C 01 The Logarithmic Function 2
C 01 The Logarithmic Function 2
1.1 Overview
Let’s say that you were asked to
multiply 167 893 by the square root
of 283.983.
Chances are that the first thing
that you would do is reach for your
calculator. But what if you did not
have a calculator — could you still do
it? And how long would it take you?
Before small hand-held electronic
calculators were developed in
the early 1970s, calculations that could
not be quickly done with pencil, paper
and mental arithmetic were performed
using a device called a slide rule.
Invented in the early seventeenth
A normal ruler is marked with numbers that form a linear scale, with the marks for 1, 2 … 30 cm being
century, a slide rule is essentially a ruler with a sliding central section.
equally spaced. In contrast, each of the three ruler sections of a slide rule is marked with numbers that form
logarithmic scales. In this type of scale, there are equal distances between the marks for 1, 10, 100, 1000 and
so on.
Calculations were done by using a table of logarithms to identify the base 10 logarithms of the numbers
you wanted to manipulate, sliding the central scale relative to one of the fixed outer scales until the
appropriate numbers lined up with the cursor (a red line fitted in a sliding window), reading a number from
a third scale and then using the logarithm table to determine your actual answer.
Sounds like a lot more work than just pressing a few buttons on your calculator, doesn’t it?
Yet, with practice, a slide rule (with a log table, a pencil and a piece of paper) can be used to perform
calculations in nearly the same time.
LEARNING SEQUENCE
1.1 Overview
1.2 Review of the index laws
1.3 Logarithmic laws and equations
1.4 Logarithmic scales
1.5 Indicial equations
1.6 Logarithmic graphs
1.7 Applications
1.8 Review: exam practice
Fully worked solutions for this chapter are available in the Resources section of your eBookPLUS at
www.jacplus.com.au.
Index, logarithm,
power or exponent
ax
Base
The ways in which combinations of numbers written in index form are treated are described by a set of
index laws.
ax × ay = ax+y
2. When numbers with the same base are divided, the indices are subtracted.
ax ÷ ay = ax−y
= ax−y
ax
or
ay
3. When numbers with an index or exponent are raised to another index or exponent, the
(ax ) y = axy
indices are multiplied.
a0 = 1
5. When a number has a negative index, it becomes a fraction with a positive index.
a−x = = ax
1 1
a−x
and
ax
6. When a number has a fractional index, the denominator of the fraction becomes the root.
ay = ay = ay =
1 √ x √ x (√ )x
y y y
a and ax or a
WORKED EXAMPLE 1
× 3 xy4
( )3 ( )2
6x4 × 2xy4
2x2 y3
Simplify .
=
6x4 × 2xy4
1. Remove the brackets by multiplying the indices.
12x5 y4
=
24x8 y17
2. Add the indices of x and add the indices of y. Simplify 23
to 8 and multiply the whole numbers. 12x5 y4
For negative indices and fractional or decimal indices, the same rules apply.
WORKED EXAMPLE 2
Write the following in simplest form.
32−0.4
2
a. 64 3 b.
= 64 3 =
THINK WRITE
x √
y
2 √
3
a. 1. Rewrite using the index law ay ax . a. 642
2. Rewrite using ax = =
√ (√ )x (√3
)2
y y
= 42
a . 64
= 16
3. Simplify by taking the cube root of 64.
4. Square 4.
32−0.4 =
1
b. 1. Write as a fraction with a positive index. b.
320.4
=
4 1
2. Change 0.4 to . 4
10
32 10
=
1
3. Simplify the fractional index. 2
32 5
=
1
5. Simplify by taking the 5th root of 32.
22
=
1
6. Square 2.
4
WORKED EXAMPLE 3
−1
Simplify the following, leaving your answers with positive indices.
⎛ 21 −1 ⎞ ⎛ − 32 2 ⎞
a. a−2 b × a3 b b. ⎜ −1 2 ⎟ ÷
2
( −4 ) −1
4 a b ⎜ 3a b ⎟
⎜3 b ⎟ ⎜ 3 1 ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ a4 b2 ⎠
−1 3
a 2b a2 b
2. When dividing by a fraction, invert and multiply. = −2 × −3 4
3b 9a b
ab2
3. Add the indices of a and of b in the numerator and =
add the indices of b in the denominator. Multiply 27a−3 b2
the numbers.
a4
4. Subtract the indices of a and b. =
27
WORKED EXAMPLE 4
3n × 6n+1 × 12n−1
Simplify .
32n × 8n
THINK WRITE
3n × 6n+1 × 12n−1
1. Write each number as the product of prime factors.
32n × 8n ( )n−1
3 × (3 × 2)n+1 × 22 × 3
n
=
32n × 23n
3n × 3n+1 × 2n+1 × 22n−2 × 3n−1
2. Remove the brackets. =
32n × 23n
33n × 23n−1
3. Add the indices of numbers with base 3 in the =
numerator and add indices of numbers with base 2 32n × 23n
in the numerator.
