
graph of 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑥 are shifted to the right 3 units. The argument of the function is

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

(x – 3). Since the logarithmic function is defined only for positive numbers, this means 𝑥 − 3 >
0; solving this inequality for x, we find x > 3 which represents the domain of the function. The
asymptote is x = 3. The new intercept is (4, 1).

Use technology to graph 𝑦 = log(3𝑥 − 5). Key attributes such as domain, asymptote, and
intercepts can often be determined algebraically. Consider the following questions to help you
determine these attributes algebraically. Confirm your solutions match what you see on the
graph.
To determine the domain, solve the inequality 3𝑥 − 5 > 0. Explain why this makes sense.
To determine the asymptote, solve the equation 3𝑥 − 5 = 0. Explain why this makes sense.
Use your understanding of the intercepts of any function to determine the intercepts of 𝑦 =
log(3𝑥 − 5). HINT: In general, how do you find the intercepts of any function?
.
Solution: The argument of the logarithmic function must be positive; therefore, the argument
(3x - 5) must be positive and this happens when x > 5/3. Thus, the domain is x > 5/3.
The logarithmic function is undefined when the argument of the function is 0. Asymptote is
x = 5/3.

An x-intercept is where the graph intersects the x-axis, or where the y-coordinate is equal to 0.
Setting y = 0, we get the following:

0 = log(3x – 5)  100 = 3x – 5  1 = 3x – 5  x=2

So the x-intercept is (2, 0).

Use technology to graph 𝑦 = log5 (−3𝑥 + 8). Determine its domain, asymptote, x-intercept, and
y-intercept (if applicable) algebraically. Confirm your solutions agree with the graph.
𝑦 = log 5 (−3𝑥 + 8)

Domain: ____________ Asymptote: ______________

x-intercept: __________ y-intercept: ______________

Solution: Domain: x < 8/3 Asymptote: x = 8/3

x-intercept: (3, 0) y-intercept: (0, 1.292)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

The Logarithmic Function

So far we have looked at logarithms as exponents, but in this task we will extend our study of
logarithms by looking at the logarithmic function. The logarithmic function is defined as
𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 for 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1. Associated with every logarithmic function is a base number.
Given an input value, the logarithmic function returns the exponent to which the base number is
raised to obtain this input; thus, the output of the logarithmic function is an exponent.

In Task 2 we saw there is a relationship between exponents and logarithms. The ability to go
from an exponential expression to a logarithmic expression is powerful. Not surprisingly, there
is a connection between an exponential function and a logarithmic function. In fact, 𝑦 = log𝑏 𝑥
implies 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑥. Why? The connection between an exponential function and a logarithmic
function will be explored more deeply in Unit 6.

For each function given, complete the table of values and then use these points to graph the
function on graph paper.

𝑦 = log 𝑥
x y = 𝑙𝑙𝑙 x
1
10
20
50
100

𝑦 = log 2 𝑥

x y = 𝑙𝑙𝑙2 x
1
2
4
8
16

What common characteristics of these functions do you see? In particular, determine the domain
and range of the functions and any intercepts. Also describe any characteristics of their graphs
such as increasing/decreasing, asymptotes, end-behavior, etc.

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = log 𝑥. Does your graph agree with your hand-drawn
graph?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥. (Remember you can write any logarithmic
expression in terms of common logarithms—this will allow you to graph 𝑦 = log2 𝑥 with your
technology.) Does your graph agree with your hand-drawn graph?

Use graphing technology to graph 𝑦 = ln 𝑥.

How does the graph of the logarithmic function change as the base b changes?

Use graphing technology to graph each function.

𝑦 = −log 𝑥
𝑦 = − log 2 𝑥
𝑦 = − ln 𝑥

How do these graphs compare to the graphs of 𝑦 = log 𝑥 and 𝑦 = log2 𝑥 and 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 ?

Use what you know about transformations of functions to explain the relationship between
𝑦 = log 𝑥 and 𝑦 = −log 𝑥?

Does the same relationship hold for the graphs of 𝑦 = log 2 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − log 2 𝑥?
For 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − ln 𝑥?
In general, what is the relationship between 𝑦 = log 𝑏 𝑥 and 𝑦 = − log 𝑏 𝑥?

Graph 𝑦 = log(𝑥 − 3). How does this graph compare to that of 𝑦 = log 𝑥?

Based on what you know about transformations of functions, describe in words how
𝑦 = log(𝑥 − 3) transforms the parent function 𝑦 = log 𝑥.

Use technology to graph 𝑦 = log(3𝑥 − 5). Key attributes such as domain, asymptote, and
intercepts can often be determined algebraically. Consider the following questions to help you
determine these attributes algebraically. Confirm your solutions match what you see on the
graph.
To determine the domain, solve the inequality 3𝑥 − 5 > 0. Explain why this makes sense.
To determine the asymptote, solve the equation 3𝑥 − 5 = 0. Explain why this makes sense.
Use your understanding of the intercepts of any function to determine the intercepts of 𝑦 =
log(3𝑥 − 5). HINT: In general, how do you find the intercepts of any function?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Use technology to graph 𝑦 = log5 (−3𝑥 + 8). Determine its domain, asymptote, x-intercept, and
y-intercept (if applicable) algebraically. Confirm your solutions agree with the graph.
𝑦 = log 5 (−3𝑥 + 8)

Domain: ____________ Asymptote: ______________

x-intercept: __________ y-intercept: ______________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

How Long Does It Take?

Mathematical Goals
Represent a real-life situation with an exponential function
Solve exponential equations graphically and algebraically with logarithms

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential

functions.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Attend to precision.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Introduction
In this task students represent a situation with an exponential function. The function is then used
to answer related questions. Students will use both graphical and algebraic approaches to solve
exponential equations.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

1. A Population Problem: A new solar system was discovered far from the Milky Way in
1999. After much preparation, NASA decided to send a group of astronauts to explore
Exponentia, one of the planets in the system. Upon landing on the planet, the astronauts
discovered life on the planet. Scientists named the creatures Viètians (vee-et-ee-ans), after
the French mathematician François Viète who led the way in developing our present system
of notating exponents. After observing the species for a number of years, NASA biologists
determined that the population was growing by 10% each year.

a. The estimated number of Viètians was 1 million in 1999 and their population increases
10% a year. Complete the table to show the population for the next 4 years after 1999.

Years since 1999 0 1 2 3 4

1.1+(.1)(1.1)
1+ (1.1)2+.1(1.1)2 =(1.1)2(1+.1)
=1.1(1+.1)
Population in (.1)1 =(1.1)2(1.1) 1.4641
1 =1.1(1.1)
millions 1.1 = (1.1)3 million
=(1.1)2 =1.21
1.1 =1.331 million
million

Write an equation for the population of Exponentia, P, as a function of the number of

years, t, since 1999. How can you express the population as an expression in the table
rather than as a computed value to help you see patterns to create the function?

Solution: P(t) =1.1t , where population is measured in millions

b. What was the population in 2005? What will the population be in 2015 if the population
growth rate remains the same?

Solution:
2005 is 6 years after 1999. Thus, we find P(6) = 1.771561million = 1,771,561 Viètians.
2015 is 16 years after 1999. We find P(16) =1.116 = 4.594972986 million = 4,594,972 Viètians.

c. Use technology to graph the function in part (b) .

Solution: The horizontal axis represents the number of years since 1999 and the vertical axis
represents the population in millions.

i. In the context of this problem about the population of Exponentia, what

are the domain and range?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Domain: _______________ Range: ________________

Solution: Domain: non-negative real numbers (the variable is the

number of years since 1999 so 𝑡 ≥ 0. Range: y > 1.1

ii. What are some characteristics of the graph you can identify?
Solution: The y-intercept is 1 and this occurs at t = 0; this means there were
1 million people 0 years after 1999 (so in the year 1999). Also, the
population is increasing. It is not a linear relationship. WARNING: We
can’t be sure the function will continue to model the population of
Exponentia; it will continue to model the population only if the growth rate
continues to be 10% per year.

d. Suppose you want to know when the population reached 2 million. Write an equation
that could be solved to answer this question. Determine the answer graphically and
algebraically.

Solution: 1.1𝑥 = 2. Graphically, we could see where the line y = 2 intersects the graph in part
(d). The point of intersection is (7.2725, 2) so it took approximately 7.3 years after 1999 for the
𝑙𝑙𝑙 2
population to reach 2 million. Algebraically, we have 𝑙𝑜𝑜1.1 2 = 𝑥 so or approx 7.3
𝑙𝑙𝑙 1.1
years.

2. Suppose there are 25 bacteria in a Petri dish, and the number of bacteria doubles every 4
hours.
a. How many bacteria will there be in 4 hours? In 8 hours? 1 hour? 2 hours? Record your
answers in the table. Explain how you came up with your answers. (You can return to
your answers later to make any corrections if you find your strategy was incorrect.)

Time (hours) 0 1 2 4 8
Number of bacteria 25
Solution:

(Explanations will vary. At this point, students may not have the answers for 1 hour and 2 hours
correct. They will be able to go back and correct it.)

b. Write a function for the number of bacteria present after t hours. What does your
exponent need to represent? How can you determine this exponent if you know the
number of hours that have passed?

Solution: P(t) = 25(2)t/4

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

c. Use the function to check your answers that you wrote in the table of part (a). Do you
need to make any corrections? If so, make these corrections.

d. Use your function to determine the number of bacteria after 24 hours.

P(24) = 1600 bacteria

e. Determine how long it will take to have 5000 bacteria. Determine the answer graphically
and algebraically.

In a little over 30 hours.

f. The bacteria double every 4 hours. Suppose we want to know the growth rate per hour.
Use properties of exponents to rewrite the function you obtained in part (b) so the
𝑡
exponent is t, not . How can you now determine the growth rate per hour?
4

𝑡 1 𝑡 1
𝑃(𝑡) = 25(2)4 = 25 �24 � Now 24 ≈ 1.1892 so 𝑃(𝑡) ≈ 25(1.1892)𝑡 = 25(1 + .1892) 𝑡
Since t is measured in hours this means that the population is 1.1892 times what it was the
previous hour. Thus, it must have increased by a factor of .1892 or by 18.92%.

3. Suppose for a particular patient and dosing regimen a drug reaches its peak level of 300 mg
in the bloodstream. The drug is then eliminated from the bloodstream at a rate of 20% per
hour.
a. How much of the drug remains in the bloodstream 2 hours after it reaches its peak
level of 300 mg? How much is there 5 hours after the peak level? Make a table of
values to record your answers. So that a pattern is more apparent, write the
expressions used to obtain your answers.

Time (hours) since 0 1 2 3 4 5

reaching peak level
Amount of drug (mg) 300 240 192 153.6 122.88 98.304
in bloodstream

300*(1 -.2) = 240; 240 * .8 = 192; 192 * .8 = 153.6; 153.6 * .8 = 122.88; 122.88 * .8 = 98.304

b. Using your work from part (a), write expressions for each computed value using
the initial amount, 300 mg.

Solution:
Because 20% is eliminated every hour, then 80% of the drug remains in the bloodstream every
hour. So:

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

After 1 hour: 300 * (.8) = 240; after 2 hours: 300 * (.8)2 = 192;
after 3 hours: 300 * (.8)3 = 153.6; after 4 hours: 300 * (.8)4 = 122.88;
after 5 hours: 300 * (.8)5 = 98.304

c. Write a function f that gives the amount of the drug in the patient’s bloodstream t
hours after reaching its peak level.

Solution: f(x) = 300(.8)t

d. Use the function you wrote in part (c) to compute the amount of the drug after 1
hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours. Are these amounts the same as
those you wrote in the table in part (a)?
Solution: f(0) = 300(.8)0 = 300
f(1) = 300(.8)1 = 240
f(2) = 300(.8)2 = 192
f(3) = 300(.8)3 = 153.6
f(4) = 300(.8)4 = 122.88
f(5) = 300(.8)5 = 98.304

e. Use technology to graph the function. Explain how to use the graph to determine
how long it will take to have less than 10 mg of the drug in the bloodstream.

Solution: Using a graph, we can trace the graph to determine where the vitamin concentration
dips below 10 mg. This occurs around 15.3 hours.

f. Write an equation that you could solve to determine when exactly 10 mg of the
drug remains in the bloodstream. Solve the equation algebraically. Can you use
the solution to this equation to answer the question in part (e)?

Solution: The equation is 300(.8)t = 10.  .8t = 1/30. The solution is approximately 15.24
hours or approximately 15 hours, 14 minutes, 24 seconds.

4. Which of the problems in this section represent exponential growth? Which represent
exponential decay?

Problems 1 & 2 are examples of exponential growth; problem 3 is exponential decay.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

How Long Does It Take?

1. A Population Problem: A new solar system was discovered far from the Milky Way in 1999.
After much preparation, NASA decided to send a group of astronauts to explore Exponentia,
one of the planets in the system. Upon landing on the planet, the astronauts discovered life
on the planet. Scientists named the creatures Viètians (vee-et-ee-ans), after the French
mathematician François Viète who led the way in developing our present system of notating
exponents. After observing the species for a number of years, NASA biologists determined
that the population was growing by 10% each year.

a. The estimated number of Viètians was 1 million in 1999 and their population increases
10% a year. Complete the table to show the population for the next 4 years after 1999.

Years since 0 1 2 3 4
1999

Population in 1
millions

b. Write an equation for the population of Exponentia, P, as a function of the number of

years, t, since 1999. How can you express the population as an expression in the table
rather than as a computed value to help you see patterns to create the function?

c. What was the population in 2005? What will the population be in 2015 if the population
growth rate remains the same?

d. Use technology to graph the function in part (b) .

i. In the context of this problem about the population of Exponentia, what

are the domain and range?
Domain: _______________ Range: ________________

ii. What are some characteristics of the graph you can identify?

e. Suppose you want to know when the population reached 2 million. Write an equation
that could be solved to answer this question. Determine the answer graphically and
algebraically.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

2. Suppose there are 25 bacteria in a Petri dish, and the number of bacteria doubles every 4
hours.
a. How many bacteria will there be in 4 hours? In 8 hours? 1 hour? 2 hours? Record your
answers in the table. Explain how you came up with your answers. (You can return to
your answers later to make any corrections if you find your strategy was incorrect.)

Time (hours) 0 1 2 4 8
Number of bacteria 25

b. Write a function for the number of bacteria present after t hours. What does your
exponent need to represent? How can you determine this exponent if you know the
number of hours that have passed?

c. Use the function to check your answers that you wrote in the table of part (a). Do you
need to make any corrections? If so, make these corrections.

d. Use your function to determine the number of bacteria after 24 hours.

e. Determine how long it will take to have 5000 bacteria. Determine the answer graphically
and algebraically.

f. The bacteria double every 4 hours. Suppose we want to know the growth rate per hour.
Use properties of exponents to rewrite the function you obtained in part (b) so the
𝑡
exponent is t, not . How can you now determine the growth rate per hour?
4

3. Suppose for a particular patient and dosing regimen a drug reaches its peak level of 300 mg
in the bloodstream. The drug is then eliminated from the bloodstream at a rate of 20% per
hour.
a. How much of the drug remains in the bloodstream 2 hours after it reaches its peak
level of 300 mg? How much is there 5 hours after the peak level? Make a table of
values to record your answers. So that a pattern is more apparent, write the
expressions used to obtain your answers.

Time (hours) since 0 1 2 3 4 5

reaching peak level
Amount of drug (mg) in 300

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

bloodstream

b. Using your work from part (a), write expressions for each computed value using
the initial amount, 300 mg.

c. Write a function f that gives the amount of the drug in the patient’s bloodstream t
hours after reaching its peak level.

d. Use the function you wrote in part (c) to compute the amount of the drug after 1
hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, and 5 hours. Are these amounts the same as
those you wrote in the table in part (a)?

e. Use technology to graph the function. Explain how to use the graph to determine
how long it will take to have less than 10 mg of the drug in the bloodstream.

f. Write an equation that you could solve to determine when exactly 10 mg of the
drug remains in the bloodstream. Solve the equation algebraically. Can you use
the solution to this equation to answer the question in part (e)?

4. Which of the problems in this section represent exponential growth? Which represent
exponential decay?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Zombies Revisited – Can You Model Zombie Growth? (Spotlight Task)

Mathematical Goals
Represent a supposedly real-life situation with an exponential function
Solve exponential equations graphically and algebraically with logarithms

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential

functions.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Attend to precision.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Introduction
This task comes after “How Long Does it Take?” because that task shows them how to create an
equation for an exponential equation given certain characteristics. This task really zones in on
true understanding of not only exponential growth, but also how that would affect their graphing
choices. The numbers get so big that students will have to make decisions about the best way to
represent the phenomena in a way that makes sense. With an AC or Honors class, an
exploration into logarithmic graph paper and how it scales values from small to very large could
be interesting for students to see their logarithmic graph suddenly become linear!

