EXPONENTS AND LOGARITHMS

Tutorial Manual

MUT
Maths 1
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Learning Outcomes
After completing this section, you should be able to
 Apply the laws of indices
 Apply the laws of logarithms

Introduction
This section begins by reviewing the basic laws of indices and logarithms.
Understanding of these laws is crucial in all the other areas you will encounter
dealing with indices and logarithms, and that extends beyond this content area.
Let’s begin by reviewing these laws from what you already know from high
school.

Laws of Indices
The following laws of indices are true for all the non-zero values of a, m and n:

1. 𝑎𝑚 × 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛 eg 𝑎3 × 𝑎9 = 𝑎3+9 = 𝑎12

2. 𝑎𝑚 ÷ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 eg 𝑎2 ÷ 𝑎−5 = 𝑎2−(−5) = 𝑎2+5 = 𝑎7
3. (𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛 eg (𝑎3 )2 = 𝑎3×2 = 𝑎6

The above 3 laws are the basic laws of indices and from these, we can generate
other important results:
4. 𝑎0 = 1
1
5. 𝑎−𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚
1
6. 𝑎𝑚 = 𝑚√𝑎

1
Exponential Functions
By definition, an exponential function is one where the unknown variable (x) is
in the index. Examples of exponential functions are 2𝑥 , 3−𝑥 and 10𝑥+1 .
Mathematically we say an exponential function is any function given by 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 ,
where 𝑎 > 0 and a ≠ 1.

The diagram below shows some members of the exponential family:

NOTE:
All the curves pass through the point (1;0). This is because when 𝑥 = 0, 𝑦 =
𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎0 = 1. Also, the x-axis is an asymptote for all exponential functions; that
is, the exponential functions approach the x-axis but don’t get to ‘touch’ or ‘cross’
it. We saw 𝑎 𝑥 > 0 for all values of 𝑥.

Base 𝒆
In this course and in all engineering calculations, the most important exponential
is the exponential function given to base 𝑒. The number 𝑒 is an irrational number
with many important uses in engineering and finance. Please note e is not an
abbreviation for exponential, it is just a symbol. You will get to appreciate its
importance as we move along with the cause. The value of 𝑒 from your calculators
is 2.718… This base will take over from base 10 that you were used to in high
school. The function 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 has the same shape as the exponential functions

2
indicated above and its curve would lie between the curves of 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 =
3𝑥 .

Laws of indices for base e

All the laws of indices apply to exponential functions as well. In particular, for
the exponential function 𝑒 𝑥 , we have the following laws of indices
1. 𝑒 𝑚 × 𝑒 𝑛 = 𝑒 𝑚+𝑛 eg 𝑒 2𝑥 × 𝑒 2𝑥+1 = 𝑒 2𝑥+2𝑥+1 = 𝑒 4𝑥+1
𝑒𝑚 𝑒 2𝑥
2. = 𝑒 𝑚−𝑛 eg = 𝑒 2𝑥−(2𝑥−1) = 𝑒 2𝑥−2𝑥+1 = 𝑒 1 = 𝑒
𝑒𝑛 𝑒 2𝑥−1
2 +𝑥
3. (𝑒 𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑒 𝑚𝑛 eg (𝑒 𝑥+1 )𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥
4. 𝑒 0 = 1 (Any base, except 0, raised to the power of 0 gives 1)
1 1
5. 𝑒 −𝑚 = 𝑒 𝑚 eg 𝑒 −2 =
𝑒2
1 1
6. 𝑒 𝑚 = 𝑚√𝑒 eg 𝑒 4 = √𝑒
4

Laws of logarithms (revision)