4. Subtract the indices. = 3n × 2−1
1
5. Write the term with a negative index in the = 3n ×
denominator with a positive index. 2
3n
6. Simplify. =
2
WORKED EXAMPLE 5
An antique chair worth $15 000 is increasing
in value by 10% each year.
a. Write an equation for the value of the chair, $v, in terms
of the time, t, in years.
b. Hence, find the value of the chair after 10 years.
Give your answer correct to the nearest
hundred dollars.
THINK WRITE
a. 1. Find by what percentage the chair appreciates each a. The chair appreciates by (100 + 10) %
year. or 110%.
110
2. Write this as a decimal. 110% =
100
= 1.1
3. Find the value after 1 year. After 1 year it is worth
$ (15 000 × 1.1)
= $16 500
4. Find the value after 2 years. After 2 years it is worth
$ (15( 000 × 1.1) × (1.1)
)
= $ 15 000 × 1.12
= $18 150
5. Find the value after 3 year. After
( 3 years it is) worth
$ 15 000 × 1.13 = $19 965
6. Hence, find the formula. v = 15 000 × 1.1t
Note: A formula does not include the dollar sign.
b. 1. Substitute t = 10 in the equation. b. v = 15 000 × 1.110
2. Evaluate 1.110 . = 15 000 × 2.593 742 5
3. Calculate v and express your answer correct to the = 38 906.137 ≈ 38 900 (to the
nearest hundred dollars. nearest 100)
4. Write your answer in a sentence. The value of the chair after 10 years is
about $38 900.
Units 3 & 4 Area 1 Sequence 1 Concept 1 Review of the index laws Summary screen and practice questions
a. x × x4 b. x7 ÷ x2
1. Simplify the following.
x−3
WE1
( 2 )5 ( )2
x × x5
3
−3
2. Simplify the following without using a calculator.
−3
WE2
2 3
a. 27 3 b. 16 4 c. 25 2 d. 100 000 5
( )1 ( )2
9 2 27 3
e. 810.25 f. 361.5 g. h.
49 64
( )− 3 ( )− 3
243 5 256 4
i. j.
32 81
c. 2x y × 9x y d. 5x y × 8 x y
−1 3 1 2 −1 2
( )1 ( )
1 2 3 2
2 3 2 2 3 4 3 3 2
)− 3 ( )− 1 (
× 9x 5 y 2 × 4x 5 y 2
−1 −1 2 −1
( )5 ( )1
−2 2
1 2 1 2 2 2 1 2
e. x y f. 16 2 x5 y 4
−2 −2
⎛ 23 −2 ⎞ ⎛ − 23 34 ⎞
9a−3 b
÷ 3 ⎜ −1 2 ⎟ ÷
3
⎛ 32 3 ⎞ ( )1
a b c ⎟ a b a b ⎟ 2
g. ⎜ h. ⎜
⎜ − 1 −2 ⎟ ⎜a c ⎟ ⎜ ab2 ⎟ 4a2 b3
⎝ 3a 2 bc ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
32 × 2−3 52 × 3−1
a. b.
d. 2n × 3n+1 × 9n × ÷
125 × 9
27
−2
e.
3
16 f.
5
92
+ −1 d. 2x x2 − y2 − (x − y)−1
)−1
x
x +1 x −1
1 1 (
−1
c.
1 + 32x
C. 3−x
2
A. 1 B. D. 6
3x
N = 500 × 20.1t .
days is given by the formula
V = 10 000 × 20t
of the time, t, in years is:
V = 10 000 × (0.2)t
A.
V = 0.8 × 10 000t
B.
V = 10 000 (0.8)t
C.
D.
10. A ball is dropped from a window h m above the
ground. When it lands on the ground it rebounds
to 80% of its height. The equation showing the
h = 10 × (0.8)r .
height of the ball, h metres, after r rebounds is
a. From how far above the ground was the ball dropped?
b. How far above the ground does the ball reach on the fourth rebound? Give your answer to the nearest
centimetre.
c. What is the total vertical distance that the ball travelled when it hits the ground for the fourth time?
81 = 34
That is, given the base 3 and the exponent 4, we can find the number 81 by calculating 3 × 3 × 3 × 3.
Note, however, that we need a calculator to compute 34.5 :
140.296 = 34.5
34 gives 140.296.
What do we do if we are given the number and the base, but need to find the power or exponent?
100 = 10x
200 = 10x
becomes
Euler’s number ( )n
1
Like 𝜋, e is an irrational number. It can be found by evaluating the expression 1 + for
n
increasing values of n:
( )n ( )1
1 1
n = 1: 1 + = 1+ =2
n 1
( )n ( )2
1 1
n = 2: 1 + = 1+ = 2.25
n 2
( )n ( )3
1 1
n = 3: 1 + = 1+ = 2.370 37
n 3
( )n ( )5
1 1
n = 5: 1 + = 1+ = 2.488 32
n 5
( )n ( )10
1 1
n = 10: 1 + = 1+ = 2.593 74
n 10
( )n ( )100
1 1
n = 100: 1 + = 1+ = 2.704 81
n 100
( )n ( )1000
1 1
n = 1000: 1 + = 1+ = 2.716 92
n 1000
( )n ( )10 000
1 1
n = 10 000: 1 + = 1+ = 2.718 15
n 10 000
( )n
1
As n increases, 1 + becomes closer and closer to 2.718 281 or e.
n ( )n
1
e = lim 1 +
n→∞ n
Using a base e, if
N = ex
then
x = loge (N) (this can also be written as x = ln (N)).
loga (mn) = x + y
or
loga (mn) = loga (m) + loga (n).