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

As you probably know, The Walking Dead is filmed in Georgia. That makes Georgia PRIME
location for a Zombie Apocalypse.
If each Georgia Zombie is able to bite three people every 7 days, and the entire state of Georgia
has an estimated 9,919,945 as of 2013.*
Write the equation that models Zombie Growth in the State of Georgia.
𝑡
𝑧(𝑥 ) = 1 ∗ (4)7
Creaate a chart showing the growth.
ZOMBIE

ZOMBIE

ZOMBIE

ZOMBIE

ZOMBIE

ZOMBIE

ZOMBIE
TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL

TOTAL
day

day

day

day

day

day

day
0 1 11 8.8 22 78 33 689.1 44 6086.6 55 53761.5 77 4194304
1. 10.
1 2 12 8 23 95.1 34 840 45 7419.7 56 65536 78 5112913.8
1. 13. 115.
2 5 13 1 24 9 35 1024 46 9044.7 57 79889.3 79 6232711.8
1. 141. 1248. 11025.
3 8 14 16 25 3 36 3 47 6 58 97386.1 80 7597760.8
2. 19. 172. 1521. 13440.
4 2 15 5 26 3 37 7 48 4 59 118715 81 9261774.1
2. 23. 1854. 144715. 11290229.
5 7 16 8 27 210 38 9 49 16384 60 2 82 1
3. 2261. 19972. 176409. 13762943.
6 3 17 29 28 256 39 2 50 3 61 8 83 5
35. 312. 2756. 24346.
7 4 18 3 29 1 40 4 51 5 62 215046 84 16777216
4. 43. 380. 3360. 29678. 20451655.
8 9 19 1 30 4 41 1 52 8 63 262144 85 4
5. 52. 463. 36178. 319557. 24930847.
9 9 20 5 31 7 42 4096 53 8 64 1 86 2
10 7. 21 64 32 565. 43 4993. 54 44102. 65 389544. 87 30391043.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

2 3 1 5 5 1

Graph the equation on graph paper that models the growth and that demonstrates the point at
which all citizens of Georgia would (theoretically) be zombies.
Notice the graph…..the number of zombies present for several days is almost imperceptible
from this distance. Bu then something very interesting happens. It shoots up very quickly.
It is advised, by the way, that you NOT give too much help on this graph, and do not to give
students pre-defined axe that you have already set up appropriately for them, although it IS a
good idea to require that the graph be on graph paper and (somewhat) proportional to the
actual situation. The reason for this is that students should grapple with graphing in terms
of how big to make the axes, what incremental units to use, and how big to make each unit.
The notion that they need to go at least as high as the phenomenon they want to see (2013
population in the state of Georgia) and that they need to start at the beginning isn’t automatic.
The idea that it’s a good idea to test values in the equation to get a handle on how to create a
graph also is a skill they can only learn if we do not give too cooperative a set of axes. But do
have plenty of graph paper on hand. This type of grappling with data does take extra paper
(See Next Page)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

When will Georgia be overrun with zombies? Calculate it down to the second.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Sometime halfway in between 81 aand 82 daays, the population of zombies exceeds the
population of Georgia.
To Solve

.
To Convert All the Way Down to Seconds

81 days, 8 hours, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds.

*http://www.worldpopulationstatistics.com/georgia-population-2013/.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 75 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Zombies Revisited – Can You Model Zombie Growth? (Spotlight Task)

As you probably know, The Walking Dead is filmed in Georgia. That makes Georgia PRIME
location for a Zombie Apocalypse.
If each Georgia Zombie is able to bite three people every 7 days, and the entire state of Georgia
has an estimated 9,919,945 as of 2013.*
Write the equation that models Zombie Growth in the State of Georgia.

Creaate a chart showing the growth.

Graph the equation on graph paper that models the growth and that demonstrates the point at
which all citizens of Georgia would (theoretically) be zombies.

When will Georgia be overrun with zombies? Calculate it down to the second.

*http://www.worldpopulationstatistics.com/georgia-population-2013/.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Half-Life
Mathematical Goals
Understand the concept of half-life
Use an exponential function to represent a half-life situation
Solve exponential equations graphically and algebraically using logarithms

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and

explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential

functions.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Introduction
This task includes several problems about half-life.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

Problem 1: A Caffeine Problem The half-life of caffeine is 5 hours; this means that
approximately ½ of the caffeine in the bloodstream is eliminated every 5 hours. Suppose you
drink a can of Instant Energy, a 16-ounce energy drink that contains 80 mg of caffeine. Suppose
the caffeine in your bloodstream peaks at 80 mg.

How much caffeine will remain in your bloodstream after 5 hours? 10 hours? 1 hour? 2 hours?
Record your answers in the table. Explain how you came up with your answers. (You can return
to your answers later to make any corrections if you find your strategy was incorrect.)
Time (hours) since 0 1 2 5 10
peak level reached
Caffeine in 80 69.644 60.629 40 20
bloodstream (mg)

(Explanations will vary. At this point, students may not have the answers for 1 hour and 2 hours
correct. They will be able to go back and correct it.)

Write an exponential function f to model the amount of caffeine remaining in the blood stream
t hours after the peak level. What does your exponent need to represent? How can you
determine this exponent if you know the number of hours that have passed?

Solution: f(t) = 80(.5)t/5

Use the function you wrote in question (2) to check your answers for the table in question (1).
Make any necessary corrections. (Be careful when entering fractional exponents in the
calculator. Use parentheses.)

Solution: f(0) = 80(.5)0/5 = 80; f(1) = 80(.5)1/5 = 69.644; f(2) = 80(.5)2/5 = 60.629; f(5) = 80(.5)1
= 40; f(10) = 80(.5)2 = 20

Determine the amount of caffeine remaining in the bloodstream 3 hours after the peak level.
What about 8 hours after peak level? 20 hours?

Solution: f(3) = 80(.5)3/5 = 53.78; f(8) = 80(.5)8/5 = 26.39; f(20) = 80(.5)4 = 5

The half-life of caffeine varies among individuals. For example, some medications extend the
half-life to 8 hours. This means that ½ of the caffeine is eliminated from the bloodstream every
8 hours.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Write a function for this new half-life time (assuming a peak level of 80 mg of caffeine).
Solution: f(t) = 80(.5)t/8

Determine the amount of caffeine in the bloodstream after 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, and 20
hours. (Be sure to consider how many 8-hour time intervals are used in each time value.)
Solution: after 1 hour approx 73.4 mg; after 2 hrs approx 67.3 mg ;
after 5 hrs approx 51.9 mg ; after 10 hrs approx 33.6 mg; after 20 hrs approx 14.1 mg

Which half-life time results in the caffeine being eliminated faster? Explain why this makes
sense.
Solution: The caffeine is eliminated faster with a half-life of 5 hours than with a half-life of 8
hours. To make sense of this, consider an 8- hour period of time. With a half-life of 8 hours,
there is still ½ of the caffeine after this 8-hour period of time. However, with a half-life of 5
hours ½ of the caffeine was eliminated in 5 hours so for the next 3 hours of the 8-hour time
period more of the caffeine is being eliminated. Thus, a half-life of 5 hours is eliminating the
caffeine faster.

Consider again the function in question (2) resulting from a half-life of caffeine of 5 hours. Use
𝑡
the properties of exponents to rewrite the function so the exponent is just t, not . Can you now
5
determine the percent of caffeine that remains in the bloodstream each hour? Explain how.

About 87% of the amount in the preceding hour

The function in question (5) referred to a half-life of 8 hours. Use properties of exponents to
help you determine the percent of caffeine that remains in the bloodstream each hour?

About 92%

Graph the functions from questions (2) and (5) on the same coordinate plane. Compare the
graphs of the two functions. How are the graphs similar? Different?

Do the graphs intersect? Where?

The graphs intersect only at (0, 80). In both situations, the beginning amount of caffeine is 80
mg but the caffeine is eliminated more quickly with a half-life of 5 years than with 8 years so the
graph of f(t) = 80(.5)t/5 (blue graph) decreases faster than the graph of f(t) = 80(.5)t/8 (red
graph).

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10

-5 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
-10

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Problem 2: Carbon-Dating Scientists use carbon-dating to determine the ages of once-living

things. The radioactive isotope carbon-14 (C14) is widely used in radiocarbon dating. This form
of carbon is formed when plants absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide into their organic material
during photosynthesis. Animals eat the plants which introduces carbon into their bodies. After
the organism dies, no more C14 is formed and the C14 in the material decays without being
replaced. The half-life of carbon-14 is approximately 5730 years; this means that it takes 5730
years for half of the amount of carbon-14 in the material to decay.

An archaeologist found a piece of human bone fragment. How long will it take for there to be
only 50% of the amount of C14 in the bone fragment?

5730 years

Examine the way the table below has been set up. Explain why inputs of time are represented as
5730, 2(5730), and 3(5730).

Time since death 0 5730 2(5730) 3(5730)

(yrs)
Proportion of 1 1(.5) = .51 1(.5)(.5) = .52 = 1(.5)(.5)(.5) =.53
C14 remaining .25 =.125

Complete the table above. So that you can more easily determine the function, write the
EXPRESSIONS that lead to the computed proportions. Do these help you see a pattern?

The exponent is the number of half-lives so you must divided by 5730 to determine the number of
half-lives for a given number of years.

Find a function f that represents the proportion of the initial C14 remaining in the fragment t
years after the death of the person to which it belonged.
𝑡
𝑓(𝑡) = (.5)5730

Based on the values in the table, can you estimate the percent of C14 remaining in the fragment
2000 years after the person’s death? Explain your thinking.

𝑓 (2000) = (.5)2000 ≈.785 Thus, about 78.5% remains 2000 years after death.

Graph the function. Graphically determine the percent of C14 remaining in the fragment 2000
years after the person’s death. How do you determine the answer algebraically?

It is determined that the fragment contains 64% of the amount of C14 that is normally found in
the bone of a living person. Approximately how long ago did the person die?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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𝑡
. 64 = (.5)5730
𝑡
𝑙𝑙𝑙.5 (. 64) = so 𝑡 = 5730 𝑙𝑙𝑙.5 (.64) which is about 3689 years.
5730

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Half-Life
Problem 1: A Caffeine Problem The half-life of caffeine is 5 hours; this means that
approximately ½ of the caffeine in the bloodstream is eliminated every 5 hours. Suppose you
drink a can of Instant Energy, a 16-ounce energy drink that contains 80 mg of caffeine. Suppose
the caffeine in your bloodstream peaks at 80 mg.

How much caffeine will remain in your bloodstream after 5 hours? 10 hours? 1 hour? 2 hours?
Record your answers in the table. Explain how you came up with your answers. (You can return
to your answers later to make any corrections if you find your strategy was incorrect.)
Time (hours) since 0 1 2 5 10
peak level reached
Caffeine in 80
bloodstream (mg)

Write an exponential function f to model the amount of caffeine remaining in the blood stream
t hours after the peak level. What does your exponent need to represent? How can you
determine this exponent if you know the number of hours that have passed?

Use the function you wrote in part (b) to check your answers for the table in part (a). Make any
necessary corrections. (Be careful when entering fractional exponents in the calculator. Use
parentheses.)

Determine the amount of caffeine remaining in the bloodstream 3 hours after the peak level.
What about 8 hours after peak level? 20 hours?

The half-life of caffeine varies among individuals. For example, some medications extend the
half-life to 8 hours. This means that ½ of the caffeine is eliminated from the bloodstream every
8 hours.
Write a function for this new half-life time (assuming a peak level of 80 mg of caffeine).

Determine the amount of caffeine in the bloodstream after 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, and 20
hours. (Be sure to consider how many 8-hour time intervals are used in each time value.)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Which half-life time results in the caffeine being eliminated faster? Explain why this makes
sense.

Consider again the function in question (2) resulting from a half-life of caffeine of 5 hours. Use
𝑡
the laws of exponents to rewrite the function so the exponent is just t, not . Can you now
5
determine the percent of caffeine that remains in the bloodstream each hour? Explain how.

The function in question (5) referred to a half-life of 8 hours. Use properties of exponents to
help you determine the percent of caffeine that remains in the bloodstream each hour?

Graph the functions from questions (2) and (5) on the same coordinate plane. Compare the
graphs of the two functions. How are the graphs similar? Different?

Do the graphs intersect? Where?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Problem 2: Carbon-Dating Scientists use carbon-dating to determine the ages of once-living

things. The radioactive isotope carbon-14 (C14) is widely used in radiocarbon dating. This form
of carbon is formed when plants absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide into their organic material
during photosynthesis. Animals eat the plants which introduces carbon into their bodies. After
the organism dies, no more C14 is formed and the C14 in the material decays without being
replaced. The half-life of carbon-14 is approximately 5730 years; this means that it takes 5730
years for half of the amount of carbon-14 in the material to decay.

An archaeologist found a piece of human bone fragment. How long will it take for there to be
only 50% of the amount of C14 in the bone fragment?

Examine the way the table below has been set up. Explain why inputs of time are represented as
5730, 2(5730), and 3(5730).

Time since death 0 5730 2(5730) 3(5730)

(yrs)
Proportion of 1
C14 remaining

Complete the table above. So that you can more easily determine the function, write the
EXPRESSIONS that lead to the computed proportions. Do these help you see a pattern?

Find a function f that represents the proportion of the initial C14 remaining in the fragment t
years after the death of the person to which it belonged.

Based on the values in the table, can you estimate the percent of C14 remaining in the fragment
2000 years after the person’s death? Explain your thinking.

Graph the function. Graphically determine the percent of C14 remaining in the fragment 2000
years after the person’s death. How do you determine the answer algebraically?

It is determined that the fragment contains 64% of the amount of C14 that is normally found in
the bone of a living person. Approximately how long ago did the person die?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

How Does Your Money Grow?

Mathematical Goals
Meaningfully develop the formulas for compounded and continuously compounded interest
Recognize compounded interest as a special application of an exponential function
Solve problems involving compounded interest

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to
reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)
MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential
functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Build new functions from existing functions

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Introduction
In this task the formulas for compounded interest are developed in a meaningful way.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility
Be sure to explain what compounded interest means—that you are earning interest on interest.
Suppose you invest $1000 in a savings account that earns 3% interest compounded per year.
This amount that you invest is called your principal.
How much money will you have at the end of year 1? After 2 years? After 6 years? Organize
your work in the table.

Time in Years 0 1 2 3 4 5

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Total Amount o f
1000 1030 1061 1093 1126 1159
Money

Write a function to express the total amount of money A in terms of the number of
years t.

Each year you have the previous amount together with 3% of the previous amount. So each
year’s amount is 1.03 times the previous year’s amount.
𝐴(𝑡) = 1000(1.03)𝑡

Suppose you invest $1000 at 3% per year but instead of earning the interest yearly, the account
earns the interest compounded semi-annually. Thus, each quarter you earn ½ of the 3% interest
3 3 .03
or % interest per quarter . Why? (Do you see that % is equivalent to ?) Complete the
2 2 2
table to show the amount of money you have.

2 4
Time in quarters 0 1 3 5
(1 yr) (2 yrs)
Total amt of money 1000 1015 1030 1046 1061 1077

After 1 year, how does the amount of money in problem 2 compare to that in problem 1? What
caused the difference in the amounts?

The interest at the end of 1 year and at the end of 2 years when the interest is compounded
semiannually is slightly larger than when it is compounded yearly. The increase in the number
of compounding periods per year caused the increase.

The function you wrote in part (b) of question (1) now becomes
.03 2𝑡
𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + � . Explain why.
2

In the next sequence of questions, the goal is to write the function you wrote in part (b) in a more
general way. Consider the sequence of questions carefully, paying close attention to patterns.

How would your function in part (d) change if your interest was compounded quarterly? How
would your function in part (d) change if your interest was compounded monthly?
.03 4𝑡
Quarterly: 𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + �
4
.03 12𝑡
Monthly: 𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + �
12

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Look for patterns. How would your function in part (d) change if your interest was compounded
n times per year? Write this function.

. 03 𝑛𝑛
𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + �
𝑛

Now take the function you wrote in part (ii). How would this function change if the annual
interest rate was 5.2%?

.052 𝑛𝑛
𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + �
𝑛

Look for patterns. How would the function in part (ii) change if the annual interest rate was r?
Write this function.

𝑟 𝑛𝑛
𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + �
𝑛

Finally, if the amount of money invested was $850, how would the function you wrote in part
(iv) change?

𝑟 𝑛𝑛
𝐴(𝑡) = 850 �1 + �
𝑛

Look for patterns. How would the function in part (iv) change if the amount invested were
represented by P? Write this function.

𝑟 𝑛𝑛
𝐴(𝑡) = 𝑃 �1 + �
𝑛

Congratulations!! If all has gone well with the above questions in part (e), you have just written
a generalization for the total amount of money A a person would have if he invests an initial
amount P at an annual rate r compounded n times per year for t years!!! You should have
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
gotten (𝑡) = 𝑃 �1 + � . If you did not get this, go back to find your error. This formula is
𝑛
referred to as the compounded interest formula. The formula is more commonly expressed as
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � .
𝑛

Often money is compounded continuously rather than compounded 4 times a year or 12 times a
year, or some other finite number of times per year. When money is compounded continuously,
we use the continuously compounded interest formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟 where P is the initial amount of
money (or principal) invested at a yearly rate r compounded continuously for t years. This

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

formula uses the irrational number e which equals 2.718281828… Since e is irrational, it neither
terminates nor repeats. But where does the formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟 come from and what does it mean
to say that “interest is compounded continuously”? Let’s make sense of this.
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
The continuously compounded interest formula comes from 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � . To get a sense of
𝑛
what is happening, let’s simplify the situation to consider $1 invested at 100% per year for 1
𝑟 𝑛𝑛 1 𝑛
year. If you substitute this information into 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � , you get 𝐴 = 1 �1 + � which is
𝑛 𝑛
1 𝑛
equivalent to 𝐴 = �1 + � . Why?
𝑛

When money is compounded continuously, you can imagine that the number of times it is
compounded per year gets infinitely large—that is, n gets infinitely large. Use technology to
1 𝑛
investigate what happens to the expression �1 + � as n increases in value. Record the value
𝑛
1 𝑛
of �1 + � for each value of n. (Some values of n are given in the table.)
𝑛

Frequency of Number of times 1 𝑛

Compounding compounded in a year �1 + �
𝑛
(n)
Annually 1 2
Semiannually 2 2.25
Quarterly 4 2.44140625
Monthly 12 2.61303529022
Weekly 52 2.69255969544
Daily 365 2.71456748202
Hourly 8760 2.71812669063
Every Minute 525600 2.7182792154
Every Second 31536000 2.71828247254

Examine your data in the table. As the number of compounding times gets infinitely large, what
1 𝑛
happens to the value of �1 + � ? What do you think would happen if you continued to use
𝑛
larger and larger values of n? (Try it!)