Logarithm is another word for ‘exponent’. Consider a number like 1 000. You
know that 1000 = 10 × 10 × 10 = 103 . To turn the issue around, you can ask,
‘What is the exponent to which 10 needs to be raised to get 1000?’ The answer
in this case is 3. An equivalent statement is to say, ‘The logarithm of 1000 to base
10 is 3 or log10 1000 = 3’. Logarithms can also be given in other bases, for
example 32 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 25 . Therefore, the logarithm of 32 to base 2
is 5 or log 2 32 = 5. You can add your own examples.
Logarithms used in calculations are normally expressed in base 10. log 1000 = 3
is taken to mean log10 1000 = 3. As the logarithmic function is the inverse of
the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑥 , we can obtain its graph by reflecting about the
line 𝑦 = 𝑥, as shown in diagram below:

3
Note the following:

1. Log 𝑎 1 = 0
2. log 𝑎 𝑥 is not defined if 𝑥 < 0. The logarithm of a negative number does
not exist.

The following laws apply to logarithms, and they are rightfully called the laws of
logarithms. You should be able to draw similarities with the laws of indices we
have just touched on:

1. log 𝑎 𝑥 + log 𝑎 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥𝑦 Eg. log 𝑎 𝑥 + log 𝑎 (𝑥 + 1) = log 𝑎 𝑥(𝑥 + 1) =

log 𝑎 (𝑥 2 + 𝑥)
𝑥 𝑥
2. log 𝑎 𝑥 − log 𝑎 𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑦 Eg. log 𝑎 (𝑥) − log 𝑎 (𝑥 − 1) = log 𝑎 𝑥−1

3. log 𝑎 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑦 log 𝑎 𝑥

These are the 3 basic laws of logarithms. Other important results which follow
from this are:
4
 4. log 𝑎 𝑎 = 1
5. log 𝑎 1 = 0
6. log 𝑎 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥 Note: 4. and 5 above can be deduced from 6.

Natural logarithm
We have already encountered base e in the discussion for laws of indices.
Likewise, for logarithms, we take the logarithm to base e. Logarithms to base e
are called natural or Naperian logarithms. The notation for a natural logarithm,
which is a logarithm taken to base e, is ln, that is, log 𝑒 𝑎 = ln 𝑎

Therefore,
ln 𝑎 = 𝑏 ⇔ 𝑎 = 𝑒𝑏

The laws of logarithms given above all work perfectly well for natural logarithms,
that is:

1. ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑥𝑦
𝑥
2. ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑦 = ln 𝑦

3. ln 𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑦 ln 𝑥
4. ln 𝑒 = 1
5. ln 1 = 0
6. 𝑙𝑛𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥

Other important results to consider are given below:

ln 𝑥
1. log 𝑎 𝑥 =
ln 𝑎

2. ln 𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑒 ln 𝑥 = 𝑥
3. 𝑒 𝑥 ln 𝑎 = 𝑎 𝑥

5
NOTE: It is very important to know all of these rules and understand them so as
to be able to apply them either in simplification of (expressions involving)
exponential and logarithmic functions and/or in solving exponential and
logarithmic equations.

Remember, you simplify an expression and you solve an equation.

Learning Activity 3:
Let’s reflect on the laws of indices and (natural) logarithms with a few
simplification examples.

Simplification Example 1:
Question 4
(Page 21 of the study guide)

Simplify the following:

2 𝑒𝑥
1.1 ln(𝑒 3𝑥 ) − (𝑒 ln √𝑥 ) − ln ( )
𝑒 𝑥−1

𝑒 2𝑥
1.2 ln √𝑒 + √ln 𝑒 − ln 2𝑒 + ln ( )
𝑒 2𝑥−1
3 3 2 2
1.3 √ln 𝑒 𝑥 − (ln √𝑒) (𝑒 ln 4𝑥 ) + (𝑒 ln 𝑥 )

6
 Solution and Reflection

4.1

3𝑥 ) ln √𝑥
2 𝑒𝑥
ln(𝑒 − (𝑒 ) − ln ( 𝑥−1 )
𝑒
2
= 3𝑥 ln 𝑒 − (√𝑥) − ln 𝑒 𝑥−𝑥+1
= 3𝑥 − 𝑥 − ln 𝑒
= 2𝑥 − 1

For each of these steps, identify the law of indices or logarithms used. Whilst I
have been careful to do things one at a time, with practice, you will be able to
combine some of these steps.