( )
m n m−n m
2. a ÷ a = a ⇔ loga (m) − loga (n) = loga
n
To prove this law:
Let x = loga (m) and y = loga (n).
So ax = m and ay = n.
ax
Now = ax−y .
ay
m ax
Thus, = y = ax−y .
n a
loga (mn ) = nx
or
loga (mn ) = n loga (m).
Applying these laws, we can also see the following:
4. As a0 = 1, then by the definition of a logarithm, loga (1) = 0.
5. As a1 = a, then by the definition of a logarithm, loga (a) = 1.
6. ax > 0; therefore, loga (0) is undefined, and loga (x) is defined only for x > 0 and a ∈ R+ \ {1}.
Another important fact related to the definition of a logarithm is
( )
aloga m = m.
This can be proved as follows:
Let y = aloga (m) .
Converting index form to logarithm form, we have
loga (y) = loga (m).
( )
Consequently, aloga m = m.
WORKED EXAMPLE 6
Simplify the following without a calculator.
a. log10 (5) + log10 (2) b.
(√ −) log4 (5)
log4 (20)
5
c. log2 (16) d. log5 x
= log10 (10)
a. 1. a.
= log4 (4)
n 5
=4
3.
WORKED EXAMPLE 7
log10 (10) = 1.
a. 1. Write 2 as 2 log10 (10) because a.
2. Rewrite using loga (mp ) = p loga (m). = log10 (102 ) + log10 (3)
= log10 (102 × 3)
loga (mn) = loga (m) + loga (n).
3. Rewrite using
= log3
( 3 )
6
Rewrite
( using
= loga (m) − loga (n).
2. )
m 183
loga
6×6×6
Write 6 as 6 × 6 × 6 and 18 as = log3
n ( )
18 × 18 × 18. 18 × 18 × 18
3 3
3.
= log3
( )
1
4. Simplify.
= log3 (3 )
−3
33
=
3 log3 (3)
2
3. Cancel the logs because they are the same.
3
WORKED EXAMPLE 8
a. loge (3) = loge (x) b. loge (x) + loge (3) = loge (6)
Solve the following for x, giving your answer correct to 3 decimal places where appropriate.
x=3
a. Since the base is the same, equate the numbers. a.
Rewrite using loge (mn) = loge (m) + loge (n). b. loge (x) + loge (3) = loge (6)
loge (3x) = loge (6)
b. 1.
3x = 6
x=2
2. Equate the number parts.
3. Solve for x.
(ln(x) + ln(3) =
line as: select Solver by pressing
F3.
ln(6), x)
Then press the
ENTER button.
THINK WRITE
a. 1. Convert the equation into index form. a. log4 (64) = x
4x = 64
2. Convert 64 to base 4 and evaluate. 4x = 43
∴x = 3
b. 1. Rewrite 3 in log form, given log2 (2) = 1. b. log2 (3x) + 3 = log2 (x − 2)
log2 (3x) + 3 log2 (2) = log2 (x − 2)
2. Apply the law loga (mn ) = n loga (m). log2 (3x) + log2 (23 ) = log2 (x − 2)
3. Simplify the left-hand side by applying log2 (3x × 8) = log2 (x − 2)
loga (mn) = loga (m) + loga (n).
4. Equate the logs and simplify. 24x = x − 2
23x = −2
2
x=−
( )2 23
c. 1. Identify the quadratic form of the log equation. c. log2 (x) = 3 − 2 log2 (x)
Let a = log2 (x) and rewrite the equation in terms Let a = log2 (x).
of a. a2 = 3 − 2a
a2 + 2a − 3 = 0
2. Solve the quadratic.
(a − 1) (a + 3) = 0
∴ a = 1, −3
3. Substitute in a = log2 (x) and solve for x. log2 (x) = 1 log2 (x) = −3
x = 21 x = 2−3
1
x = 2,
8
d. 1. Simplify the left-hand side by applying d. log2 (2x) + log2 (x + 2) = log2 (6)
loga (mn) = loga (m) + loga (n) . log2 (2x(x + 2)) = log2 (6)
2. Equate the logs and solve for x. 2x(x + 2) = 6
2x2 + 4x − 6 = 0
x2 + 2x − 3 = 0
(x − 1) (x + 3) = 0
x = 1, −3
3. Check the validity of both solutions. x = −3 is not valid, as x > 0.
4. Write the answer. ∴x=1
By definition, ay = m.