1 𝑛
Solution: As the value of n increases, �1 + � gets closer to the value of e. If we continued to
𝑛
use larger and larger values of n, we would get closer and closer to the value of e.

Let’s see what happens if we invest $1 at rates different from 100% for 1 year; this time we will
use r for our annual rate of interest so that we can let r vary. Again, we want the number of

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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𝑟 𝑛𝑛
times the interest is compounded per year to increase. The formula 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � now
𝑛
𝑟 𝑛 𝑟 𝑛
becomes 𝐴 = 1 �1 + � which is equivalent to 𝐴 = �1 + � . Why?
𝑛 𝑛

𝑟 𝑛
With technology, investigate what happens to the expression �1 + � as n gets infinitely large.
𝑛
You will investigate this expression for different values of r. Begin by letting
.9 𝑛
r = 90% or .9. Then you are looking at �1 + � as n increases in value. You can then consider r
𝑛
.8 𝑛
= 80% or .8 so you are investigating �1 + � . The following table can help you organize your
𝑛
𝑟 𝑛
work. In the final column you can choose your own value of r to create the expression �1 + �
𝑛
. Remember there is no limit on the value of n; instead, n continues to get larger and larger!

Frequency of Number of times .9 𝑛 .8 𝑛

Compounding compounded in a �1 + � �1 + �
𝑛 𝑛
year (n)
Annual 1 1.9 1.8
Semiannual 2 2.1025 1.96
Quarterly 4 2.2519 2.0736
Monthly 12 2.3818 2.1694
Weekly 52 2.4407 2.212
Daily 365 2.4569 2.2236
Hourly 8760 2.4595 2.2255
Every Minute 525600 2.4596 2.2255
Every Second 31536000 2.4596 2.2255

Examine the data in the table. As the number of compounding times gets infinitely large, what
𝑟 𝑛 𝑟 𝑛
happens to the value of �1 + � ? Do you see for each value of r the value of �1 + � appears
𝑛 𝑛
to be getting closer to a particular number? Let’s see if we can determine what that number is.
As a suggestion, use your calculator to evaluate 𝑒 .9 . Now evaluate 𝑒 .8 . Conjecture? What
𝑟 𝑛
number do you think �1 + � gets closer to as n gets larger and larger? Test your conjecture for
𝑛
different values of r and LARGE values of n!

𝑟 𝑛
Did you see that as n increases in value, the expression �1 + � gets closer and closer to the
𝑛
value of 𝑒 𝑟 for any value r? Therefore, if we are compounding interest continuously, the
𝑟 𝑛𝑛 𝑟 𝑛
compound interest formula 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � becomes 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟 because �1 + � can be
𝑛 𝑛
replaced with the value 𝑒 𝑟 for infinitely large values of n. Show how.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

𝑟 𝑛𝑛 𝑟 𝑛 𝑡
𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � = 𝑃 ��1 + � � = 𝑃 [𝑒 𝑟 ]𝑡 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟
𝑛 𝑛

Assume your friend, Natalie, has $10,000 to invest. Complete the following chart to show how
much she would earn if her money was invested in each of the specified accounts for 10 years.
Frequency of Annual interest Formula with values Amount after 10
compounding rate substituted in years
Quarterly 3.65% A = 10,000(1 + $14,381.32
.0365/4)^40
Monthly 3.65% A = 10,000(1 + $14,397.16
.0365/12)^(120)
Continuously 3.6% A= $14,333.29
10,000e^(.036*10)

Which account would you suggest for Natalie? ________________

Solution: Natalie would make the most money with the account in which the interest is
compounded monthly at 3.65% per year.

Natalie is particularly interested in how long it will take her money to double if she invests her
$10,000 at 3.65% compounded monthly .
The equation that will help us determine how long it will take Natalie’s money to double is
.0365 12𝑡
10000 �1 + � = 20000 .
12
Explain why this equation is correct.

We’ve used the compounded interest formula for investing $1000 at 3.65% compounded 12 times
per year but we don’t know how many years so we leave the variable t; we want the amount to be
$20,000 so these are set equal to each other.

.0365 12𝑡
The above equation is equivalent to �1 + � = 2. Explain why.
12

Divided both sides by 10000.

Use logarithms to solve the equation to find out how long it will take for her money to double.
. 0365 12𝑡
�1 + � =2
12

(1.003041667)12𝑡 = 2

𝑙𝑙𝑙1.003041667 2 = 12𝑡

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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𝑙𝑙𝑙 2
= 12𝑡
𝑙𝑙𝑙 1.003041667

228.2304027 = 12𝑡
𝑡 ≈ 19 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑠

Natalie is also interested in how long it will take her $10,000 to double if she invested it at 3.7%
compounded continuously.
The equation that can be solved to answer this question is
10000𝑒 .037𝑡 = 20000.
Explain why this equation is correct.

The above equation is equivalent to 𝑒 .037𝑡 = 2. Explain why.

If we rewrite this equation as a logarithmic equation we get log 𝑒 2 = .037𝑡 which is equivalent
to ln 2 = .037𝑡. Solve this equation algebraically to find how long it takes Natalie’s money to
double.

Solution: It will take approximately 18.7 years for the money to double at 3.7% compounded
continuously.

Would your answer be different if Natalie invested $50,000 at 3.7% compounded continuously?
What if she invested $100? What about $1? Explain. (Try some of the examples if you need
to.)

The results of this problem may surprise students!

Solution: No, the answer would not be different. If we are looking at when the money doubles,
each equation would reduce to the same equation, namely, 2 = e.037t.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

How Does Your Money Grow?

Suppose you invest $1000 in a savings account that earns 3% interest compounded per year.
This amount that you invest is called your principal.
How much money will you have at the end of year 1? After 2 years? After 6 years? Organize
your work in the table.

Time in Years 0 1 2 3 4 5
Total Amount o f
Money

Write a function to express the total amount of money A in terms of the number of
years t.

Suppose you invest $1000 at 3% per year but instead of earning the interest yearly, the account
earns the interest compounded semi-annually. Thus, each quarter you earn ½ of the 3% interest
3 3 .03
or % interest per quarter . Why? (Do you see that % is equivalent to ?) Complete the
2 2 2
table to show the amount of money you have.

2 4
Time in quarters 0 1 3 5
(1 yr) (2 yrs)
Total amt of money

After 1 year, how does the amount of money in problem 2 compare to that in problem 1? What
caused the difference in the amounts?

The function you wrote in part (b) of question (1) now becomes
.03 2𝑡
𝐴(𝑡) = 1000 �1 + � . Explain why.
2

In the next sequence of questions, the goal is to write the function you wrote in part (b) in a more
general way. Consider the sequence of questions carefully, paying close attention to patterns.

How would your function in part (d) change if your interest was compounded quarterly? How
would your function in part (d) change if your interest was compounded monthly?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Look for patterns. How would your function in part (d) change if your interest was compounded
n times per year? Write this function.

Now take the function you wrote in part (ii). How would this function change if the annual
interest rate was 5.2%?

Look for patterns. How would the function in part (ii) change if the annual interest rate was r?
Write this function.

Finally, if the amount of money invested was $850, how would the function you wrote in part
(iv) change?

Look for patterns. How would the function in part (iv) change if the amount invested were
represented by P? Write this function.

Congratulations!! If all has gone well with the above questions in part (e), you have just written
a generalization for the total amount of money A a person would have if he invests an initial
amount P at an annual rate r compounded n times per year for t years!!! You should have
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
gotten (𝑡) = 𝑃 �1 + � . If you did not get this, go back to find your error. This formula is
𝑛
referred to as the compounded interest formula. The formula is more commonly expressed as
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � .
𝑛

Often money is compounded continuously rather than compounded 4 times a year or 12 times a
year, or some other finite number of times per year. When money is compounded continuously,
we use the continuously compounded interest formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟 where P is the initial amount of
money (or principal) invested at a yearly rate r compounded continuously for t years. This
formula uses the irrational number e which equals 2.718281828… Since e is irrational, it neither
terminates nor repeats. But where does the formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟 come from and what does it mean
to say that “interest is compounded continuously”? Let’s make sense of this.
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
The continuously compounded interest formula comes from 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � . To get a sense of
𝑛
what is happening, let’s simplify the situation to consider $1 invested at 100% per year for 1

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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𝑟 𝑛𝑛 1 𝑛
year. If you substitute this information into 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � , you get 𝐴 = 1 �1 + � which is
𝑛 𝑛
1 𝑛
equivalent to 𝐴 = �1 + � . Why?
𝑛

When money is compounded continuously, you can imagine that the number of times it is
compounded per year gets infinitely large—that is, n gets infinitely large. Use technology to
1 𝑛
investigate what happens to the expression �1 + � as n increases in value. Record the value
𝑛
1 𝑛
of �1 + � for each value of n. (Some values of n are given in the table.)
𝑛

Frequency of Number of times 1 𝑛

Compounding compounded in a year �1 + �
𝑛
(n)
Annually 1
Semiannually 2
Quarterly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Hourly 8760
Every Minute
Every Second 31536000

Examine your data in the table. As the number of compounding times gets infinitely large, what
1 𝑛
happens to the value of �1 + � ? What do you think would happen if you continued to use
𝑛
larger and larger values of n? (Try it!)

Let’s see what happens if we invest $1 at rates different from 100% for 1 year; this time we will
use r for our annual rate of interest so that we can let r vary. Again, we want the number of
𝑟 𝑛𝑛
times the interest is compounded per year to increase. The formula 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � now
𝑛
𝑟 𝑛 𝑟 𝑛
becomes 𝐴 = 1 �1 + � which is equivalent to 𝐴 = �1 + � . Why?
𝑛 𝑛
𝑟 𝑛
With technology, investigate what happens to the expression �1 + � as n gets infinitely large.
𝑛
You will investigate this expression for different values of r. Begin by letting
.9 𝑛
r = 90% or .9. Then you are looking at �1 + � as n increases in value. You can then consider r
𝑛
.8 𝑛
= 80% or .8 so you are investigating �1 + � . The following table can help you organize your
𝑛

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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𝑟 𝑛
work. In the final column you can choose your own value of r to create the expression �1 + �
𝑛
. Remember there is no limit on the value of n; instead, n continues to get larger and larger!

Frequency of Number of times .9 𝑛 .8 𝑛

Compounding compounded in a �1 + � �1 + �
𝑛 𝑛
year (n)
Annual 1
Semiannual 2
Quarterly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Hourly 8760
Every Minute
Every Second 31536000

Examine the data in the table. As the number of compounding times gets infinitely large, what
𝑟 𝑛 𝑟 𝑛
happens to the value of �1 + � ? Do you see for each value of r the value of �1 + � appears
𝑛 𝑛
to be getting closer to a particular number? Let’s see if we can determine what that number is.
As a suggestion, use your calculator to evaluate 𝑒 .9 . Now evaluate 𝑒 .8 . Conjecture? What
𝑟 𝑛
number do you think �1 + � gets closer to as n gets larger and larger? Test your conjecture for
𝑛
different values of r and LARGE values of n!

𝑟 𝑛
Did you see that as n increases in value, the expression �1 + � gets closer and closer to the
𝑛
value of 𝑒 𝑟 for any value r? Therefore, if we are compounding interest continuously, the
𝑟 𝑛𝑛 𝑟 𝑛
compound interest formula 𝐴 = 𝑃 �1 + � becomes 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑟 because �1 + � can be
𝑛 𝑛
replaced with the value 𝑒 𝑟 for infinitely large values of n. Show how.

Assume your friend, Natalie, has $10,000 to invest. Complete the following chart to show how
much she would earn if her money was invested in each of the specified accounts for 10 years.
Frequency of Annual interest Formula with values Amount after 10
compounding rate substituted in years
Quarterly 3.65%
Monthly 3.65%
Continuously 3.6%

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Which account would you suggest for Natalie? ________________

Natalie is particularly interested in how long it will take her money to double if she invests her
$10,000 at 3.65% compounded monthly .
The equation that will help us determine how long it will take Natalie’s money to double is
.0365 12𝑡
10000 �1 + � = 20000 .
12
Explain why this equation is correct.

.0365 12𝑡
The above equation is equivalent to �1 + � = 2. Explain why.
12

Use logarithms to solve the equation to find out how long it will take for her money to double.

Natalie is also interested in how long it will take her $10,000 to double if she invested it at 3.7%
compounded continuously.
The equation that can be solved to answer this question is
10000𝑒 .037𝑡 = 20000.
Explain why this equation is correct.

The above equation is equivalent to 𝑒 .037𝑡 = 2. Explain why.

If we rewrite this equation as a logarithmic equation we get log 𝑒 2 = .037𝑡 which is equivalent
to ln 2 = .037𝑡. Solve this equation algebraically to find how long it takes Natalie’s money to
double.

Would your answer be different if Natalie invested $50,000 at 3.7% compounded continuously?
What if she invested $100? What about $1? Explain. (Try some of the examples if you need
to.)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Applications of Logarithmic Functions

Mathematical Goals
Work with several applications of logarithmic functions
Use exponential and logarithmic functions to solve problems

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to
reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)
MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential
functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

MCC9‐12.F.LE.4 For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab(ct) = d

where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using
technology.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Attend to precision.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Introduction
Students explore several applications of logarithmic functions including pH levels and the
magnitude of earthquakes.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

Logarithmic functions are used to model various situations in many different fields. In this task,
you will investigate some of these situations.

Problem 1: Acidity of Solutions

NASA had to ensure the astronauts would have sufficient and safe drinking water while traveling

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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to Exponentia. The scientists had to test the pH of the water that was to be stored on the space
shuttle to be sure it was within a safe range.

"pH" stands for "potential” of “hydrogen.” The "H" in pH is capitalized because the symbol for
hydrogen is H. The concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+], in a substance determines whether the
substance is more acidic or alkaline. [H+], however, is usually a very large or very small number
so we use logarithms to convert [H+] to pH. pH provides a more convenient way to express how
acidic or alkaline a substance is.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A solution with a pH of 7 means it is a neutral solution. Pure
water has a pH of 7. A pH less than 7 means the solution is acidic. A pH greater than 7 means the
solution is alkaline (basic). The smaller the pH, the more acidic is the solution; the greater the
pH, the more alkaline is the solution.

pH is often measured for soil, water, blood, urine, and many chemical reactions; pH is an
important value that has significance and consequences. For example, the pH of normal human
blood and tissues is about 7.4; if this pH is changed by 0.2 or more, either up or down, it is a life-
threatening situation. The ideal range for the pH of water in a swimming pool is 7.2 to 7.8. When
the water in a swimming pool falls below 7.2, humans experience eye and skin irritation and pool
equipment corrodes. Levels above 7.8 inhibit chlorine's ability to neutralize viruses, bacteria and
other health risks in the water, and also cause eye irritation.

pH is the negative logarithm of the concentration of free hydrogen ions, measured in moles per
liter (moles/L). The formula to convert the concentration of hydrogen ions to pH is
pH = -log [H+].

1. Consider the general common logarithmic function, f(x) = log x. How will the graph of the
pH conversion function, g(x) = - log x, differ from the graph of f(x)? Specifically, how, if at
all, are the domain, range, intercepts, asymptotes, increasing/decreasing changed? What kind
of graphical transformation is this?

Solution: The conversion function is a vertical reflection of f(x) over the x-axis. The domain,
range, intercept, and asymptote will remain the same. However, the graph of g(x) is
decreasing.

2. If a water sample has a pH of 5, use the conversion formula to determine the concentration of
hydrogen ions in the sample.

Solution: -5 = log [H+]  10-5 = [H+]. So the concentration is 10-5moles/L.

3. Suppose another water sample has a pH of 7. How does the concentration of hydrogen ions
in this sample compare to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the sample with pH of 5?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Solution: If the pH is 7, the concentration of hydrogen ions is 10-7 moles/L. Water with a pH
of 5 has a hydrogen ion concentration that is 10-5 moles/L. Thus, the concentration of
hydrogen ions in the water sample with pH 5 is 100 times that of the water sample with pH of
7.

4. The [H+] in drinking water should range between approximately 3.16 x 10-9 and 10-6.
Determine the approximate range for the pH of drinking water.

Solution: The approximate pH range is between 6.0 and 8.5.

5. The concentration of hydrogen ions of a solution is measured and found to be 10-4. Is this
solution more or less acidic than drinking water? Explain.

Solution: The pH of this solution is 4. The lower the pH, the more acidic it is. Therefore, this
substance is more acidic than our drinking water.

Problem 2: Intensity of Sound1

The loudness of sound, D, measured in decibels (dB) is given by the formula

𝐼
𝐷 = 10 log
10−16

where I is the intensity measured in watts per square cm (w/cm2). The denominator, 10-16, is the
approximate intensity of the least sound audible to the human ear. 2
1. If a normal conversation is held at an intensity of 3.16 x 10-10 w/cm2, how many decibels is
this? Simplify as much as possible before using the calculator. (You should use some
properties of exponents.)

Solution: D = 10 log (I / 10-16) = 10 log (3.16 x 10-10 / 10-16) = 10 log (3.16 x 106) ≈ 65 dB

2. Suppose the whisper of the ventilation system in the space shuttle had an intensity of 10-15
w/cm2. How many decibels is this? Do not use a calculator. Explain how you determined the
answer.