Let’s now look at the next question. Also take note of the notation here: when
asked to simplify, all the equal signs will be at the left margin and ideally aligned;
that makes your work neat and easy to follow.

4.2
𝑒 2𝑥
ln √𝑒 + √ln 𝑒 − ln 2𝑒 + ln ( 2𝑥−1 )
𝑒
1
= ln 𝑒 2 + √1 − (ln 2 + ln 𝑒) + ln 𝑒
1
= + 1 − ln 2 − ln 𝑒 + 1
2
1
= + 1 − ln 2 − 1 + 1
2
3
= + ln 2
2

7
 There’s something you should note here apart from what we have already
discussed in the previous question. It is to do with the format of the final
answer. The first part is given as an improper fraction and the second part
is given in form of ln. Always give your fractional answers as improper fractions
where this is required and never, I repeat, never use a calculator to get the value
of ln 2. By using a calculator, you are changing your solution from the exact value
to an approximate value given to a certain number of decimal places.

4.3
3 2 2
√ln 𝑒 𝑥 3 − (ln √𝑒) (𝑒 ln 4𝑥 ) + (𝑒 ln 𝑥 )

3 1 2
= √𝑥 3 − (ln 𝑒 2 ) (4𝑥) + (𝑥)2

1
= 𝑥 − ( ) (4𝑥) + 𝑥 2
4
= 𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝑥2
= 𝑥2

Self Study
Now, to test your own understanding in the laws of indices/exponents and
logarithms, please go through the following questions. Again, you can compare
and check your work with a fellow student until you both agree on the working,
or on the answer. You should also feel free to approach your respective tutors
during your respective tutorial sessions should you need clarification on the
solution or maybe just to double-check.

8
Question 1
Express the following as a sum or difference of logarithms or as a product
a)
𝑥
ln
𝑥−1
b)
ln(5𝑥 2 )
c)
ln(sin2 𝑥)
d)

𝑥+1
ln √
𝑥−1

Question 2
Express the following as a single logarithm
a)
ln 𝑥 − 2 ln(1 − 𝑥)
b)
ln sin 𝑥 − ln cos 𝑥
c)
1
4 ln(𝑥 + 1) − ln 𝑥
2
d)
1
2 ln 𝑥 + ln(𝑥 − 1)
2

9
Word of Caution
In my experience in this course, there are some common mistakes and
misconceptions with regards to the laws of indices and logarithms that I always
observe when marking and I feel it is proper I address them here so that you don’t
fall into the same trap. Tutors, please emphasise these two mistakes in your
sessions.

Mistake 1
ln(𝑥 + 𝑦) = ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑦
ln 𝑥(𝑥 + 1) = ln(𝑥 2 + 𝑥) = ln 𝑥 2 + ln 𝑥
ln(𝑥 + 𝑦) = ln(𝑥 + 𝑦) and that’s the end of the story!

Mistake 2
ln 𝑎𝑒 𝑥 = 𝑥 ln 𝑎𝑒 never!
The confusion comes from the application of this law of logarithms
ln 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥 ln 𝑎
To correct the above Mistake 2, what you need to do is this:
ln 𝑎𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑎 + ln 𝑒 𝑥 = ln 𝑎 + 𝑥

The above cannot be simplified further.

Other common mistakes:

Mistake 3
𝑙𝑛𝑥. 𝑙𝑛𝑥 = 𝑙𝑛𝑥 2
Mistake 4
(𝑙𝑛𝑥)2 = 2𝑙𝑛𝑥

10
Tutorial 2
Hopefully this revision and the worked examples have prepared you to be able to
do the exercises in Tutorial 2 independently. Try them, and feel free to compare
your working and your solutions with a fellow student. Raise any questions you
have with your tutor.