Take the logarithm to the same base of both sides.
y=
logb (m)
logb (a)
WORKED EXAMPLE 10
a. Evaluate the following, correct to 4 decimal places.
i. log7 (5) ii. log 1 (11)
THINK WRITE
b. i. p = log5 (x)
3 log10 31
x = 5p
b. i. Rewrite the logarithm in index form to find an
Rewrite logx (81) using loga (m ) = n loga (m). ii. logx (81) = logx 92
expression for x.
( )
= 2 logx (9)
n
ii. 1.
=2
log9 (9)
2. Apply the change-of-base rule so that x
log9 (x)
=2
is no longer a base.
Note: Although 9 has been chosen as the base 1
in this working, a different value could be log9 (x)
applied, giving a different final answer.
=2
1
loga (mn ) = n loga (m).
3. Replace x with 5p and apply the law
log9 (5p )
=
2
p log9 (5)
log6 (3) + log6 (2) b. log10 (5) + log10 (2) log3 (6) − log3 (2)
1. WE6Simplify the following without using a calculator.
a. 5 log3 (x) + log3 (x2 ) − log3 (x7 ) 3 log2 (x) + log2 (x3 ) − log2 (x6 )
4. Simplify without using a calculator.
c. 3 log4 (x) − 5 log4 (x) + 2 log4 (x) d. 4 log6 (x) − 5 log6 (x) + log6 (x)
b.
e. log10 (x2 ) + 3 log10 (x) − 2 log10 (x) f. 4 log10 (x) − log10 (x) + log10 (x2 )
g. log5 (x + 1) + log5 (x + 1) h. log4 (x − 2) − 2 log4 (x − 2)
2 3
5. WE8 Solve the following for x. Give exact answers when appropriate; otherwise, give answers correct to
a. loge (x) = loge (2) b. loge (x) = loge (5) c. loge (x) + loge (3) = loge (9)
3 decimal places.
d. loge (x) + loge (2) = loge (8) e. loge (x) − loge (5) = loge (2) f. loge (x) − loge (4) = loge (3)
g. 1 + loge (x) = loge (6) h. 1 − loge (x) = loge (7) i. loge (4) − loge (x) = loge (2)
j. loge (5) − loge (x) = loge (25)
WORKED EXAMPLE 11
The apparent brightness, B of a star can be
found using the formula B = 6 − 2.5 log10 (A),
where A is the actual brightness of that
star. Find the apparent brightness of a
star with actual brightness of 3.16.
THINK WRITE
1. Write the formula. B = 6 − 2.5 log10 (A)
2. Substitute 3.16 for A. When A = 3.16,
B = 6 − 2.5 log10 (3.16)
3. Evaluate log10 (3.16) using a graphics calculator. = 6 − 2.5 × 0.5
4. Simplify. = 4.75
5. Write your answer in a sentence. The apparent brightness of the star is 4.75.
WORKED EXAMPLE 12
Loudness, L, in decibels (dB), is related to the intensity, I, of a sound by the equation
( )
I
L = 10 log10
I0
( )
where I0 is equal to 10−12 watts per square metre W/m2 . (This value is the lowest intensity of
sound that can be heard by human ears.)
a. An ordinary conversation has a loudness of 60 dB. Calculate the intensity in W/m2 .
b. If the intensity is doubled, what is the change in the loudness, correct to 2 decimal places?
60 = 10 log10
( )
I
10−12
60 = 10 log10 (1012 I)
6 = log10 (1012 I)
106 = 1012 I
I = 10−6 W/m(2
2. Convert the logarithm to index
form and solve for I.
L1 = 10 log10
)
I1
10−12
b. 1. Determine an equation for L1 . b.
= 10 log10 1012 I1
( )
= 10 log10 (2 × 1012 I1 )
= 10 log10 (2) + 10 log10 (1012 ) + 10 log10 (I1 )
an equation for L2 .
Units 3 & 4 Area 1 Sequence 1 Concept 3 Logarithmic scales Summary screen and practice questions
M = 0.67 log10
( )
E
K
6. Your eardrum can be ruptured if it is exposed to a noise that has an intensity of 104 W/m2 . Using the
formula L = 10 log10
( )
, where I is the intensity measured in W/m2 and I0 is equal to 10−12 W/m2 ,
I
I0
calculate the loudness, L, in decibels that would cause your eardrum to be ruptured.
pH = − log10 H+
[ ]
where H+ is the hydrogen ion concentration measured in moles/litre. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are
[ ]
acidic, whereas solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic. Solutions with a pH of 7, such as pure water,
are neutral.
7. Lemon juice has a hydrogen ion concentration of 0.001 moles/litre. Find the pH and determine whether
lemon juice is acidic or basic.
8. Find the hydrogen ion concentration for each of the following.
a. Battery acid has a pH of 0. b. Tomato juice has a pH of 4.
c. Sea water has a pH of 8. d. Soap has a pH of 12.