Solution: D = 10 log (I / 10-16) = 10 log (10) = 10 dB. We know that log (10) means the
exponent, a, that the base 10 is raised to in order for 10a = 10. So a = 1. Therefore, the
equation is now 10 (1) = 10 dB.

2
Adapted from Discovering Advanced Algebra: An Investigative Approach from Key Curriculum Press, 2004.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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3. The loudest a rock concert may be held is 120 dB. This is also how loud a space shuttle
launch is from a viewing area for non-essential NASA personnel. What is the intensity of the
launch from this site? Leave your answer in exponential notation. (You will need to use that
logarithms and exponential functions are inverses.) 3
Solution: D = 10 log (I / 10-16)  12 = log (I/10-16)  1012 = I/10-16  10-4 w/cm2 = I

Problem 3: Magnitude of Earthquakes

Most earthquakes are so small enough hardly to be noticed; however, some can be very powerful
causing widespread death and destruction and can even trigger tsunamis. The Richter magnitude
scale was developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter of the California Institute of Technology.
The magnitude is a number that characterizes the relative size of an earthquake. Magnitude is
based on a measurement of ground motion recorded by a seismograph. The Richter scale is a
base-10 logarithm scale; each increase of 1 magnitude means 10 times the ground motion. For
example, an earthquake with magnitude 6.3 has 10 times the ground motion of an earthquake of
magnitude 5.3; thus, the 6.3 earthquake is 10 times the size of the 5.3. An earthquake of
magnitude 7 has 102 or 100 times the ground motion of an earthquake of magnitude 5 so the
magnitude 7 earthquake is 100 times the size of the magnitude 5 earthquake.
1. One earthquake measured 2 on the Richter scale. A second earthquake measured 8 on the
Richter scale. Compare the sizes of the two earthquakes.

2. In 2002, an earthquake of magnitude 7.9, one of the largest on U.S. land, occurred in the
Denali National Park in Alaska. On April 29, 2003, an earthquake in Fort Payne, Alabama
was felt by many residents of northern Georgia. The magnitude was 4.6. How does the size
of the Alabama earthquake compare with the size of the Denali earthquake?

Solution: The Denali earthquake was 103.3 times the size of the Alabama earthquake.

3. Rather than discuss relative size of an earthquake, we often prefer to discuss the amount of
energy released by an earthquake. A formula that relates the number on a Richter scale to the
energy of an earthquake is r = 0.67 log E – 7.6, where r is the number on the Richter scale
and E is the energy in ergs.

a. What is the Richter number of an earthquake that releases 3.9 x 1015 ergs of energy?
(Be careful when inputting this into the calculator.)

3
Information obtained from the Space Shuttle Recording Project.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Solution: r = 2.846

b. How much energy was released by the 2002 Denali earthquake? By the 2003
Alabama earthquake?

Solution:
Denali earthquake: r = 0.67 log E – 7.6
7.9 = 0.67 log E – 7.6
log E = 15.5/.67  1023.12 = E  1.36 x 1023 ergs of energy

Alabama earthquake: r = 0.67 log E – 7.6

4.6 = 0.67 log E – 7.6
log E = 12.2/.67  1018.21 = E  1.62 x 1018 ergs of energy

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Applications of Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic functions are used to model various situations in many different fields. In this task,
you will investigate some of these situations.

Problem 1: Acidity of Solutions

NASA had to ensure the astronauts would have sufficient and safe drinking water while traveling
to Exponentia. The scientists had to test the pH of the water that was to be stored on the space
shuttle to be sure it was within a safe range.

"pH" stands for "potential” of “hydrogen.” The "H" in pH is capitalized because the symbol for
hydrogen is H. The concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+], in a substance determines whether the
substance is more acidic or alkaline. [H+], however, is usually a very large or very small number
so we use logarithms to convert [H+] to pH. pH provides a more convenient way to express how
acidic or alkaline a substance is.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A solution with a pH of 7 means it is a neutral solution. Pure
water has a pH of 7. A pH less than 7 means the solution is acidic. A pH greater than 7 means the
solution is alkaline (basic). The smaller the pH, the more acidic is the solution; the greater the
pH, the more alkaline is the solution.

pH is often measured for soil, water, blood, urine, and many chemical reactions; pH is an
important value that has significance and consequences. For example, the pH of normal human
blood and tissues is about 7.4; if this pH is changed by 0.2 or more, either up or down, it is a life-
threatening situation. The ideal range for the pH of water in a swimming pool is 7.2 to 7.8. When
the water in a swimming pool falls below 7.2, humans experience eye and skin irritation and pool
equipment corrodes. Levels above 7.8 inhibit chlorine's ability to neutralize viruses, bacteria and
other health risks in the water, and also cause eye irritation.

pH is the negative logarithm of the concentration of free hydrogen ions, measured in moles per
liter (moles/L). The formula to convert the concentration of hydrogen ions to pH is
pH = -log [H+].

1. Consider the general common logarithmic function, f(x) = log x. How will the graph of the
pH conversion function, g(x) = - log x, differ from the graph of f(x)? Specifically, how, if at
all, are the domain, range, intercepts, asymptotes, increasing/decreasing changed?
What kind of graphical transformation is this?

2. If a water sample has a pH of 5, use the conversion formula to determine the concentration of
hydrogen ions in the sample.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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3. Suppose another water sample has a pH of 7. How does the concentration of hydrogen ions
in this sample compare to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the sample with pH of 5?

4. The [H+] in drinking water should range between approximately 3.16 x 10-9 and 10-6.
Determine the approximate range for the pH of drinking water.

5. The concentration of hydrogen ions of a solution is measured and found to be 10-4. Is this
solution more or less acidic than drinking water? Explain.
Problem 2: Intensity of Sound1
The loudness of sound, D, measured in decibels (dB) is given by the formula
𝐼
𝐷 = 10 log
10−16

where I is the intensity measured in watts per square cm (w/cm2). The denominator, 10-16, is the
approximate intensity of the least sound audible to the human ear. 4
1. If a normal conversation is held at an intensity of 3.16 x 10-10 w/cm2, how many decibels is
this? Simplify as much as possible before using the calculator. (You should use some
properties of exponents.)

2. Suppose the whisper of the ventilation system in the space shuttle had an intensity of 10-15
w/cm2. How many decibels is this? Do not use a calculator. Explain how you determined the
answer.

3. The loudest a rock concert may be held is 120 dB. This is also how loud a space shuttle
launch is from a viewing area for non-essential NASA personnel. What is the intensity of the
launch from this site? Leave your answer in exponential notation. (You will need to use that
logarithms and exponential functions are inverses.) 5

Problem 3: Magnitude of Earthquakes

Most earthquakes are so small enough hardly to be noticed; however, some can be very
powerful causing widespread death and destruction and can even trigger tsunamis. The Richter
magnitude scale was developed in 1935 by Charles F. Richter of the California Institute of
Technology. The magnitude is a number that characterizes the relative size of an earthquake.
Magnitude is based on a measurement of ground motion recorded by a seismograph. The
Richter scale is a base-10 logarithm scale; each increase of 1 magnitude means 10 times the
ground motion. For example, an earthquake with magnitude 6.3 has 10 times the ground motion
of an earthquake of magnitude 5.3; thus, the 6.3 earthquake is 10 times the size of the 5.3. An

4
Adapted from Discovering Advanced Algebra: An Investigative Approach from Key Curriculum Press, 2004.
5
Information obtained from the Space Shuttle Recording Project.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

earthquake of magnitude 7 has 102 or 100 times the ground motion of an earthquake of
magnitude 5 so the magnitude 7 earthquake is 100 times the size of the magnitude 5 earthquake.
1. One earthquake measured 2 on the Richter scale. A second earthquake measured 8 on the
Richter scale. Compare the sizes of the two earthquakes.

2. In 2002, an earthquake of magnitude 7.9, one of the largest on U.S. land, occurred in the
Denali National Park in Alaska. On April 29, 2003, an earthquake in Fort Payne, Alabama
was felt by many residents of northern Georgia. The magnitude was 4.6. How does the size
of the Alabama earthquake compare with the size of the Denali earthquake?

3. Rather than discuss relative size of an earthquake, we often prefer to discuss the amount of
energy released by an earthquake. A formula that relates the number on a Richter scale to the
energy of an earthquake is r = 0.67 log E – 7.6, where r is the number on the Richter scale
and E is the energy in ergs.

a. What is the Richter number of an earthquake that releases 3.9 x 1015 ergs of energy?
(Be careful when inputting this into the calculator.)

b. How much energy was released by the 2002 Denali earthquake? By the 2003
Alabama earthquake?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Newton’s Law of Cooling-Coffee, Donuts, and (later) Corpses. (Spotlight

Task)

(Three Parts-Coffee, Donuts, Death)

Mathematical Goals
Utilizing real-world situations students will apply the concepts of exponential growth and
decay to real-world problems.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Attend to Precision
• Look for and Make Use of Structure
• Look for and Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning

Standards Addressed
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential
functions.

Analyze functions using different representations

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7e Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, showing intercepts and end
behavior.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Build new functions from existing functions

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models and solve problems
MCC9‐12.F.LE.4 For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab(ct) = d
where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using
technology.

Analyze functions using different representations

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Newton’s Law of Cooling-Coffee, Donuts, and (later) Corpses.

(Three Parts-Coffee, Donuts, Death)
PART 1: Coffee and Newton’s Law of Cooling
Modified from www.haverford.edu

Sir Isaac Newton found that the temperature of something heated will cool down at different
rates, depending on the rate of the environment in which it is cooling. The “Newton’s Law of
Cooling” equation was derived based on this function:
T (t) = T e + (T 0 − T e ) e - kt,
where T (t) is the temperature of the object at time t, T e is the constant temperature of the
environment, T 0 is the initial temperature of the object, and k is a constant that depends on the
material properties of the object.

1. Look at the statement about k. It is saying that k is a constant that depends on the
material. Can you think of two liquids that would cool at different rates? What physical
properties of the two liquids makes that happen? The density of two different materials
often determines how fast it cools off-for liquids, generally thick liquids take longer.

NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING (student notes)Vocabulary and Variables:

(T 0 ) pronounced: “Sub-Zero” almost always means, “at the beginning.” This mea
“T-sub-zero” at the first measurement.
(T e ) pronounced: This means temp of the environment.
“T-sub-e”
k The constant of cooling we discussed.
t The time elapsed.
T(t) The Temperature at any given time.
You discuss Newton’s Law of Cooling, give formula and variables here….this is where student
takes notes.

SAMPLE PROBLEM: In a 72° room, my 180° coffee will be 150° after two minutes. I like my
coffee at 120°. How long should I wait?

See next page for explanation.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

PART 1: COFFEE:

SAMPLE PROBLEM: In a 72° room, my 180° coffee will be 150° after two minutes. I like
my coffee at 120°. How long should I wait? Use the info about how long it takes for my
coffee to get to find k

It might be helpful to imagine the diagram below…three “checkpoints” with a cloud to

represent the temp of the environment. You need to have two completed checkpoints to be able
to find “k.” You can see bellow that we know t=0 sand t=2. There may be times when you
have the first and third, second and third, etc. The cloud below represents the “environmental
temperature.”

Env. Temp
Second
First Time =( T e) Time Third T
Known or Known or Known
Recorded =72° Recorded Recorde
t=0 t=2 ???

180° 150° 120°

First Second
Temp Temp Third T
Known or Known or Known
Recorded Recorded Recorde

Since you have both the first and second “checkpoints,” these are the two that you use to find
the constant. T(t), the resultant temp, is the end point of those two data checkpoints.
T (t) = T e + (T 0 − T e ) e – kt
150° = 72° + (180° − 72° ) e – k*2
150-72=(108)e-2k
𝟕𝟕
= e-2k
𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟕𝟕
𝒍𝒍 � � = 𝒍𝒍(𝒆−𝟐𝟐 )
𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟕𝟕
𝒍𝒍 � � = -2k
𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟕𝟕
𝒍𝒍� �
𝟏𝟏𝟏
= k −𝟐
k ≈0.1627112002**
***TIP: If students hit “STO” and then the variable “K” on their calculators, they can keep from having
in the long decimals!!!! (Store’s Usually Beside the Four)-they can now type “K” and the calculator remembe
for that problem. The variable “k” must be re-figured for each problem though!!!

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

PART 1: COFFEE, continued….

T (t) = T e + (T 0 − T e ) 𝐞−𝐤𝐤

120°=72° + (180° - 72°)𝐞−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐭

120° = 72° + (180° − 72° 𝐞−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐭 )

48°=(108) 𝐞−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐭
𝟒𝟒
= 𝐞−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐭
𝟏𝟏𝟏

𝟒𝟒
𝐥𝐥( ) = 𝐥𝐥(𝐞−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝐭 )
𝟏𝟏𝟏

𝟒𝟒
𝐥𝐥( ) = −𝟎. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏𝟏

𝟒𝟒
𝐥𝐥( )
−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏
𝟏𝟏𝟏
= 𝐭

t ≈ 4.98 minutes
(It will take about five minutes for the coffee to cool down to 120°

Challenges

1. In a 72° room, my 180° coffee will be 150° after two minutes. How long will it take to
get 75°?

About 22 minutes (setup here was identical to first example…didn’t have to re-figure
k).

2. What is the temperature after 30 minutes? 72.8°F…if students get 1.366° they failed to
observe order of operation, and add/subtracted 72 + 180-72 straight across rather than
multiplying (180-72) times the result of 𝒆−𝟎.𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏∗𝟑𝟑 !!! Bad Bad!!!
3. Boiling water (212° at sea level) is left in a 70° and after 5 minutes it is 180° What is the
constant of cooling? k≈0.5107

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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4. Using this info from the previous question, how long will it take to have it cool to 98°?
≈32 minutes
5. Heating is cooling in reverse. Use the same constant k as in #3. If an ice cube is placed in
the same room. how long will it take to become 50°? (presume the ice is 32° when
frozen). ≈12.5 minutes

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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PART 2: Donuts and Coffee Lab

Suppose you visited Krispy Kreme. You ordered hot coffee and hot donuts (YUM!). You are
handed your hot coffee, but informed that you will have to wait 15 minutes for your hot donuts
to finish traveling their conveyor belt trip through the waterfall of sweet glaze. You like to add
creamer to your coffee, but you still want the coffee to be as hot as possible after those fifteen
minutes so that you can enjoy both the hot donuts and the hottest possible coffee.
The question is: should you add the creamer as soon as you get it (2 minutes after it is brewed) or
should you add the creamer in about 12 minutes?
Objectives:
 To determine whether we should add the room temperature creamer after 2 minutes or after
12 minutes if we wish to drink the coffee as hot as possible about 15 minutes after it is
poured. (If the coffee is allowed to sit for half an hour, it will likely be room temperature, so
either case would give the same final temperature after half an hour.)
 To determine the rate of cooling of the two cases.
 To explore logarithms in a chemistry setting.
 To create graphs of both situations, and to analyze the graphs

MY HYPOTHESIS ABOUT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, AND REASONS WHY I

KNOW I AM RIGHT:
Answers Vary-as long as student can explain why they think what is going to happen .

Materials (one of each per group-pairs are best).

per group of 2-3 students:
• 1 hot plate per group* • graduated cylinder *
• 2 250 ml beakers per group * • timer (cell phones have these )*
• 2 150 ml beakers per group * • paper towel
• 2 thermometers per group* • graph paper
• water • pencil and paper to record
• milk observations
• instant coffee
*Chemistry teachers will all of the lab items in this lab, and may allow you to borrow them or
maybe even switch rooms for the day so that you can run this lab! However the TI/Vernier
LabPro works quite well, and as long as you have two of the SAME amounts of coffee for this
lab, lab glassware isn’t necessarily needed. Equal volume containers and thermometers will
work. It may be advised to have a bucket for throwaway coffee as well. If you have access to
brewed coffee, you might choose that, but this lab heats water up to 80 rather than allowing
the coffee to cool down to 80 so that you don’t have to wait for cooling. Hot coffee is actually
much hotter than 80°F.

Procedure:

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

You should have already written down your hypothesis of what you think will happen, now that
we have discussed Newton's Law on the previous page.

One partner will do Part A (add milk early) below, and the other partner will do Part B (wait to
add the milk). Measure exactly as directed, and carefully follow each instruction to a “T.” Do
Part A and Part B at the same time.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Part A. Add the milk early Part B. Add the milk later:
1. Measure 150 ml of water with instant 1. Measure 150 ml of water with instant
coffee into a 250 ml beaker and heat it coffee into a 250 ml beaker and heat it
on a hot plate until it the temperature on a hot plate until the temperature is 80
reaches 80 degrees. degrees.

2. Put 40 ml of milk in a 150 ml beaker. 2. Put 40 ml of milk in a 150 ml beaker.

3. When the coffee has reached 80 degrees, 3. When the coffee has reached 80 degrees,
carefully remove it from the hot plate carefully remove it from the hot plate
using a paper towel as a pot holder. using a paper towel as a pot holder.

4. The temperature of the water may 4. The temperature of the water may
continue to increase a few degrees after continue to increase a few degrees after
it is removed from the heat. When the it is removed from the heat. When the
temperature returns to 80 degrees start temperature returns to 80 degrees start
taking the temperature every 30 seconds. taking the temperature every 30 seconds.

HERE (AT 2 MINUTES) IS WHERE PART A AND PART B DIVERGE!

5. At the two minute (2 minutes) mark, add 5. At the 12 minute mark (12 seconds), add
the milk and record the temperature the milk and take the temperature
immediately. Then continue taking the immediately, then continue taking the
temperatures every 30 seconds. temperature every 30 seconds.