With what we have learned and applied in this section, it is now time to move on
to the next section where we will learn how to apply the laws of indices and
logarithms to solve exponential and logarithmic equations.

11
 Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Learning Outcomes
After completing this section, you should be able to
 Use the theory of quadratic equations in solving exponential and
logarithmic equations
 Use a calculator to evaluate expressions involving radical signs, powers of
e and natural logarithms and then round off to the given number of decimal
places
Introduction
In this section, we move on to apply the laws of indices and logarithms to solve
exponential and logarithmic equations. So, make sure you go back and revise
those laws in the previous section and make sure you are fluent in them before
proceeding. However, before we delve into the details of actually solving the
exponential and logarithmic equations, let’s touch on some important topic that
is central to this section, the topic on quadratic equations.

Quadratic Equations (Revision)

Example 1
Factorise 𝑎2 − 17𝑎 + 42
Solution
1st step: Find the product of the first and last terms:
𝑎2 × (+42) = +42𝑎2
2nd step: Find two terms such that their sum is -17a and their product is +42𝑎2 .
After checking through the factors through trial and error, the two terms are -14a
and -3a. Therefore, replacing the middle term with these two terms and
factorising by grouping, we have
𝑎2 − 14𝑎 − 3𝑎 + 42 = 𝑎(𝑎 − 14) − 3(𝑎 − 14) = (𝑎 − 3)(𝑎 − 14)

The instruction said factorise, not solve. So we leave it here for now, and go into
the next example. I would understand if you think that the method I used for
factorising was unnecessary, but there is a reason. Let’s look together at the next
example.
12
Example
Factorise 2𝑢2 𝑣 2 + 𝑢𝑣 − 6

Solution
Step 1: Find the product of the 1st and last terms:
2𝑢2 𝑣 2 × (−6) = −12𝑢2 𝑣 2

Step 2: As in the previous example, the two terms which have a product of
−12𝑢2 𝑣 2 and a sum of 1𝑢𝑣 are 4𝑢𝑣 and − 3𝑢𝑣.
Therefore,
2𝑢2 𝑣 2 + 4𝑢𝑣 − 3𝑢𝑣 − 6 = 2𝑢𝑣(𝑢𝑣 + 2) − 3(𝑢𝑣 + 2) = (2𝑢𝑣 − 3)(𝑢𝑣 + 2)
Now that you have mastered the factorisation of the quadratic expressions, let’s
now go on to solve quadratic equations.

Example
Solve the equation 4𝑦 2 + 5𝑦 − 21 = 0.

Solution
4𝑦 2 + 5𝑦 − 21 = 0
→ 4𝑦 2 + 12𝑦 − 7𝑦 − 21 = 0
→ 4𝑦(𝑦 + 3) − 7(𝑦 + 3) = 0
→ (4𝑦 − 7)(𝑦 + 3) = 0
→ either (4𝑦 − 7) = 0 or (𝑦 + 3) = 0
7
→ 𝑦= or 𝑦 = −3
4

What if the quadratic expression is not factorisable? For these kinds of questions,
we make use of the formula for solving all quadratic equations, popularly known
13
as the ‘quadratic formula’. The general form of a quadratic equation is 𝒂𝒙𝟐 +
𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 = 𝟎. The roots of this are found by the following formula which is a result
of completing the square:

−𝒃 ± √𝒃𝟐 − 𝟒𝒂𝒄
𝒙=
𝟐𝒂

Example
Find, without using a calculator, the roots of the equation 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 7 = 0.

Solution
𝑎 = 3, 𝑏 = −5, 𝑐 = −7, therefore

−(−5) ± √(−5)2 − 4(3)(−7)

𝑥=
6
5 ± √25 + 84
→ 𝑥=
6
5 ± √109
→ 𝑥=
6
5 + √109 5 − √109
→ either 𝑥 = or 𝑥=
6 6

NB: The conditions of the question say without using a calculator so we stop
here. Always follow the given instruction.