9. Hair conditioner works on hair in the following way. Hair is com-
posed of the protein called keratin, which has a high percentage of
amino acids. These acids are negatively charged. Shampoo is also
negatively charged. When shampoo removes dirt, it removes natural
oils and positive charges from the hair. Positively charged surfac-
tants in hair conditioner are attracted to the negative charges in the
hair, so the surfactants can replace the natural oils.
a. A brand of hair conditioner has a hydrogen ion concentration of
0.000 015 8 moles/litre. Calculate the pH of the hair conditioner.
b. A brand of shampoo has a hydrogen ion concentration of 0.000 002 75 moles/litre. Calculate the pH
of the shampoo.
10. The number of atoms of a radioactive substance present after t years is given by
N (t) = N0 e−mt .
The half-life is the time taken for the number of atoms to be reduced to 50% of the initial number of
a.
loge (2)
atoms. Show that the half-life is given by .
m
b. Radioactive carbon-14 has a half-life of 5750 years. The percentage of carbon-14 present in the
remains of plants and animals is used to determine how old the remains are. How old is a skeleton
that has lost 70% of its carbon-14 atoms? Give your answer correct to the nearest year.
11. A basic observable quantity for a star is its brightness. The apparent magnitudes m1 and m2 for two stars
are related to the corresponding brightnesses, b1 and b2 , by the equation
( )
b1
m2 − m1 = 2.5 log10 .
b2
The star Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. It has an apparent magnitude of −1.5 and a
brightness of −30.3. The planet Venus has an apparent magnitude of −4.4. Calculate the brightness of
Venus, correct to 2 decimal places.
12. Octaves in music can be measured in cents, n. The frequen-
cies of two notes, f1 and f2 , are related by the equation
( )
f
n = 1200 log10 2 .
f1
2x = log5 (2)
x = log5 (2)
1
2
log10 2
2. log5 2 can be calculated using a graphics calculator or as using a standard calculator.
log10 5
WORKED EXAMPLE 13
c. (5 − 25)(5 + 1) = 0 d. 3 − 9 (3x ) + 14 = 0
3x 3−x x−3
b. 7
x x 2x
43x × 46−2x = 44
4x+6 = 44
2. Simplify and add the indices on the
x+6=4
left-hand side of the equation.
x = −2
3. As the bases are the same, equate the
−3=0
indices and solve the equation.
7x−3 = 3
x−3
b. 1. Rearrange the equation. b. 7
x − 3 = log7 (3)
2. Take the logarithm of both sides to base
7 and simplify.
Solve the equation. x = log7 (3) + 3
(5x − 25)(5x + 1) = 0
3.
5x − 25 = 0 5x + 1 = 0
c. 1. Apply the Null Factor Law to solve each c.
bracket.
5x = 25 5x = −1
or
a2 − 9a + 14 = 0
equation to create a quadratic to solve.
a=7 a = 2
3. Apply the Null Factor Law to solve each
3 = 7 or 3 = 2
bracket for a.
WORKED EXAMPLE 14
A tennis ball is dropped from a height of 100 cm,
bounces and rebounds to 80% of its previous height.
h = A × an .
3. Substitute the values for A and a into the formula
h = 100 × (0.8)5
= 32.768
b. 1. Substitute 5 for n. b.
2. Evaluate using a calculator.
3. Write your answer in a sentence. The ball bounces to 32.8 cm after
1 = 100 × (0.8)n
5 bounces.
(0.8)n = 0.01
c. 1. Substitute 1 for h. c.
Use loga (mp ) = p loga (m) to simplify. n log10 (0.8) = log10 (0.01)
3. Take thet log of both sides to base 10.
4.
n=
log10 (0.01)
5. Divide both sides by log10 (0.8).
= 20.64
log10 (0.8)
≈ 21
6. Evaluate.
7. Bounces must be in whole numbers.
8. After 20 bounces the ball reaches more than 1 cm, The ball reaches less than 1 cm after
but after 21 bounces the ball reaches less than 1 cm 21 bounces.
because it bounces to a smaller and smaller height.
Write the answer in a sentence.
Units 3 & 4 Area 1 Sequence 1 Concept 4 Indicial equations Summary screen and practice questions
a. 2x+3 − 64 = 0 22x − 9 = 0
2. Solve the following equations for x.
1
c. d.
a. 72x−1 = 5 (3(x − 9)
) (3 − 1)x = 0
3. Solve the following equations for x.
c. 25x − 5x − 6 = 0 − 19 (9 ) + 10 = 0
x
b.
2x
d. 6 9
6. a. Simplify x−1 −
1 − 1+x−1
1
1
.
ex−2 − 2 = 7 e4 + 1 = 3
7. Solve the following equations for x.
x
c. e2x = 3ex d. ex + 2 = 4
a. b.
2
a. e2x = ex + 12 ex = 12 − 32e−x
8. Solve the following equations for x.
c. e2x − 4 = 2ex d. ex − 12 = −
b.
5
ex
If y = m (10)nx , y = 20 when x = 2 and y = 200 when x = 4, find the values of the constants m and n.