6. Using Newton’s Law of Cooling, identify 6. Using Newton’s Law of Cooling, identify
which of your measurements would be which of your measurements would be
T 0, which of your measurements would be T e, what is T 0, which of your measurements would be T e, what is
“t,” and what is k? “t,” and what is k?

7. Record the temperatures in a chart and 7. Record the temperatures in a chart and
keep taking temperatures each 30 keep taking temperatures every 30
seconds until the time reaches 15 seconds until the time had reached 15
minutes. minutes.

Graph both on the same piece of graph paper so that they can easily be compared.
(Or else take turns graphing on both so that both members can have a copy of both
graphs-check with teacher)
8. Make a graph of temperature versus 8. Make a graph of temperature versus
time, temperature on the y axis and time time, temperature on the y axis and
on the x axis. times on the x axis.

9. Compare your graph with your partner. 9. Compare your graph with your partner.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Which slope is steeper? Who has the Which slope is steeper? Who has the
higher temperature after fifteen minutes. higher temperature after fifteen minutes.
What does this tell you. What does this tell you.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Data and Results

10. Record the data in the table: Note that the last three entries are at extended time periods so
that you can start graphing while you are waiting to finish. Sample data below. Room was
roughlty73° (results are more dramatic if you blast the A/C all day), and coffee was the
correct 80° at time t=0.
Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)
Temperature A

Temperature A

Temperature A

Temperature A

Temperature A
Temperature B

Temperature B

Temperature B

Temperature B

Temperature B
0 80 80 3.5 77.4 79.2 7 76.8 78.4 10.5 76.3 78.2 14 75.8 77.2

0.5 78.8 79.8 4 77.4 79.0 7.5 76.8 78.4 11 76.2 78.1 14..5 75.8 77.2

1 78.4 79.6 4.5 77.2 78.9 8 76.6 78.4 11.5 76.2 78.0 15 75.8 77.0

1.5 78.1 79.6 5 77.2 78.9 8.5 76.6 78.4 12 76.0 78.0 15.5 75.7 76.9

2 77.8 79.4 5.5 77.0 78.8 9 76.5 78.3 12.5 76.0 77.7 20 75.4 76.0

2.5 77.7 79.4 6 77.0 78.7 9.5 76.5 78.2 13 76.0 77.6 25 75.2 75.2

3 77.6 79.2 6.5 76.9 78.7 10 76.4 78.2 13.5 75.9 77.5 30 75.2 74.7

11. GRAPH the data on the same sheet of graph paper, same set of axes (or else take turns
graphing on both so that both members can have a copy of both graphs) Only graph points
for even numbers including zero, since your thermometer probably doesn’t measure to the
hundredth, so that you can actually see the change

See graph, next page. The axes do not need to start at zero-you aren’t in a freezing cold
classroom, hopefully. For the sample range of data shown, the temperature never go
below 75°. Creating a graph that is large enough to be seen, but without a lot of empty
space on graph paper is a skill they should practice, so it is better to give them empty graph
paper and tell them to graph the situation than it is to give them axes that are more
“friendly.”

It is also a good idea to have them graph only every 2 minutes rather than every one of the
30 seconds. This is because most high school lab thermometers do not register

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

temperatures with greater specificity than a tenth of a degree. If students graph every
single half-minute point, their graphs will look more like stair steps than smooth graphs.
But there is a good discussion, even there. “Do you think the coffee is still cooling? Why
does it look like it’s the same from 4 to 4.5 minutes?

Sample Graph from Data in Chart, Previous Page

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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12. Discussion – What were the results, and was my hypothesis correct, or not?

The results should turn out as follows: The final temperature of the coffee with cream added
early (Part A) is a few degrees above the coffee with cream added later (Part B). If the room
temperature is 24 or 25 C, there will be little difference. The experiment works best if the
temperature of the room is about 20 C, as in the wintertime (OR crank down the A/C). Also,
the graph for Part A after the cream is added is more horizontal, or has a lower slope, than the
graph for Part B until the cream is added. That shows that if the temperature between the
liquid (coffee) and the room is greater, the cooling is faster and if the difference in
temperatures is less, the cooling is slower. Or, the rate is greater is the temperature difference
is greater. The time to cool is proportional to the difference between the substance and the
ambient temperature. Pretty Cool!.

13. Discussion – What did you learn?

Answers Vary-hopefully they learned that (because the difference between the creamer and

the coffee was greater at the beginning) it is better to wait until the temperature difference is

smaller, because the greater the difference, the more quickly the coffee will cool.

14. Did anything surprise you about your results?

Answers Vary

15. ExtensionA: What if (instead of coffee) it was Hot Chocolate or Broccoli and Cheese

Soup that was cooling? Do you think these would cool faster, or more slowly?

Denser substances typically cool more slowly.

16. ExtensionB: What sources of error might there have been in your data?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Measurement errors will typically be the sources of error, along with thermometer reading

errors, especially if the thermometer is an older mercury one. Timing would be a source of

error-even a few seconds difference between pouring the two cups of coffee makes a big

difference because the cooling starts to take place immediately.

Assessment-Turn in the Following: This Hypothesis/Conclusion/Discussion Page, Your

Data, and your Graphs
Have the students turn in their hypothesis, data charts, graphs, and conclusion, and possible
sources of error (reading the thermometer, adding cream at correct time, graphing, etc).
Extensions:
The most obvious extension to this task is to ask students to compare their actual temperature
measurements with theoretical temperature measurements For “Part A,”, students could
derive the equation using data from Step 5 (the 2 minute mark) to Step 7 (the 15 minute
mark), and then test to see if the in-between actual data points match the equation’s
theoretical data points. “Part B,” could do the same. An equation could be derived from Step
1 to Step 5 (the 2 minute mark to the 12 minute mark) and test times in between to see if the
real data lines up with the theoretical data. Then the same could occur from Steps 5 to 7.
The result can be applied to discussions involving climate and the cooling or earth and water -
cooling of ground in dessert areas, cooling of water in lakes and oceans, and warming of
oceans for swimming. In a liquid mixture, the hot liquid is an energy source and the cold
liquid is an energy receiver. Heat energy is transferred from the hot to the cold substance.
A class should observe Newton’s Law of Cooling directly several ways; any of these
experiments would demonstrate that hotter water cools faster than cooler water.

• They could just heat water, remove it from the hot plate and then record the
temperature every minute as it cooled.

• A shorter experiment would be for each group in the class to have the same quantity of
water at different temperatures. As a class, set time zero and record the original
temperature ant then record the temperature at some set time later, say three minutes.
The class could compare the average rate of temperature drop in three minutes for
different initial temperatures.

• You could also say that you recorded cooling data and have them graph the data. Here
is some data and a computer generated graph.

The question we are asking here that needs to be considered here is how fast does something
cool off, or how fast does the temperature change? What are the crucial factors that affect the

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

rate of cooling? Newton’s Law of Cooling addresses these questions. Newton’s Law says that
the time a substance takes to cool off depends on the temperature difference between the
substance and the surroundings.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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PART 3: Corpses

Newton’s Law of Cooling and CSI: REAL APPLICATION

Crime Scene

A detective is called to the scene of a crime in a college science lab where the dead body of an
unnamed chemistry student has just been found in a closet. It is clear the body was there for
some time-possibly even while students were working in the lab the previous night. The
detective arrives on the scene at 5:41 am and begins her investigation. Immediately, the
temperature of the body is taken and is found to be 78.0oF. The detective checks the
programmable thermostat and finds that the lab has been kept at a constant 71o F for several
days.

After evidence from the crime scene is collected, the temperature of the body is taken once more
and found to be 76.6o F. This last temperature reading was taken exactly one hour after the first
one.

Based on key-card entry records, it is clear that there were only four students in the lab the night
before:

• The dead chemistry student arrived at the lab at 7pm the previous night and never left the
lab.
• Edgar got into the science lab at 6pm, but he left at 10pm.
• Franny got into the science lab at midnight and worked until 2am.
• Geoffrey got into the science lab at 10 pm and worked until midnight.

The next day the detective is asked by another investigator, “What time did our victim die?”
Assuming that the victim’s body temperature was normal (98.6o F) prior to death, what is her
answer to this question?

Newton’s Law is how detectives determine time of death! Solve the crime. Find the dead
student’s constant of cooling, her time of death, and name the murderer.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Env. Temp
(Te) =72=
°
How Long Ago? (Answer will be Second Time Known or
negative…) First Time Known or Recorded Recorded

???? t=0 t=60

98.6° 78.0° 76.6°

Second Temp Known or Third Temp Known or
First Temp Known or Recorded Recorded Recorded

Using the two known time/temp pairs, we can fill out the Newton’s Law of Cooling Formula to Find k.
T (t) = T e + (T 0 − T e ) e – kt
76.6° = 71° + (78° − 71° ) e – k*60
76.6°-71°=(7)e-2k
𝟓.𝟔
= e60k
𝟕
𝟓.𝟔
𝒍𝒍 � � = 𝒍𝒍(𝒆−𝟔𝟔𝟔)
𝟕
𝟓.𝟔
𝒍𝒍 � � = -60k
𝟕
𝟓.𝟔
𝒍𝒍� �
𝟕
= k
−𝟔𝟔
k ≈0.0037190592**

T (t) = T e + (T 0 − T e ) 𝐞−𝐤𝐤

98.6°=71° + (7°)𝐞−𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐭

98.6° = 71° + (7°)𝐞−𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐭

27.6°=(7) 𝐞−𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐭

𝟐𝟐.𝟔
= 𝐞−𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐭
𝟕

𝟐𝟐.𝟔
𝐥𝐥( ) = 𝐥𝐥�𝐞−𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐭 �
𝟕

𝟐𝟐.𝟔
𝐥𝐥( ) = −𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟕

𝟐𝟐.𝟔
𝐥𝐥( )
𝟕
= 𝐭
−𝟎.𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎

t ≈ -368.89 minutes ago….roughly 6 hours, 5 minutes ago.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Looks like Geoffrey has some explaining to do.

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Newton’s Law of Cooling-Coffee, Donuts, and (later) Corpses. (Spotlight

Task)

(Three Parts-Coffee, Donuts, Death)

Mathematical Goals
Utilizing real-world situations students will apply the concepts of exponential growth and
decay to real-world problems.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
• Attend to Precision
• Look for and Make Use of Structure
• Look for and Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning

Standards Addressed
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)
MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and
explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. (Limit to exponential and
logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.A.SSE.3c Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential

functions.

Analyze functions using different representations

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.7e Graph exponential and logarithmic functions, showing intercepts and end
behavior.

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

Build new functions from existing functions

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models and solve problems
MCC9‐12.F.LE.4 For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab(ct) = d where
a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using technology.
Analyze functions using different representations
MCC9‐12.F.IF.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph,
by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. (Limit to
exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to

reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING-Two Cups of Coffee

Modified from www.haverford.edu

Sir Isaac Newton found that the temperature of something heated will cool down at different
rates, depending on the rate of the environment in which it is cooling. The “Newton’s Law of
Cooling” equation was derived based on this function:
T (t) = T e + (T 0 − T e ) e - kt,
where T (t) is the temperature of the object at time t, T e is the constant temperature of the
environment, T 0 is the initial temperature of the object, and k is a constant that depends on the
material properties of the object.

2. Look at the statement about k. It is saying that k is a constant that depends on the
material. Can you think of two liquids that would cool at different rates? What physical
properties of the two liquids makes that happen?

NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING (student notes)Vocabulary and Variables:

(T 0 ) pronounced: “T-
sub-zero”
(T e ) pronounced “T-sub-
e”
k
t
T(t)

PART 1: COFFEE:SAMPLE PROBLEM: In a 72° room, my 180° coffee will be 150°

after two minutes. I like my coffee at 120°. How long should I wait? Use the info about how
long it takes for my coffee to get to find k

Challenges

6. In a 72° room, my 180° coffee will be 150° after two minutes. How long will it take to
get 75°?
7. What is the temperature after 30 minutes?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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8. Boiling water (212° at sea level) is left in a 70° and after 5 minutes it is 180° What is the
constant of cooling?
9. Using this info from the previous question, how long will it take to have it cool to 98°?
10. Heating is cooling in reverse. Use the same constant k as in #3. If an ice cube is placed in
the same room. how long will it take to become 50°? (presume the ice is 32° when
frozen).

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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PART 2: DONUTS AND COFFEE:

Introduction:
Suppose you visited Krispy Kreme. You ordered hot coffee and hot donuts (YUM!). You are
handed your hot coffee, but informed that you will have to wait 15 minutes for your hot donuts
to finish traveling their conveyor belt trip through the waterfall of sweet glaze. You like to add
creamer to your coffee, but you still want the coffee to be as hot as possible after those fifteen
minutes so that you can enjoy both the hot donuts and the hottest possible coffee.
The question is: should you add the creamer as soon as you get it (2 minutes after it is brewed) or
should you add the creamer in about 12 minutes?
Objectives:
1. To determine whether we should add the room temperature creamer after 2 minutes or
after 12 minutes if we wish to drink the coffee as hot as possible about 15 minutes after it
is poured. (If the coffee is allowed to sit for half an hour, it will likely be room
temperature, so either case would give the same final temperature after half an hour.)
2. To determine the rate of cooling of the two cases.
3. To explore logarithms in a chemistry setting.
4. To create graphs of both situations, and to analyze the graphs

MY HYPOTHESIS ABOUT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, AND REASONS WHY I

KNOW I AM RIGHT:

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Materials (one of each per group-pairs are best).

per group of 2-3 students:

• 1 hot plate per class* • graduated cylinder *
• 2 250 ml beakers * • timer *
• 2 150 ml beakers * • paper towel
• 2 thermometers* • graph paper
• water • pencil and paper to record
• milk observations
• instant coffee

Procedure:
You should have already written down your hypothesis of what you think will happen, now that
we have discussed Newton's Law on the previous page.

One partner will do Part A (add milk early) below, and the other partner will do Part B (wait to
add the milk). Measure exactly as directed, and carefully follow each instruction to a “T.” Do
Part A and Part B at the same time.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Part A. Add the milk early Part B. Add the milk later:
1. Measure 150 ml of water with instant 1. Measure 150 ml of water with instant
coffee into a 250 ml beaker and heat it coffee into a 250 ml beaker and heat it
on a hot plate until it the temperature on a hot plate until the temperature is 80
reaches 80 degrees. degrees.

2. Put 40 ml of milk in a 150 ml beaker. 2. Put 40 ml of milk in a 150 ml beaker.

3. When the coffee has reached 80 degrees, 3. When the coffee has reached 80 degrees,
carefully remove it from the hot plate carefully remove it from the hot plate
using a paper towel as a pot holder. using a paper towel as a pot holder.

4. The temperature of the water may 4. The temperature of the water may
continue to increase a few degrees after continue to increase a few degrees after
it is removed from the heat. When the it is removed from the heat. When the
temperature returns to 80 degrees start temperature returns to 80 degrees start
taking the temperature every 30 seconds. taking the temperature every 30 seconds.

HERE (AT 2 MINUTES) IS WHERE PART A AND PART B DIVERGE!

5. At the two minute (2 minutes) mark, add 5. At the 12 minute mark (12 seconds), add
the milk and record the temperature the milk and take the temperature
immediately. Then continue taking the immediately, then continue taking the
temperatures every 30 seconds. temperature every 30 seconds.

6. Using Newton’s Law of Cooling, identify 6. Using Newton’s Law of Cooling, identify
which of your measurements would be which of your measurements would be
T0, which of your measurements would T0, which of your measurements would
be Te, what is “t,” and what is k? be Te, what is “t,” and what is k?

7. Record the temperatures in a chart and 7. Record the temperatures in a chart and
keep taking temperatures each 30 keep taking temperatures every 30
seconds until the time reaches 15 seconds until the time had reached 15
minutes. minutes.

Graph both on the same piece of graph paper so that they can easily be compared.
(Or else take turns graphing on both so that both members can have a copy of both
graphs-check with teacher)
8. Make a graph of temperature versus 8. Make a graph of temperature versus
time, temperature on the y axis and time time, temperature on the y axis and
on the x axis. times on the x axis.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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9. Compare your graph with your partner. 9. Compare your graph with your partner.
Which slope is steeper? Who has the Which slope is steeper? Who has the
higher temperature after fifteen minutes. higher temperature after fifteen minutes.
What does this tell you. What does this tell you.

Data and Results

10. Record the data in the table: Note that the last three entries are at extended time periods so
that you can start graphing while you are waiting to finish.
Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)

Time (Minutes)
Temperature A

Temperature A

Temperature A

Temperature A

Temperature A
Temperature B

Temperature B

Temperature B

Temperature B

Temperature B
0 3.5 7 10.5 14

0.5 4 7.5 11 14..5

1 4.5 8 11.5 15

1.5 5 8.5 12 15.5

2 5.5 9 12.5 20

2.5 6 9.5 13 25

3 6.5 10 13.5 30

11. GRAPH the data on the same sheet of graph paper, same set of axes (or else take turns
graphing on both so that both members can have a copy of both graphs) Only graph points
for even numbers including zero, since your thermometer probably doesn’t measure to the
hundredth, so that you can actually see the change

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

12. )Discussion – What were the results, and was my hypothesis correct, or not?

13. Discussion – What did you learn?

14. Did anything surprise you about your results?

15. ExtensionA: What if you warmed the creamer first?

16. ExtensionB: What if (instead of coffee) it was Hot Chocolate or Broccoli and Cheese Soup

that was cooling? Do you think these would cool faster, or more slowly?