We have covered the laws of the exponents and logarithms in the previous
section; we have begun this section by covering the solving of quadratic
equations. We are now in a position to solve exponential and logarithmic
equations. Let’s put our skills to practice by means of some examples. Remember,
all these skills have to be used together.

14
Example
Solve the following equations without using a calculator, and simplify your
answer.

a) 3𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝑒 2−𝑥 = −8𝑒
b) ln 2𝑥 + ln(3𝑥 − 𝑒) − 2 = ln 8
c)

ln 𝑒𝑥 2
𝑥4
𝑥 =
𝑒

d)
(𝑥 2 − 5)ln 𝑥 = 𝑥

Solution
a)
3𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝑒 2−𝑥 = −8𝑒

𝑥
𝑒2
→ 3𝑒 − 3 𝑥 = −8𝑒
𝑒
→ 3(𝑒 𝑥 )2 − 3𝑒 2 = −8𝑒 ∙ 𝑒 𝑥
→ 3(𝑒 𝑥 )2 + 8𝑒 ∙ 𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝑒 2 = 0
→ 3(𝑒 𝑥 )2 + 9𝑒 ∙ 𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 ∙ 𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝑒 2 = 0
→ 3𝑒 𝑥 (𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝑒) − 𝑒(𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝑒) = 0
→ (3𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒)(𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝑒) = 0
→ either (3𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒) = 0 or (𝑒 𝑥 + 3𝑒) = 0
𝑒
→ either 𝑒 𝑥 = or 𝑒 𝑥 = −3𝑒 (not feasible)
3
𝑒
→ 𝑒𝑥 = only
3
𝑒
→ (Taking the ln both sides) ln 𝑒 𝑥 = ln ( )
3
15
 → 𝑥 = ln 𝑒 − ln 3 = 1 − ln 3
NB: Keynote instruction, without using a calculator so you leave this as the final
answer. If you couldn’t understand any of the earlier steps in this example, please
revisit the factorisation of quadratic expressions. You should also go back to the
exponential graphs and note that 𝑒 𝑥 is not defined less than zero. Hence we
discard 𝑒 𝑥 = −3𝑒 and put a note that it is not feasible. You will be penalised if
you don’t discard the infeasible solution. Also, do not use a calculator to get
the value ln 3 unless specifically instructed to do so.

b)
ln 2𝑥 + ln(3𝑥 − 𝑒) − 2 = ln 8

To solve these types of questions involving sums of logarithms, the first step you
should perform is ‘collect like terms’ by moving all the logarithmic terms to the
left hand side and all the other terms to the right hand side. After that, you simplify
the left hand side using the laws of logarithms so that you have a single term on
both the left and the right hand side. From there, you take the antilogarithms and
proceed to solve the quadratic equation. Remember, 𝐥𝐧(𝟑𝒙 − 𝒆) ≠ 𝐥𝐧 𝟑𝒙 −
𝐥𝐧 𝒆 never!
Let’s see how this actually works.

ln 2𝑥 + ln(3𝑥 − 𝑒) − 2 = ln 8
→ ln 2𝑥 + ln(3𝑥 − 𝑒) − ln 8 = 2
→ ln(2𝑥(3𝑥 − 𝑒)) − ln 8 = 2
2𝑥(3𝑥 − 𝑒)
→ ln =2
8
2𝑥(3𝑥 − 𝑒)
→ = 𝑒2
8
→ 6𝑥 2 − 2𝑒𝑥 = 8𝑒 2
→ 6𝑥 2 − 2𝑒𝑥 − 8𝑒 2 = 0
→ 3𝑥 2 − 𝑒𝑥 − 4𝑒 2 = 0
→ 3𝑥 2 + 3𝑒𝑥 − 4𝑒𝑥 − 4𝑒 2 = 0
16
 → 3𝑥(𝑥 + 𝑒) − 4𝑒(𝑥 + 𝑒) = 0
→ (3𝑥 − 4𝑒)(𝑥 + 𝑒) = 0
→ either (3𝑥 − 4𝑒) = 0 or (𝑥 + 𝑒) = 0
4𝑒
→ 𝑥= or 𝑥 = −𝑒
3