Technology active
9.
the diameter of the trunk t years after it is first measured and A cm is the diameter of the trunk when it is
first measured.
a. Write an equation for D in terms of t if the trunk had a diameter of 20 cm when it was first measured.
b. When will the diameter be 25 cm?
c. After how many years will the diameter be greater than 30 cm?
14. If y = ae−kx , y = 3.033 when x = 2 and y = 1.1157 when x = 6, find the values of the constants a and
15. The compound interest formula A = Pert is an indicial equation. If a principal amount of money, P, is
k. Give your answers correct to 2 decimal places.
invested for 5 years, the interest earned is $12 840.25, but if this same amount is invested for 7 years, the
interest earned is $14 190.66. Find the integer rate of interest and the principal amount of money
invested, to the nearest dollar.
–2
–3
–4
1.6.2 Dilations
Graphs of the form y = n loga (x) and y = loga (mx)
The graph of y = n loga (x) is the basic graph of y = loga x dilated by factor n parallel to the y-axis or
from the x-axis. The graph of y = loga (mx) is the basic graph of y = loga (x) dilated by factor parallel to
1
the x-axis or from the y-axis. The line x = 0 (the y-axis) remains the vertical asymptote and the domain
m
y y
y = n log a (x)
y = loga (mx)
1
(1, 0) (
––
m, 0 )
0 x 0 x
x=0 x=0
1.6.3 Reflections
Graphs of the form y = − loga (x) and y = loga (−x)
The graph of y = − loga (x) is the basic graph of y = loga (x) reflected in the x-axis. The line x = 0 (the
y-axis) remains the vertical asymptote and the domain remains (0, ∞).
y y
y = –loga (x)
y = loga (–x)
(–1, 0)
(1, 0)
0 x 0 x
x=0 x=0
1.6.4 Translations
Graphs of the form y = loga (x) + k and y = loga (x − h)
The graph of y = loga (x) + k is the basic graph of y = loga (x) translated k units parallel to the y-axis. Thus
the line x = 0 (the y-axis) remains the vertical asymptote and the domain remains (0, ∞).
The graph of y = loga (x − h) is the basic graph of y = loga x translated h units parallel to the x-axis.
Thus, the line x = 0 (the y-axis) is no longer the vertical asymptote. The vertical asymptote is x = h and the
domain is (h, ∞).
y y
y = loga (x) + k
0 (a–k, 0) x 0 (1 + h, 0) x
x=0 x=h
WORKED EXAMPLE 15
Sketch the graphs of the following, showing all important characteristics. State the domain and
a. y = loge (x − 2) b. y = loge (x + 1) + 2
range in each case.
e0 = x − 2
1=x−2
x=3
3. Determine another point through which the graph When x = 4, y = loge (2).
( )
passes. The point is 4, loge (2) .
4. Sketch the graph. y
y = loge (x – 2)
2 units up and 1 unit to the left, so x = −1 is the The domain is (−1, ∞).
b. 1. b.
loge (x + 1) + 2 = 0
2. Find the x-intercept.
loge (x + 1) = −2
e−2 = x + 1
x = e−2 − 1
The graph cuts the y-axis where x = 0.
y = loge (1) + 2
3. Find the y-intercept.
=2
4. Sketch the graph. y
y = loge (x + 1) + 2
(0, 2)
(e–2 – 1, 0)
0 x
The basic graph of y = loge (x) has been dilated by c. y = loge (2x)
x = –1
1
c. 1.
1
y = – loge (2x)
4
(1, –1 loge(2))
4
0 x
( )
1– , 0
2
x=0
d. 1. The basic graph of y = loge (x) has been reflected in d. y = − loge (−x)
both axes. The vertical asymptote remains x = 0. The domain is (−∞, 0).
The range is R.
2. Find the x-intercept. x-intercept, y = 0:
− loge (−x) = 0
loge (−x) = 0
e0 = −x
x = −1
3. Determine another point through which the graph When x = −2, y = − loge (2).
( )
passes. The point is −2, − loge (2) .
4. Sketch the graph. y
y = –loge (–x)
(–1, 0)
0 x
ln(x − 2) ln(x − 2)
entry line in the Y1 tab as:
X=
TYPE
X = as 2.
Complete the entry line in
asymptote, x = 2,
4. To sketch the vertical 4. Sketch the graph by
pressing either the
select: DRAW button or the
Menu EXE button.
3: Graph Entry/Edit
2: Relation.
x=2
as:
The situation may arise where you are given the graph of a translated logarithmic function and you are
required to find the rule. The information provided to you might include the equation of the asymptote, the
intercepts and/or other points on the graph. As a rule, the number of pieces of information is equivalent to
the number of unknowns in the equation.
(e2 – 3, 0)
0 x
x = –3
The vertical asymptote corresponds to the value The vertical asymptote is x = −3.
THINK WRITE
y = loge (x + 3) + b.
of a.
0 = loge e − 3 + 3 + b
2. Substitute in the x-intercept to find b.
( 2 )
−b = loge e2
( )
−b = 2
b = −2
So y = loge (x + 3) − 2.