17. ExtensionC: What sources of error might there have been in your data?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Assessment-Turn in the Following: This Hypothesis/Conclusion/Discussion Page, and your

Graphs

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

PART 3: CORPSES
Newton’s Law of Cooling and CSI: REAL APPLICATION

Crime Scene

A detective is called to the scene of a crime in a college science lab where the dead body of an
unnamed chemistry student has just been found in a closet. It is clear the body was there for
some time-possibly even while students were working in the lab the previous night. The
detective arrives on the scene at 5:41 am and begins her investigation. Immediately, the
temperature of the body is taken and is found to be 78.0oF. The detective checks the
programmable thermostat and finds that the lab has been kept at a constant 71o F for several
days.

After evidence from the crime scene is collected, the temperature of the body is taken once more
and found to be 76.6o F. This last temperature reading was taken exactly one hour after the first
one.

Based on key-card entry records, it is clear that there were only four students in the lab the night
before:

• The dead chemistry student arrived at the lab at 7pm the previous night and never left the
lab.
• Edgar got into the science lab at 6pm, but he left at 10pm.
• Franny got into the science lab at midnight and worked until 2am.
• Geoffrey got into the science lab at 10 pm and worked until midnight.

The next day the detective is asked by another investigator, “What time did our victim die?”
Assuming that the victim’s body temperature was normal (98.6o F) prior to death, what is her
answer to this question?

Newton’s Law is how detectives determine time of death! Solve the crime. Find the dead
student’s constant of cooling, her time of death, and name the murderer.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

*Graphing Logarithmic and Exponential Functions

INTRODUCTION TO THIS FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT LESSON

MATHEMATICAL GOALS
This lesson unit is intended to help you assess how well students are able to:
Graph exponential and logarithmic functions
Determine x and y intercepts and asymptotes of exponential and logarithmic functions
Describe the domain, range and end behaviors of exponential and logarithmic functions
Understand that exponential and logarithmic functions are inverses of each other

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS

This lesson involves mathematical content in the standards from across the grades, with
emphasis on::
MCC9-12 F.IF.8 – Graph exponential & logarithmic functions, showing intercepts and end
behaviors.
MCC9-12 F.BF.5 – Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms and
use the relationship to solve problems involving exponentials and logarithms.
SMP1-Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
SMP2-Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
SMP3-Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
SMP6 -Attend to precision

INTRODUCTION
This lesson is structured in the following way:
Before the Lesson,
Students work individually on an assessment task that is designed to reveal their current
understandings and difficulties. You then review their work, and create questions for students to
answer in order to improve their solutions.

At the Start of the Lesson,

Students work in pairs on a collaborative discussion task in which they match exponential and
logarithmic functions to their graphs, describe their characteristics, and identify inverse
functions. Upon completing their assignment, students work in their same groups to analyze the
work of other groups within the class.

During the Lesson,

Students explain their thought processes and the strategies they used in completing their task.

After the Whole-Group Class Discussion,

Students return to their original assessment tasks, and try to improve their own responses.

MATERIALS REQUIRED
Each individual student will need:

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

White board, dry erase marker & eraser

Glue
Chart paper, poster, or large construction paper
A copy of Set 1 – Exponential Functions (cut apart)
A copy of Set 2 – Logarithmic Functions (cut apart)
TEACHER PREP REQUIRED
Teacher, be advised that prior to the lesson, the following preparations/copies will need to be
made:
A copy of Set 1 – Exponential Functions (cut apart)
A copy of Set 2 – Logarithmic Functions (cut apart)

TIME NEEDED:
For Pre- 15 min For 75-80 min For 15 min
Assessment: Lesson: Post:

FRAMING FOR THE TEACHER:

This Formative Assessment Lesson is to be used two-thirds of the way through the
Logarithm/Exponential Unit, when students understand how to graph both and how to identify
key features of these graphs. Oftentimes students are able to slice and dice the intricacies of
these two, but they are not clear about the relationship between the two. This lesson was
carefully crafted so that the inverses of the exponential functions shown are the logarithmic
functions. Students should be able to discuss this relationship with the teacher at the conclusion
of the lesson.

FRAMING FOR THE STUDENTS:

Say to the students:
This activity will take about _2-3_days for us to complete.
The reason we are doing this is to be sure that you understand: graphing exponentials and logs
before we move on to a new idea.
You will have a chance to work with a partner to correct any misconceptions that you may have.
After the partner work, you will be able to show me what you have learned!

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

PRE-ASSESSMENT BEFORE THE LESSON

ASSESSMENT TASK: Graphing Logarithmic/Exponential Functions
Time This Should Take: 15 minutes

Have the students do this task in class or for homework, a day or more before the formative
assessment lesson. This will give you an opportunity to assess the work, and to find out the
kinds of difficulties students have with it. You will them be able to target your help more
effectively in the follow-up lesson.

Give each student a copy of Graphing Exponential and

Logarithmic Functions:
Briefly introduce the task and help the class to understand
the problem and its context.
Spend 15 minutes working individually on this task.
Read through the task and try to answer it as carefully
as you can. Show all your work so that I can
understand your reasoning. Don’t worry if you can’t
complete everything. There will be a lesson that should
help you understand these concepts better. Your goal is
to be able to confidently answer questions similar to
these by the end of the next lesson.
Students should do their best to answer these questions,
without teacher assistance. It is important that students
are allowed to answer the questions on their own so that
the results show what students truly do not understand.

Students should not worry too much if they cannot

understand or do everything on the pre-assessment,
because in the next lesson they will engage in a task
which is designed to help them.. Explain to students that
by the end of the next lesson, they should expect to be
able to answer questions such as these confidently.
This is their goal.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

COLLABORATION TIME/READING STUDENTS RESPONSES

You Will Not “Grade” These!
Collect students’: responses to the task. It is helpful to read students’ responses with colleagues
who are also analyzing student work. Make notes (on your own paper, not on their pre-
assessment) about what their work reveals about their current levels of understanding, and their
approaches to the task. You will find that the misconceptions reveal themselves and often take
similar paths from one student to another, and even from one teacher to another. Some
misconceptions seem to arise very organically in students’ thinking. Pair students in the same
classes with other students who have similar misconceptions. This will help you to address the
issues in fewer steps, since they’ll be together. (Note: pairs are better than larger groups for
FAL’s because both must participate in order to discuss!)

You will begin to construct Socrates-style questions to try and elicit understanding from
students. We suggest you write a list of your own questions; however some guiding questions
and prompts are also listed below as a jumping-off point.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

COMMON ISSUES SUGGESTED QUESTIONS AND

PROMPTS
Student has a hard time getting started What would happen if you just plugged
numbers in place of x?
What would parent function look like without
plus four, minus one, etc…?
Students match logarithmic function to What does the graph of an exponential
exponential graph, and vice-versa. function look like?
What does the graph of a logarithmic
function look like?
Students match exponential graph to How can points on the graph be found?
incorrect exponential function.
Students cannot label ordered pairs on How are x and y intercepts found?
graphs.
Students cannot write a function that doesn’t What changes in the function cause the
have an x-intercept. graph to move?
Students cannot write a pair of inverse What are the relationships between inverse
functions. functions?
Student has a hard time getting started What would happen if you just plugged
numbers in the place of x?
What would the parent function look like
without the plus four, minus one, etc…?

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

LESSON DAY
SUGGESTED LESSON OUTLINE:
Part 1: Whole-Class Introduction: Time to Allot: (10 minutes)
Display the “Warm Up” question provided.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Give each student a mini-whiteboard, pen and eraser.

Introduce the lesson with:
Today, we are going to look at the key features of exponential & logarithmic curves and the
relationships between exponential & logarithmic functions. On your mini-whiteboards, write
an exponential growth function f(x) and sketch its graph.
Allow students to work for a few minutes and then ask them to show you their whiteboards. Be
selective as to which student you ask to explain his or her graphs. Look for several different
graphs. Specifically graphs with:
A positive asymptote
A negative asymptote
Different bases
What are the common features of these graphs? What part of the function creates these
common features? What is different about the graphs? What part(s) of the functions cause
these differences?
Elicit responses from the class and try to keep your own interventions to a minimum. Encourage
students to use mathematical terms such as roots, y-intercepts, asymptote, domain, range, and
end behaviors. Make sure that students discuss the movement of the asymptotes, and the rates
of change of the different graphs and how the functions affect these features.
Now on your mini-whiteboards, sketch the graph of your functions’ inverse.
Then write the function f-1(x).
Allow students to work for a few minutes and then ask them to show you their whiteboards.
Ask several students to explain the relationship between their graphs of f(x) and f-1(x).
Encourage students to address the relationships between the domains and ranges, x and y
intercepts, and the asymptotes. Also have students discuss the relationship between the
functions f(x) and f-1(x).
Now on your mini-whiteboards, write an exponential decay function g(x) and sketch its
graph.
Allow students to work for a few minutes and then ask them to show you their whiteboards.
Be selective as to which student you ask to explain his or her graphs. Look for several different
graphs. Specifically graphs with:
A positive asymptote
A negative asymptote
Different bases
What are the common features of these graphs? What part of the function creates these
common features? What is different about the graphs? What part(s) of the functions cause
these differences?
Elicit responses from the class and try to keep your own interventions to a minimum. Encourage
students to use mathematical terms such as roots, y-intercepts, asymptote, domain, range, and
end behaviors. Make sure that students discuss the movement of the asymptotes, and the rates
of change of the different graphs and how the functions affect these features.
Now on your mini-whiteboards, sketch the graph of your functions’ inverse.
Then write the function g-1(x).
Allow students to work for a few minutes and then ask them to show you their whiteboards.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Ask several students to explain the relationship between their graphs of g(x) and g-1(x).
Encourage students to address the relationships between the domains and ranges, x and y
intercepts, and the asymptotes. Also have students discuss the relationship between the
functions g(x) and g-1(x).

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Part 2: Collaborative Activity: Time to Allot: ( 60

minutes)
Put students into their pairs according to your analysis of student errors.
Do/Say the Following:
Group Work (30 minutes)
Have students work in groups of 2 or 3 to complete the activity. It is recommended that the
teacher group the students homogeneously based on misconceptions found in the pre-assessment.

Give each group the card set, along with tape or glue to hold the graphs and functions together as
they are matched and a sheet of poster/chart paper. (Note: Two versions of the cards are
included to allow for differentiation within the classroom.)

You are now going to work in your groups to match each function with its graph. Once the
graphs and functions are matched, tape or glue the pairs together then identify missing
characteristics on the function card.
Now match each function/graph pair to its inverse function/graph. Then tape/glue the inverse
pairs to your poster, leaving space beside each pair. In a sentence or two, beside each pair of
functions explain how you determined that they are inverses

The purpose of this structured group work is to encourage students to engage with each other's
explanations and take responsibility for each other understands.

You have two tasks during the small-group work: to make a note of student approaches to the
task, and to support student reasoning. Listen and watch students carefully. Note different
student approaches to the task and any common mistakes. Also notice the ways students check to
see if their match is correct and how they explain and justify a match to each other. You can use
this information to focus a plenary whole-class discussion. In addition, try not to make
suggestions that move students towards a particular match. Instead, ask questions to help
students to reason together. If you find one student has produced a solution for a particular
match, challenge another student in the group to provide an explanation.
Ex. John matched these cards. Sharon, why do you think John matched these two cards?
If you find students have difficulty articulating their decisions, use the sheet Suggested questions
and prompts to support your own questioning of students. If the whole class is struggling on the
same issue, you could write a couple of questions on the board and hold an interim, whole-class
discussion. You could also ask students who performed well in the assessment to help struggling
students.

Sharing posters (5 minutes)

As students finish their posters, ask one student from each group to visit another group's poster.
(The posters should be the same as they are constructed from the same data set.)
Give the students these instructions:
If you are staying at your desk, be ready to explain the reasons for your group's matches.
If you are visiting another group, write your card placements on a piece of paper. Go to

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another group's desk and check to see which matches are different from your own.
If there are differences, ask for an explanation. If you still don't agree, explain your own
thinking. When you return to your own desk, you need to consider as a group whether to
make any changes to your own poster.

Students may now want to make changes to their poster.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Whole-class discussion: Exponential & Logarithmic Functions (20 - 30 minutes)

Once students have finished sharing posters, organize a whole-class discussion.
Invite pairs of students to describe one pair of cards (exponential function & graph) that they
think they have matched correctly, and the reasoning they employed. Also, have them explain
how they determined the various characteristics related to their function and graph.
Encourage other students to challenge their explanations.
Once students have discussed their results for the exponential functions, complete complete the
same process for the logarithmic functions. Make sure to discuss the graph, as well as all
characteristics.
Finally, have students share exponential/logarithmic pairs that they think are inverse functions.
Ask them to explain their reasoning both algebraically and graphically. Again, encourage other
students to challenge their explanations.

To wrap up the class discussion, give each student a mini-whiteboard, a pen, and an eraser.
Give students 2 minutes to write and graph an increasing exponential function with an asymptote
at y = -3.
After 2 minutes, have them trade white boards with their partner. The partners should silently
check each others’ work (allow 1-2 minutes for this), then take 3-4 minutes to discuss their
functions and make corrections to their work.
Select 3 – 4 students to share their functions and graphs. Ask the class to analyze if the function
is increasing, does it have the correct asymptote, does the graph match the function?
Give the students 4-5 minutes to find and graph the inverse of the exponential function they just
wrote.
After 4 -5 minutes, have them trade white boards with their partner. The partners should silently
check each others’ work (allow 1-2 minutes for this), then take 3-4 minutes to discuss their
functions and make corrections to their work.
Select 3 – 4 students to share their functions and graphs. Ask the class to analyze if the function
is the correct inverse, does it have the correct asymptote, is it graphed correctly?

Poster Sharing

One person from each group stays with the poster, and one person moves to analyze the work of
other groups. Does your work match that of the other groups’?

If you are staying at your desk, be ready to explain the reasons for your group's matches.

If you are visiting another group, write your card placements on a piece of paper. Go to
another group's desk and check to see which matches are different from your own. If there
are differences, ask for an explanation. If you still don't agree, explain your own thinking.
When you return to your own desk, you need to consider as a group whether to make any
changes to your own poster. You should visit at least 2 groups.

During the Collaborative Activity, the Teacher has 3 tasks:

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Circulate to students’ whose errors you noted from the pre-assessment and support their
reasoning with your guiding questions.
Circulate to other students also to support their reason in the same way.
Make a note of student approaches for the summary (plenary discussion). Some students have
interesting and novel solutions!

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Part 3: Plenary (Summary) Discussion: Time to Allot: ( 20-30 minutes)

Gather students together, share solutions. Discussion prompts should be made up of your
original guiding questions and notes about student approaches. Some other discussion prompts
are listed below:
NOTE: “Scribing” helps to increase student buy-in and participation. When a student answers
your question, write the student’s name on the board and scribe his/her response quickly. You
will find that students volunteer more often when they know you will scribe their responses –
this practice will keep the discussions lively and active!
Bring the class together and use the following to guide discussion:
Once students have finished sharing posters, organize a whole-class discussion.
Invite pairs of students to describe one pair of cards (exponential function & graph) that they
think they have matched correctly, and the reasoning they employed. Also, have them explain
how they determined the various characteristics related to their function and graph.
Encourage other students to challenge their explanations.
Once students have discussed their results for the exponential functions, complete the same
process for the logarithmic functions. Make sure to discuss the graph, as well as all
characteristics.
Finally, have students share exponential/logarithmic pairs that they think are inverse functions.
Ask them to explain their reasoning both algebraically and graphically. Again, encourage other
students to challenge their explanations.

To wrap up the class discussion, give each student a mini-whiteboard, a pen, and an eraser.
Give students 2 minutes to write and graph an increasing exponential function with an asymptote
at y = -3.
After 2 minutes, have them trade white boards with their partner. The partners should silently
check each others’ work (allow 1-2 minutes for this), then take 3-4 minutes to discuss their
functions and make corrections to their work.
Select 3 – 4 students to share their functions and graphs. Ask the class to analyze if the function
is increasing, does it have the correct asymptote, does the graph match the function?
Give the students 4-5 minutes to find and graph the inverse of the exponential function they just
wrote.
After 4 -5 minutes, have them trade white boards with their partner. The partners should silently
check each others’ work (allow 1-2 minutes for this), then take 3-4 minutes to discuss their
functions and make corrections to their work.
Select 3 – 4 students to share their functions and graphs. Ask the class to analyze if the function
is the correct inverse, does it have the correct asymptote, is it graphed correctly?

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Part 4: Improving Solutions to the Assessment Task Time to Allot: (15-20

minutes)
The Shell MAP Centre advises handing students their original assessment tasks back to guide
their responses to their new Post-Assessment (which is sometimes the exact same as the Pre-
Assessment). In practice, some teachers find that students mindlessly transfer incorrect answers
from their Pre- to their Post-Assessment, assuming that no “X” mark means that it must have
been right. . Until students become accustomed to UNGRADED FORMATIVE assessments,
they may naturally do this. Teachers often report success by handing students a list of the
guiding questions to keep in mind while they improve their solutions.

Practice will make perfect, and teachers should do what makes them most comfortable with their
students/finds and kills misconceptions!

Give students a second blank copy of their tasks back.

Return to the students their original assessment task if you choose (some teachers choose not to
return the original assessment task because students tend to just copy the old answers without
realizing that they had incorrect answers previously; they misinterpret a lack of “X” marks as
meaning they got the problems all correct – it may be worthwhile to mention to students who are
new to FAL’s that the lack of an “X” does not mean they got it right if you do choose to give
students their original tasks back).
Look at your original responses and think about what you have learned this lesson.
Using what you have learned, try to improve your work.
If you have not added questions to individual pieces of work then write your list of questions on
the board.
Students should select from this list only the questions they think are appropriate to their own
work.
If you find you are running out of time, then you could set this task in the next lesson or for
homework.