So these are our final two solutions, right? Wrong In case you haven’t met this
kind of a question before, you should flip back to the previous section on the
graph of a logarithm and from there you will observe that, the ln of a negative
number is undefined. Look closely at the original equation:

ln 2𝑥 + ln(3𝑥 − 𝑒) − 2 = ln 8

Of our two solutions, 𝑥 = −𝑒 is negative hence we discard it since ln(−2𝑒) is

undefined, giving the final answer as:
4𝑒
𝑥= only.
3

NB: You will be penalised if you don’t discard the infeasible solution. Do not
𝟒𝒆
use a calculator to evaluate 𝒙 = , you may be penalised for it.
𝟑

c)

ln 𝑒𝑥 2
𝑥4
𝑥 =
𝑒

ln 𝑒𝑥 2
𝑥4
→ ln(𝑥 ) = ln ( )
𝑒
(Remember you take the ln on both sides; this is an equation. Whatever you do
on the left hand side, you also do on the right hand side simultaneously)
→ (ln 𝑒𝑥 2 ) (ln 𝑥) = ln 𝑥 4 − ln 𝑒
→ (ln 𝑒 + ln 𝑥 2 )(ln 𝑥) = 4 ln 𝑥 − 1
→ (1 + 2 ln 𝑥)(ln 𝑥) = 4 ln 𝑥 − 1

17
 → ln 𝑥 + 2(ln 𝑥)2 = 4 ln 𝑥 − 1
→ 2(ln 𝑥)2 − 3ln 𝑥 + 1 = 0
→ 2(ln 𝑥)2 − 2 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥 + 1 = 0
→ 2 ln 𝑥(ln 𝑥 − 1) − (ln 𝑥 − 1) = 0
→ (2 ln 𝑥 − 1)(ln 𝑥 − 1) = 0
→ Either (2 ln 𝑥 − 1) = 0 𝑜𝑟 (ln 𝑥 − 1) = 0
1
→ ln 𝑥 = or ln 𝑥 = 1
2
1
→ 𝑥= 𝑒2 or 𝑥 = 𝑒
In this case, there is no cause for contradiction hence both solutions are feasible.
Do not use a calculator to evaluate either of the two solutions unless
specifically instructed otherwise.

d)
(𝑥 2 − 5)ln 𝑥 = 𝑥

Solution
(𝑥 2 − 5)ln 𝑥 = 𝑥
→ ln(𝑥 2 − 5)ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥
→ ln 𝑥 ∙ ln(𝑥 2 − 5) = ln 𝑥

Don’t make the mistake of dividing throughout by ln x as this means you lose
a solution → ln 𝑥 ∙ ln(𝑥 2 − 5) − ln 𝑥 = 0
→ ln 𝑥 ∙ (ln(𝑥 2 − 5) − 1) = 0
→ Either ln 𝑥 = 0 or ln(𝑥 2 − 5) − 1 = 0
→ 𝑥 = 𝑒 0 or (𝑥 2 − 5) = 𝑒 1
→ 𝑥=1 or 𝑥2 = 𝑒 + 5

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 → 𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = √𝑒 + 5

I have discarded the second part of the second solution, 𝑥 = −√𝑒 + 5. Can you
tell why? Do not use a calculator to evaluate 𝒙 = √𝒆 + 𝟓, you may be
penalised for it.

Clearly, the laws of exponents and logarithms work together in solving

an exponential or a logarithmic equation. Now it’s your chance to apply this
knowledge to test yourself how far you are in this area.

Exercise
Turn to page 22 of the Maths 1 study guide, and answer all of Question 5. The
instruction says, ‘Solve for 𝑥 in the following equations without using a
calculator, and simplify your answer’. Please abide by this instruction.

We now move on to applications of exponential and logarithmic equations in our

next section on ‘Exponential Growth and Decay’.

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