3. Write the answer. a = −3, b = −2
Resources
Interactivity: Logarithmic graphs (int-6418)
Units 3 & 4 Area 1 Sequence 1 Concept 5 Logarithmic graphs Summary screen and practice questions
2. Sketch the graphs of the following functions, showing all important characteristics.
passes through the points (0, 0) and (1, −0.35). Find the values
of the constants p and q.
5. Sketch the following graphs, clearly showing any axis intercepts
a. y = loge (x) + 3
and asymptotes.
b. y = loge (x) − 5
0 x
8. Sketch the following graphs, clearly showing any axis intercepts and asymptotes.
a. y = loge (3x) b. y = loge c. y = loge (4x)
( )
x
4
9. Sketch the following graphs, clearly showing any axis intercepts and asymptotes.
a. y = 1 − 2 loge (x − 1) b. y = loge (2x + 4) c. y = loge +1
( )
1 x
For each of the following functions, state the domain and range. Define the inverse function, f−1 , and
2 4
10.
state the domain and range in each case. (Hint: Recall your study of inverse functions from Units 1
−1
11. For each the functions in question 10, sketch the graphs of f and f on the same set of axes. Give the
The equation y = a loge (bx) relates x to y. The table shows values for x and y.
coordinates of any points of intersection, correct to 2 decimal places.
12.
x 1 2 3
y loge (2) 0 w
(−2, 3) and − ,
( )
1 1
. Show that the values of m and n are
2 2 x
exponential functions of the form A = A0 ekt , where A0 represents the initial value, t represents the time
As logarithmic functions are essentially the inverse of exponential functions, they can be used to solve
= ekt
A
A0
Then we take the natural logarithm of both sides and rearrange for t:
= kt
( )
A
loge
A0 ( )
t = loge
1 A
k A0
WORKED EXAMPLE 17
A deposit of $6000 is invested at the Western Bank, and $9000 is invested at the Common Bank
at the same time. Western offers compound interest continuously at a nominal rate of 6%, whereas
the Common Bank offers compound interest continuously at a nominal rate of 5%. In how many
years, correct to 1 decimal place, will the two investments be the same?
A = Pert
THINK WRITE
2. Equate the two equations and solve for t. CAS 6000e0.06t = 9000e0.05t
=
could also be used to determine the answer.
e0.06t 9000
e0.05t 6000
e0.01t =
3
2
0.01t = loge
( )
3
0.01t = 0.4055
2
t=
0.4055
t = 40.5 years
0.01
where t is the time in hours since the death, T is the body’s temperature measured in °C and R is
the constant room temperature in °C. An accountant stayed late at work one evening and was
found dead in his office the text morning. At 10 am the coroner measured the body temperature
to be 29.7 °C. A second reading at noon found the body temperature to be 28 °C. Assuming that
the office temperature was constant at 21 °C, determine the accountant’s estimated time of death.
THINK WRITE
( )
T−R
1. Determine the time of death for the 10 am t = −10 loge
37 − R
information. R = 21 °C and T = 29.7 °C. ( )
Substitute the values into the equation and evaluate. 29.7 − 21
t = −10 loge
37 − 21
( )
8.7
= −10 loge
16
= −10 loge (0.54375)
= 6.09 h ( )
T−R
2. Determine the time of death for the 12 pm t = −10 loge
37 − R
information. R = 21 °C and T = 28 °C. Substitute ( )
the values into the equation and evaluate. 28 − 21
t = −10 loge
37 − 21
( )
7
= −10 loge
16
= −10 loge (0.4375)
= 8.27 h
3. Determine the estimated time of death for each 10 − 6.09 = 3.91 or 3.55 am
reading. 12 − 8.27 = 3.73 or 3.44 am
4. Write the answer. The estimated time of death is
between 3.44 and 3.55 am.
WE17 A deposit of $4200 is invested at the Western Bank, and $5500 is invested at the Common Bank
Technology active
1.
at the same time. Western offers compound interest continuously at a nominal rate of 5%, whereas the
Common bank offers compound interest continuously at a nominal rate of 4.5%. In how many years will
the two investments be the same? Give your answer to the nearest year.
2. a. An investment triples in 15 years. What is the interest rate that this investment earns if it is
b. An investment of $2000 earns 4.5% interest compounded continuously. How long will it take for the
compounded continuously? Give your answer correct to 2 decimal places.
the previous evening around 7 pm. The coroner attended and found the body temperature to be 25 °C at
T−R
9 am. If the house temperature had been constant at 20 °C, calculate how long after the telephone call
the elderly person died. Use Newton’s Law of Cooling, t = −10 loge
( )
37 − R
, where R is the room
temperature in °C and T is the body temperature, also in °C.
Q = Q0 e−0.000124t
where t is the time in years since death, Q0 is the amount of carbon-14 in milligrams present at death
and Q is the quantity of carbon-14 in milligrams present after t years.
M = a − loge (t + b)
where t is the time in years. The initial mass is 7.8948 grams, and after 80 years the mass is
7.3070 grams.
a. Find the equation of the mass remaining after t years. Give a correct to 1 decimal place and b as an
integer.
b. Find the mass remaining after 90 years.