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

PRE-ASSESSMENT (Answer Key)

ASSESSMENT TASK: Graphing Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Match each graph below to its function.
A) B) C) D)

f(x)=2x+1 - 4 matches graph B. I can tell because exponential equation, which increases
without bound (since the base > 1)…anything to the zero power is one, so normal exponential
functions cross at (0,1)…but for this one to have a zero exponent, the x would have to be
negative one, so that shifts left one unit. Then the minus four shifts down four units. (B) is
the only one that does this.

f(x)= 2x-1 + 4 matches graph D. I can tell because This is another exponential equation. It
will increase like the one above. It is shifted right one and up four. So that’s D.

f(x) = log 2 (x+1) – 4 matches graph A. I can tell because This is a logarithmic equation.
They intersect at (1,0), since they are inverses of exponentials. I would typically look for a
graph with (1,0) (2,1) and (4,2) in it. But this one is shifted left one, down four. So it’s going
to be below where it normally is. (points would be (0, -4), (1, -3) and *(3, -2)…)The one that
hits at (zero, a negative number) is A.

f(x) = log 2 (x – 1) + 4 matches graph C. I can tell because shifted right one and up four. x-
intercept point of all non-transformed logs (1,0), and then shift it right one and up four, you’d
be at (2,4).

5) What is the ordered pair for point M on the graph above? (1,0) Explain how you found
your answer. f(x)=2x+1 – 4. M is an x-intercept (f(x) = 0) 2x+1 – 4=0 2x+1 =4
2x+1=22 x+1 = 2x = 1 ….(1, 0) is Point M

6) a) Asymptote of g(x) = 4x-1- 8 is y = -8. Explain algebraically why this is the case.
Asymptote of 4x normally y=0, but shifted down 8. Algebraically, minus eight subtracts eight
units from every y-value. So asymptote y = -8.

b) How can the asymptote of g-1(x) be found? Switch the vertical and horizontal
asymptotes of g(x) so that horizontal becomes vertical and vertical becomes horizontal. Those

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

are the asymptotes of the inverse function.

7) Ms. Math asked Becky to find the Domain and Range of g(x), and she asked Sherry to
find the Domain and Range of g-1(x). Together they figured out a way to cut their work in
half. What did they do? know domain and range for inverses are flip-flopped, don’t need to
do calculations for both; they could find Domain and Range of g(x), then reverse them
(domain becomes range and range becomes domain)for g-1(x).

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Collaborative Activity (Answer Key)

Card Set Option 1&2 SOLUTIONS

1-1 1-b
f(x) = 3(x + 1) - 6
Domain: _____All Real Numbers_______
Range:________(-6, 0)______

Asymptote:________y = -6________

x-intercept: ______(-0.63, 0)____________

y-intercept: _______(0. -3)_________

End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→ ∞

𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→ −𝟔

1-2 f(x) = 3(x – 6) +1 1-c

Domain: ______All Real Numbers_______
Range:__________(1,∞)___________________

Asymptote:___y = 1_________

x-intercept: _________none___________

y-intercept: _______≈(0, 1.001)_________

End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝒙𝒙→∞,𝒚→𝟏

→∞,𝒚→∞

1-3 f(x) = 3(x – 1) + 6 1-a

Domain: _____All Real Numbers_______
Range:__________(6,∞)___________________

Asymptote:______y=6__________________

x-intercept: ____NONE_________________

y-intercept: _______≈(0, 6.33)_________

End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨𝑨𝑨𝒙𝒙→∞,𝒚→𝟔

→∞,𝒚→∞

Card Set Option 1&2 SOLUTIONS, page 2

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

1-4 f(x) = log 3 (x – 6) + 1 1-e

Domain:
:__________(6,∞)___________________
Range: _____All Real Numbers_______
Asymptote:______x =
6__________________
x-intercept: _____(9,0)______________
y-intercept: ________NONE_____________
𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→∞
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→−∞

1-5 f(x) = log 3 (x + 6) - 1 1-d

Domain: :__________(-
6,∞)___________________
Range:_ _____All Real Numbers_______
Asymptote: ______x = -
6__________________
x-intercept: _____(-3,
0)_________________
y-intercept: __________≈(0, 0.63)_________
𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→∞
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→−∞

1-6 f(x) = log 3 (x - 1) + 6 1-f

Domain:
:__________(1,∞)___________________
Range_____All Real Numbers_______
Asymptote:__ ______x =
1__________________
x-intercept: _____≈(1.001, 0)__________
y-intercept: ________NONE_____________
𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→∞
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→−∞

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

PRE-ASSESSMENT
Graphing Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Match each graph below to its function.
A) B) C) D)

f(x)=2x+1 - 4 matches graph _________. I can tell because

_____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
f(x)= 2x-1 + 4 matches graph _________. I can tell because
____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
f(x) = log 2 (x+1) – 4 matches graph _________. I can tell because
_______________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___
f(x) = log 2 (x – 1) + 4 matches graph _________. I can tell because
______________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___
5) What is the ordered pair for point M on the graph above?
_____________________Explain how you found your
answer._______________________________________________________________________
___.
6) a)The asymptote of g(x) = 4x-1 - 8 is y = -8. Explain algebraically why this is the case.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________
b) How can the asymptote of g-1(x) be found?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________
7) Ms. Math asked Becky to find the Domain and Range of g(x), and she asked Sherry to
find the Domain and Range of g-1(x). Together they figured out a way to cut their work in

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

half. What did they do?

______________________________________________________________________________
_______
______________________________________________________________________________
_______

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITY
Card Set Option 1
1-1 f(x) = 3(x + 1) - 6 1-b
Domain: _____All Real Numbers_______
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:_________________________
x-intercept: ______(-0.63, 0)____________
y-intercept: __________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

1-2 f(x) = 3(x – 6) +1 1-c

Domain: ____________________________
Range:__________[1,∞)___________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: __________________________
y-intercept: _______≈(0, 1.001)_________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

1-3 f(x) = 3(x – 1) + 6 1-a

Domain: ____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:______y=6__________________
x-intercept: ____NONE_________________
y-intercept: __________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Card Set Option 1, page 2

1-4 f(x) = log 3 (x – 6) + 1 1-e
Domain:
_____(6,∞)_______________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: _____(9,0)______________
y-intercept: __________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→
___

1-5 f(x) = log 3 (x + 6) - 1 1-d

Domain: ________(-6, 0)_______________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: __________________________
y-intercept: __________≈(0, 0.63)_________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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1-6 f(x) = log 3 (x + 1) + 6 1-f

Domain: ____________________________
Range:______All Real
Numbers____________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: _____≈(1.001, 0)__________
y-intercept:__________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

Card Set Option 2

2-1 f(x) = 3(x + 1) - 6 2-b
Domain:
____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:_________________________
x-intercept:
__________________________
y-intercept:
__________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

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2-2 f(x) = 3(x – 6) +1 2-c

Domain:
____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept:
__________________________
y-intercept:
__________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

2-3 f(x) = 3(x – 1) + 6 2-a

Domain:
____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept:
__________________________
y-intercept:
__________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

Card Set Option 2, page 2

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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2-4 f(x) = log 3 (x – 6) + 1 2-e

Domain: ____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: __________________________
y-intercept: __________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→

2-5 f(x) = log 3 (x + 6) - 1 2-d

Domain: ____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: __________________________
y-intercept: __________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→
_________

2-6 f(x) = log 3 (x + 1) + 6 2-f

Domain: ____________________________
Range:_____________________________
Asymptote:________________________
x-intercept: __________________________
y-intercept: __________________________
End Behaviors: 𝑨𝑨 𝒙 →∞,𝒚→
𝑨𝑨 𝒙→∞,𝒚→
_____________

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Lesson Day Warm-Up

On your mini-whiteboards, write an exponential growth function f(x) and sketch its graph.
What are the common features of these graphs? What part of the function creates these
common features? What is different about the graphs? What part(s) of the functions
cause these differences?

Now on your mini-whiteboards, sketch the graph of your functions’ inverse.

Then write the function f-1(x).
Now on your mini-whiteboards, write an exponential decay function g(x) and sketch its
graph.
What are the common features of these graphs? What part of the function creates these
common features? What is different about the graphs? What part(s) of the functions
cause these differences?

Now on your mini-whiteboards, sketch the graph of your functions’ inverse, then write the
function g-1(x).

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Collaborative Activity Instructions:

In your pairs:
Part 1:
Match each function to its graph, then find the missing characteristics for each function.
Tape/glue each function to its graph (attach them side-to-side)
Part 2
Match each exponential function/graph to its inverse function/graph.
Attach each inverse pair to your poster.
For each pair write a brief explanation of how your group determined that the
functions/graphs were inverses of each other.

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Culminating Task: Jason’s Graduation Presents

Mathematical Goals
To write expressions in logarithmic form to exponential form and vice versa
Solve exponential and logarithmic equations
Understand the relationship between logarithms and exponents

Common Core State Standards

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8 Write a function defined by an expression in different but equivalent forms to
reveal and explain different properties of the function. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic
functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.IF.8b Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential

functions. (Limit to exponential and logarithmic functions.)

MCC9‐12.F.BF.5 (+) Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms
and use this relationship to solve problems involving logarithms and exponents.

MCC9‐12.F.LE.4 For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to ab(ct) = d

where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using
technology.

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Introduction
This task provides another opportunity for students to use exponential and logarithmic functions
in context.

Materials
Graphing calculator or some other graphing utility

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Jason’s Graduation Present

1. You are at a baseball game when you get a text from your friend Jason. See to the left.
Jason’s uncle, an eccentric mathematics teacher, has decided to make Jason’s graduation gift a
challenge. You have to text him back the instructions for
how to evaluate and order those logarithms with a
calculator and without a calculator. Finish the texts below
and help Jason.
𝒍𝒍𝒍 𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕𝟕 𝒍𝒍𝒍𝟓 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓 𝒍𝒍 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐
≈ $𝟒. 𝟖𝟖 ≈ $𝟓. 𝟑𝟑 ≈ $𝟕. 𝟕𝟕

2. Jason received $1000 in graduation gifts. He found a savings plan that will pay him 4%
interest compounded continuously. Use the continuously compounded interest formula to write
the amount of money A Jason will have as a function of the time in t years.

𝑨(𝒕) = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝒆.𝟎𝟎𝟎

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 163 of 183
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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

3. Use technology to graph this function and graph a rough sketch below showing Jason’s
investment’s growth until he turns 38 (the next 20 years).

6. Jason wants to know how long it will take for him to have $1500 in his account. How long
will it take?

Explain how to find the answer from the graph. Find/explain the answer algebraically.
Also graph the line y = 1500 and find the 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 = 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝒆.𝟎𝟎𝟎
point of intersection. Pt of intersection is 𝟏. 𝟓 = 𝒆.𝟎𝟎𝟎
(10.1366, 1500) so it will take a little over 10 𝒍𝒍 𝟏. 𝟓 =. 𝟎𝟎𝟎
years for him to have $1500. 𝒕 ≈ 𝟏𝟏 𝒚𝒚𝒚𝒚𝒚

7. One of Jason’s graduation gifts is a trip on Amtrak from his home in Atlanta to New York to
visit a cousin. Jason is afraid he may experience motion sickness so he has decided to take
50 mg of dimenhydrinate (which will help prevent motion sickness) before boarding Amtrak.
Suppose that 85% of this medication remains in the bloodstream after 1 hour. Represent the
amount of dimenhydrinate in Jason’s bloodstream for the first 4 hours of taking the drug. Let
t be the number of hours after reaching its peak level of 50 mg. Explain how you determined
the amount of dimenhydrinate in Jason’s bloodstream.
Time in hours (t) 0 1 2 3 4
Amt of med. In system 50 50(0.85) 50(0.85)(0.85) 50(0.85)(0.85) (0.85) 50(0.85)(0.85) (0.85) (0.85)
(f(t) ≈42.5mg ≈36.1mg ≈30.7mg ≈26.1mg
About 26mg of the drug remains in his system. Each hour you take 85% (multiply by 0.85) to find out how
much is left.
𝒇(𝒕) = 𝟓𝟓(𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)𝒕
(Find the amount of the drug (f(t), in mg) in Jason’s system at time t=4 hours)
𝒇(𝟒) = 𝟓𝟓(𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)𝟒

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 164 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

𝒇(𝟒) = 𝟐𝟐 𝒎𝒎

8. Write an exponential function for the amount of dimenhydrinate in Jason’s bloodstream t

hours after reaching its peak level of 50 mg. How long does it take for Jason to have only
half the amount of dimenhydrinate in his bloodstream? Determine the solution in at least two
different ways and explain your thinking.

Time in hours (t) 0 1 2 3 4 5

Amt of med. In system (f(t) 50 ≈42.5mg ≈36.1mg ≈30.7mg ≈26.1mg ≈22.2mg
Sometime between 4 and 5 hours is when the drug was at 25mg…shortly after 4 hours, the
drug was half gone.

The equation to solve is

𝟐𝟐 = 𝟓𝟓(𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)𝒕
𝟐𝟐
= (𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)𝒕
𝟓𝟓
𝟐𝟐
𝒍𝒍𝒍 � � = 𝒍𝒍𝒍 (𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)𝒕
𝟓𝟓
𝟐𝟐
𝒍𝒍𝒍 � � = 𝒕 ∗ 𝒍𝒍𝒍(𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)
𝟓𝟓
𝟐𝟐
𝒍𝒍𝒍 �𝟓𝟓�
=𝒕
𝒍𝒍𝒍(𝟎. 𝟖𝟖)
t ≈ 4.265

It will take approx 4.3 hours for him to have only 25 mg in his bloodstream.

9. At what level might you consider Jason’s bloodstream cleared of dimenhydrinate? Why did
you choose this level?

Some students may choose a level of 1 mg as being virtually cleared of dimenhydrinate since 1
mg is a small amount. Theoretically, however, the bloodstream is never cleared since only
15% is eliminated every hour.

10. Using your established criteria, find how long it takes for the dimenhydrinate to clear Jason’s
bloodstream. Explain how you found your solution.

It will take a little over 24 hours.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 165 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Jason’s Graduation Present

1. You are at a baseball game when you get a text from your friend Jason. See to the left.
Jason’s uncle, an eccentric mathematics teacher, has decided to
make Jason’s graduation gift a challenge. You have to text him
back the instructions for how to evaluate and order those
logarithms with a calculator and without a calculator. Finish
the two texts below and help Jason.

2. Jason received $1000 in graduation gifts. He found a savings plan that will pay him 4%
interest compounded continuously. Use the continuously compounded interest formula to write
the amount of money A Jason will have as a function of the time in t years.

4. Use technology to graph this function and graph a rough sketch below showing Jason’s
investment’s growth until he turns 38 (the next 20 years). Label the y-axis with units that are
appropriate so that the entire graph will show.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 166 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

6. Jason wants to know how long it will take for him to have $1500 in his account. How long
will it take?
Explain how to find the answer from the graph. Find/explain the answer algebraically.

11. One of Jason’s graduation gifts is a trip on Amtrak from his home in Atlanta to New York to
visit a cousin. Jason is afraid he may experience motion sickness so he has decided to take
50 mg of dimenhydrinate (which will help prevent motion sickness) before boarding Amtrak.
Suppose that 85% of this medication remains in the bloodstream after 1 hour. Represent the
amount of dimenhydrinate in Jason’s bloodstream for the first 4 hours of taking the drug. Let
t be the number of hours after reaching its peak level of 50 mg. Explain how you determined
the amount of dimenhydrinate in Jason’s bloodstream.

12. Write an exponential function for the amount of dimenhydrinate in Jason’s bloodstream t
hours after reaching its peak level of 50 mg. How long does it take for Jason to have only
half the amount of dimenhydrinate in his bloodstream? Determine the solution in at least two
different ways and explain your thinking.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 167 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

13. At what level might you consider Jason’s bloodstream cleared of dimenhydrinate? Why did
you choose this level?

14. Using your established criteria, find how long it takes for the dimenhydrinate to clear Jason’s
bloodstream. Explain how you found your solution.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 168 of 183
All Rights Reserved
 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

APPENDIX-SUGGESTED MINI ASSESSMENTS THROUGHOUT UNIT

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 169 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Exponent Chart You will find this unit much easier if you know these.
Name____________________________________________Date_______________
Bases -1-10, Non-“X’ed” Values
(-1)0 00 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
und
1 efin 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
ed
(-1) 1 01 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(-1) 2 02 12 22 32 42 52 62 72 82 92 102
1 0 1 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81 100
(-1)3 03 13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 93 103
-1 0 1 8 27 64 125 216 343 512 729 1000
(-1) 4 04 14 24 34 44 54 64 74 84 94 104
1 0 1 16 81 256 625 1296 2401 4096 6561 10000
(-1)5 05 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105
-1 0 1 32 243 1024 3125 7776 16807 32768 59049 100000
(-1)6 06 16 26 36 46 56 66 76 86 96 106
1562 11764
1 0 1 64 729 4096 46656 262144 531441 1000000
5 9
(-1)7 07 17 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 97 107
218 1638 7812 27993 82354 209715 478296
-1 0 1 128 10000000
7 4 5 6 3 2 9
(-1)8 08 18 28 38 48 58 68 78 88 98 108
656 6553 3906 16796 57648 167772 430467
1 0 1 256 100000000
1 6 25 16 01 16 21
(-1)9 09 19 29 39 49 59 69 79 89 99 109
196 2621 1953 10077 40353 134217 387420 100000000
-1 0 1 512
83 44 125 696 607 7728 489 0
(-
010 110 210 310 410 510 610 710 810 910 1010
1)10
590 1048 9765 60466 28247 107374 348678 100000000
1 0 1 1024
49 576 625 176 5249 1824 4401 00

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
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July 2014  Page 170 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

Exponent Chart
Fill-in-the-Blanks

Name____________________________________________Date_______________
Bases 1-10, Non-“X’ed” Values
(-1)0 00 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

(-1) 1 01 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101

(-1) 2 02 12 22 32 42 52 62 72 82 92 102

(-1)3 03 13 23 33 43 53 63 73 83 93 103

(-1) 4 04 14 24 34 44 54 64 74 84 94 104

(-1)5 05 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105

(-1)6 06 16 26 36 46 56 66 76 86 96 106

(-1)7 07 17 27 37 47 57 67 77 87 97 107
218 163 7812 27993 82354 209715 47829
-1 0 1 128 10000000
7 84 5 6 3 2 69
(-1)8 08 18 28 38 48 58 68 78 88 98 108
656 655 3906 16796 57648 167772 43046 10000000
1 0 1 256
1 36 25 16 01 16 721 0
(-1)9 09 19 2 9
39 49 59 6 9
7 9
89 99 109

(-1)10 010 110 210 310 410 510 610 710 810 910 1010

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 171 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL 1

1 1 1 1

QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL

EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS,
MIXED MIXED MIXED MIXED

(-1)4 =_________ (-1)4 =_________ (-1)4 =_________ (-1)4 =_________

(-1)10 =_________ (-1)10 =_________ (-1)10 =_________ (-1)10 =_________
(0)6 =_________ (0)6 =_________ (0)6 =_________ (0)6 =_________
110 =_________ 110 =_________ 110 =_________ 110 =_________
27 =_________ 27 =_________ 27 =_________ 27 =_________
29 =_________ 29 =_________ 29 =_________ 29 =_________
210 =_________ 210 =_________ 210 =_________ 210 =_________
30 =_________ 30 =_________ 30 =_________ 30 =_________
31 =_________ 31 =_________ 31 =_________ 31 =_________
42 =_________ 42 =_________ 42 =_________ 42 =_________
50 =_________ 50 =_________ 50 =_________ 50 =_________
52 =_________ 52 =_________ 52 =_________ 52 =_________
70 =_________ 70 =_________ 70 =_________ 70 =_________
90 =_________ 90 =_________ 90 =_________ 90 =_________
1010 =_________ 1010 =_________ 1010 =_________ 1010 =_________
122 =_________ 122 =_________ 122 =_________ 122 =_________
152 =_________ 152 =_________ 152 =_________ 152 =_________
162 =_________ 162 =_________ 162 =_________ 162 =_________
172 =_________ 172 =_________ 172 =_________ 172 =_________
192 =_________ 192 =_________ 192 =_________ 192 =_________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 172 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL 2

2 2 2 2

QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL

EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS,
MIXED MIXED MIXED MIXED

182 =_________ 182 =_________ 182 =_________ 182 =_________

29 =_________ 29 =_________ 29 =_________ 29 =_________
122 =_________ 122 =_________ 122 =_________ 122 =_________
91 =_________ 91 =_________ 91 =_________ 91 =_________
43 =_________ 43 =_________ 43 =_________ 43 =_________
(-1)1 =_________ (-1)1 =_________ (-1)1 =_________ (-1)1 =_________
63 =_________ 63 =_________ 63 =_________ 63 =_________
(-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________
54 =_________ 54 =_________ 54 =_________ 54 =_________
72 =_________ 72 =_________ 72 =_________ 72 =_________
142 =_________ 142 =_________ 142 =_________ 142 =_________
44 =_________ 44 =_________ 44 =_________ 44 =_________
109 =_________ 109 =_________ 109 =_________ 109 =_________
16 =_________ 16 =_________ 16 =_________ 16 =_________
52 =_________ 52 =_________ 52 =_________ 52 =_________
23 =_________ 23 =_________ 23 =_________ 23 =_________
80 =_________ 80 =_________ 80 =_________ 80 =_________
26 =_________ 26 =_________ 26 =_________ 26 =_________
103 =_________ 103 =_________ 103 =_________ 103 =_________
93 =_________ 93 =_________ 93 =_________ 93 =_________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 173 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #3

3 3 3 3

QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL

EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS,
MIXED MIXED MIXED MIXED

252 =_________ 252 =_________ 252 =_________ 252 =_________

(0)5 =_________ (0)5 =_________ (0)5 =_________ (0)5 =_________
43 =_________ 43 =_________ 43 =_________ 43 =_________
162 =_________ 162 =_________ 162 =_________ 162 =_________
110 =_________ 110 =_________ 110 =_________ 110 =_________
73 =_________ 73 =_________ 73 =_________ 73 =_________
192 =_________ 192 =_________ 192 =_________ 192 =_________
82 =_________ 82 =_________ 82 =_________ 82 =_________
26 =_________ 26 =_________ 26 =_________ 26 =_________
(-1)1 =_________ (-1)1 =_________ (-1)1 =_________ (-1)1 =_________
182 =_________ 182 =_________ 182 =_________ 182 =_________
172 =_________ 172 =_________ 172 =_________ 172 =_________
53 =_________ 53 =_________ 53 =_________ 53 =_________
32 =_________ 32 =_________ 32 =_________ 32 =_________
00 =_________ 00 =_________ 00 =_________ 00 =_________
(-1)0 =_________ (-1)0 =_________ (-1)0 =_________ (-1)0 =_________
22 =_________ 22 =_________ 22 =_________ 22 =_________
108 =_________ 108 =_________ 108 =_________ 108 =_________
92 =_________ 92 =_________ 92 =_________ 92 =_________
202 =_________ 202 =_________ 202 =_________ 202 =_________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 174 of 183
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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #4

4 4 4 4

QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL QUICK RECALL

EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS, EXPONENTS,

63 =_________ 63 =_________ 63 =_________ 63 =_________

192 =_________ 192 =_________ 192 =_________ 192 =_________
(0)6 =_________ (0)6 =_________ (0)6 =_________ (0)6 =_________
44 =_________ 44 =_________ 44 =_________ 44 =_________
62 =_________ 62 =_________ 62 =_________ 62 =_________
13 =_________ 13 =_________ 13 =_________ 13 =_________
24 =_________ 24 =_________ 24 =_________ 24 =_________
132 =_________ 132 =_________ 132 =_________ 132 =_________
54 =_________ 54 =_________ 54 =_________ 54 =_________
142 =_________ 142 =_________ 142 =_________ 142 =_________
34 =_________ 34 =_________ 34 =_________ 34 =_________
23 =_________ 23 =_________ 23 =_________ 23 =_________
28 =_________ 28 =_________ 28 =_________ 28 =_________
(-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________
43 =_________ 43 =_________ 43 =_________ 43 =_________
100 =_________ 100 =_________ 100 =_________ 100 =_________
83 =_________ 83 =_________ 83 =_________ 83 =_________
53 =_________ 53 =_________ 53 =_________ 53 =_________
(-1)6 =_________ (-1)6 =_________ (-1)6 =_________ (-1)6 =_________
63 =_________ 63 =_________ 63 =_________ 63 =_________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #5

5 5

QUICK RECALL EXPONENTS, MIXED QUICK RECALL EXPONENTS, MIXED

(-1)7 =_________ (-1)7 =_________

(0)4 =_________ (0)4 =_________
10 =_________ 10 =_________
23 =_________ 23 =_________
28 =_________ 28 =_________
54 =_________ 54 =_________
92 =_________ 92 =_________
44 =_________ 44 =_________
53 =_________ 53 =_________
63 =_________ 63 =_________
Logical Arithmetic:
Logical Arithmetic:
If 6x =____1_____,
If 6x =____1_____,
x=__________
x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 9x =___81______ If 9x =___81______,
x=__________ x=_________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 4x =___64______, If 4x =___64______,
x=__________ x=__________

Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic

If 3x =____9_____, If 3x =____9_____,
x=__________ x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 6x =___216____, If 6x =___216____,
x=__________ x=__________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #6

6 6
QUICK RECALL EXPONENTS, MIXED QUICK RECALL EXPONENTS, MIXED

(-1)8 =_______ (-1)8 =_______

17 =_________ 17 =_________
29 =_________ 29 =_________
44 =_________ 44 =_________
72 =_________ 72 =_________
73 =_________ 73 =_________
1010 =_________ 1010 =_________
182 =_________ 182 =_________
Logical Arithmetic: Logical Arithmetic:
If 5x =625 If 5x =____625
x=__________ x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 3x =___81______ If 3x =___81______
x=__________ x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 10x =____10____, If 10x =____10____,
x=__________ x=__________

Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic

If 9x =____729__, If 9x =____729__,
x=__________ x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 11x =__121____, If 11x =__121____,
x=__________ x=____________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 14x =___196____, If 14x =___196____,
x=__________ x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 4x =____1____, If 4x =____1____,
x=__________ x=__________
Logical Arithmetic Logical Arithmetic
If 15x =___125, If 15x =___125,
x=__________ x=__________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #7

8 8
QUICK RECALL EXPONENTS, MIXED QUICK RECALL EXPONENTS, MIXED

(-1)5 =_________ (-1)5 =_________

(0)5 =_________ (0)5 =_________
25 =_________ 25 =_________
28 =_________ 28 =_________
43 =_________ 43 =_________
63 =_________ 63 =_________
70 =_________ 70 =_________
82 =_________ 82 =_________
105 =_________ 105 =_________
112 =_________ 112 =_________
EXPLANATION: EXPLANATION:

LogArithm: base 2,(8) LogArithm: base 2,(8)

IS ASKING… IS ASKING…
With Base 2, what exponent gives you 8? With Base 2, what exponent gives you 8?
=___3____ =___3____
(because 23=8) (because 23=8)

LogArithm: base 6,(1) =__________ LogArithm: base 6,(1) =__________

LogArithm: base 2,(2) =__________

LogArithm: base 2,(2) =__________
LogArithm:base16,(256) =__________ LogArithm:base16,(256) =__________
__
LogArithm:base16,(256) =__________ LogArithm:base16,(256) =__________

LogArithm: base 4,(64) =__________ LogArithm: base 4,(64) =__________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #8 QUICK RECALL #8

(-1)5 =_________ (-1)5 =_________
(0)5 =_________ (0)5 =_________
25 =_________ 25 =_________
28 =_________ 28 =_________
43 =_________ 43 =_________
63 =_________ 63 =_________
70 =_________ 70 =_________
82 =_________ 82 =_________
105 =_________ 105 =_________
112 =_________ 112 =_________
LogArithm base 2 , (2)=__________
LogArithm base 2 , (2)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 4 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 4 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (36)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (36)=__________
LogArithm base 7 , (7)=__________
LogArithm base 7 , (7)=__________
LogArithm base 8 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 8 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 10 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 10 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 11 , (121)=__________
LogArithm base 11 , (121)=__________
LogArithm base 16 , (256)=__________
LogArithm base 16 , (256)=__________
LogArithm base 17 , (289)=__________
LogArithm base 17 , (289)=__________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

QUICK RECALL #9 QUICK RECALL #9

(-1)5 =_________ (-1)5 =_________
(0)5 =_________ (0)5 =_________
25 =_________ 25 =_________
28 =_________ 28 =_________
43 =_________ 43 =_________
63 =_________ 63 =_________
70 =_________ 70 =_________
82 =_________ 82 =_________
105 =_________ 105 =_________
112 =_________ 112 =_________
LogArithm base 2 , (2)=__________
LogArithm base 2 , (2)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 4 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 4 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (36)=__________
LogArithm base 6 , (36)=__________
LogArithm base 7 , (7)=__________
LogArithm base 7 , (7)=__________
LogArithm base 8 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 8 , (64)=__________
LogArithm base 10 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 10 , (1)=__________
LogArithm base 11 , (121)=__________
LogArithm base 11 , (121)=__________
LogArithm base 16 , (256)=__________
LogArithm base 16 , (256)=__________
LogArithm base 17 , (289)=__________
LogArithm base 17 , (289)=__________

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 180 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

APPENDIX-PENTAGON ZOMBIE PLAN ARTICLE

Exclusive: The Pentagon Has a Plan to Stop a Zombie Apocalypse. Seriously.
Retrieved from www.foreignpolicy.com

By Gordon Lubold -a national security reporter for Foreign Policy.

May 14, 2014
The U.S. military has always been the one place in government with a plan, forever in
preparation mode and ready to yank a blueprint off the shelf for almost any contingency. Need a
response for a Russian nuclear missile launch? Check. Have to rescue a U.S. ambassador
kidnapped by drug lords? Yup, check, got that covered. How about a detailed strategy for
surviving a zombie apocalypse? As it turns out, check.
Incredibly, the Defense Department has a response if zombies attacked and the armed forces had
to eradicate flesh-eating walkers in order to "preserve the sanctity of human life" among all the
"non-zombie humans."
Buried on the military's secret computer network is an unclassified document, obtained
by Foreign Policy, called "CONOP 8888." It's a zombie survival plan, a how-to guide for
military planners trying to isolate the threat from a menu of the undead -- from chicken zombies
to vegetarian zombies and even "evil magic zombies" -- and destroy them.
"This plan fulfills fictional contingency planning guidance tasking for U.S. Strategic Command
to develop a comprehensive [plan] to undertake military operations to preserve 'non-zombie'
humans from the threats posed by a zombie horde," CONOP 8888's plan summary reads.
"Because zombies pose a threat to all non-zombie human life, [Strategic Command] will be
prepared to preserve the sanctity of human life and conduct operations in support of any human
population -- including traditional adversaries."
CONOP 8888, otherwise known as "Counter-Zombie Dominance" and dated April 30, 2011, is
no laughing matter, and yet of course it is. As its authors note in the document's "disclaimer
section," "this plan was not actually designed as a joke."

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Military planners assigned to the U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska during 2009 and
2010 looked for a creative way to devise a planning document to protect citizens in the event of
an attack of any kind. The officers used zombies as their muse. "Planners ... realized that
training examples for plans must accommodate the political fallout that occurs if the general
public mistakenly believes that a fictional training scenario is actually a real plan," the authors
wrote, adding: "Rather than risk such an outcome by teaching our augmentees using the fictional
'Tunisia' or 'Nigeria' scenarios used at [Joint Combined Warfighting School], we elected to use a
completely-impossible scenario that could never be mistaken for a real plan."
Navy Capt. Pamela Kunze, a spokeswoman for Strategic Command, acknowledged the document
exists on a "secure Internet site" but took pains to explain that the zombie survival guide is only
a creative endeavor for training purposes. "The document is identified as a training tool used in
an in-house training exercise where students learn about the basic concepts of military plans and
order development through a fictional training scenario," she wrote in an email. "This document
is not a U.S. Strategic Command plan."
This isn't the first time zombies have been used to inspire trainers or the American public. The
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) built an entire public awareness campaign for emergency
preparedness around zombies. "Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared," one CDC poster warns as
a dead-eyed woman peeks over a blanket.
But the military appears to have come up with the idea first. And of course, should there be a
zombie apocalypse, the military indeed has a plan.
CONOP 8888 is designed to "establish and maintain a vigilant defensive condition aimed at
protecting humankind from zombies," according to the plan's purpose, and, "if necessary,
conduct operations that will, if directed, eradicate zombie threats to human safety." Finally, the
plan provides guidance to "aid civil authorities in maintaining law and order and restoring basic
services during and after a zombie attack."
The "worst case threat scenario," according to the plan, suggests a rather dark situation: a
zombie attack in which there would be high "transmissibility," lots of zombies eating lots of
people, zombies infecting humans at a rapid rate, and little or no immunity and few effective
countermeasures.
Under "Zombie Threat Summary," the plan highlights the different kinds of zombie adversaries
one might find in such an attack. They include not only vegetarian zombies ("zombie life forms
originating from any cause but pose no direct threat to humans because they only eat plant
life"); evil magic zombies ("EMZs are zombie life forms created via some form of occult
experimentation in what might otherwise be referred to as 'evil magic'"); and also chicken
zombies.
"Although it sounds ridiculous, this is actually the only proven class of zombie that actually
exists," the plan states. So-called "CZs" occur when old hens that can no longer lay eggs are
euthanized by farmers with carbon monoxide, buried, and then claw their way back to the
surface. "CZs are simply terrifying to behold and are likely only to make people become
vegetarians in protest to animal cruelty," CONOP 8888 notes.
The catalog of the walking dead also includes zombies that come from outer space; those
deliberately created by Frankensteinian bio-engineers; and humans that have been invaded by a
pathogen that turns them into zombies.

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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July 2014  Page 182 of 183
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 Georgia Department of Education
Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Framework
CCGPS Advanced Algebra • Unit 4

The catalog of the walking dead also includes zombies that come from outer space; those
deliberately created by Frankensteinian bio-engineers; and humans that have been invaded by a
pathogen that turns them into zombies.
The plan reviews, extensively, the various phases of saving the world from zombie rule and reads
not unlike the phases of a counterinsurgency campaign: from "shape" to "deter" to "seize
initiative" to "dominate" to "stabilize" and, finally, in the final, confidence-building phase,
"restore civil authority." That final phase includes the directive to "prepare to redeploy the
forces to attack surviving zombie holdouts."
Finally, "[a]s directed by POTUS and SECDEF," using military-ese for the president of the
United States and the defense secretary, "provide support to federal, state and tribal agencies'
efforts to restore basic services in zombie-related disaster areas."
If the military's mantra is to "be prepared," then writing a zombie survival guide -- even if it is
just for an imaginative exercise -- makes sense. "I hope we've invested a similar level of
intellectual rigor against dragon egg hatching contingencies," one defense official quipped.
CONOP 8888

MATHEMATICS  CCGPS ADVANCED ALGEBRA  UNIT 4: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Georgia Department of Education
Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent
July 2014  Page 183 of 183
All Rights Reserved