11. The population, P, of trout at a trout farm
is declining due to deaths of a large number
of fish from fungal infections.
The population is modelled by the function
P = a loge (t) + c
C = A loge (kt)
where C is the concentration in moles per litre (M) and t represents the time of mixing in seconds. The
concentration of the solution after 30 seconds of mixing is 4 M, and the concentration of the solution
after 2 seconds of mixing was 0.1 M.
a. Find the values of the constants A and k, giving your answers correct to 3 decimal places.
b. Find the concentration of the solution after 15 seconds of mixing.
c. How long does it take, in minutes and seconds, for the concentration of the solution to reach 10 M?
F (t) = 10 + 2 loge (t + 2)
Q = Q0 e−0.000124t
Furthermore, each unit costs the manufacturer 2 dollars to produce, and the initial cost of adjusting the
machinery for production is $300, so the total cost in dollars, C, of production is
Write the profit, P (x) dollars, obtained by the production and sale of x units.
a.
Find the number of units that need to be produced and sold to break even, that is, to reach P (x) = 0.
b.
Give your answer correct to the nearest integer.
16. The value of a certain number of shares, $V, can be modelled by the equation
V = kemt
where t is the time in months. The original value of the shares was $10 000, and after one year the value
of the shares was $13 500.
a. Find the values of the constants k and m, giving answers correct to 3 decimal places where
appropriate.
P y Q y
0 (2, 0) x 0 (0.5, 0) x
x=1 x=0
R y S y
0 x 0 x
(1, 0) (1, 0)
x=0 x=0
Complex familiar
( )
64q2 3y
13. If log4 (p) = x and log4 (q) = y, show that log4
3
√ = 3 − 3x + .
p q 2
14. The pH of a substance is a value that defines the acidity or alkalinity of that substance. It depends on the
[ ]
concentration of the hydrogen ion, H+ in moles/litre, and is calculated according to the formula
[ ]
pH = − log10 H+ .
Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic, and solutions
with a pH of 7 are neutral.
a. For each of the following, find the pH and state whether the solution is acidic, basic or neutral.
i. Vinegar has a hydrogen ion concentration of 0.01 moles/litre.
ii. Ammonia has a hydrogen ion concentration of 10−11 moles/litre.
b. Find the hydrogen ion concentration for each of the following.
i. Apples have a pH of 3.
ii. Sodium hydroxide has a pH of 14.
−3 loge (2)
x 1 2 3
y 0 m
16. An object falls from a high tower. The distance it falls in a certain time is recorded in the table.
t (s) 1 2 3 4 5
17. The graph shown has the rule g (x) = loge (x − h) + k, where h and k are constants.
Complex unfamiliar
y = g(x)
(0, 0) x
x = –2
x−h
b.
P = a loge (t) + b
where t is the time in years since 2007 and a and b are constants. There were estimated to be about 6000
quokkas present in the forest in 2013.
a. Determine the values of a and b. Give your answers correct to the nearest integer.
b. Calculate the number of quokkas that is expected to be present in 2025. Give your answer correct to
the nearest integer.
c. Given that quokkas have a life expectancy of about 10 years, the model for the actual population is
revised to
PR = P − 0.25P
y = loge(x + 5) + 1
(0, loge(5) + 1)
(e–1 – 5, 0)
0 x
x = –5
(25, 0)
x 0 (e5, 0) x
0
x = –2 x=0
b. y y
c.
y = 3log5 (2 – x)
y = loge (x) + 0.5
x
0
(e , 0)
–1
2
x=2
c. y
y = 2 log10 (x + 1)
x=0
6. a. y y = loge (x – 4)
(1, 2 log10 (2))
(10, loge (6))
(0, 0) x
x = –1 (5, 0)
d. y 0 x
( )
x
y = log2 – –2
(–2, 0) x=4
0 x y
(–1, –1) b.
y = loge (x + 2)
(0, loge (2))
x=0 (–1, 0)
3. m = 2, n = 2
0 x
−7
4. p = , q = −1
20 loge (2)
5. a. y
y = loge (x) + 3
(1, 3)
x = –2
0 (e–3, 0) x
x=0
x=0
c. y
y = loge (4x)
x = – 0.5 (1, loge(4))
7. a. y
0 x
(0.25, 0)
(1, 0)
y = –1 loge (x) 4
4
(
4, 1– loge(4) )
0 x
x=0
9. a. y
x=0
(2, 1 – 2 loge(1))
b. y
y = 3 loge (x) y = 1 – 2 loge (x – 1)
(e0.5 + 1, 0)
0 x
(2, 3 loge (2))
(1, 0)
x=1
0 x
b. y
y = loge (2x + 4)
(2, 6 loge(2)) x = –2
c. y
y = 6 loge (x)
(1, 0)
()
y = 1–2 loge –4x + 1
( 1
4, – loge (1) + 1 )
2
0 x
–2
(4 e , 0)
0 x
x=0 x=0
(0, 1– –2
2
e )
+1 n = 2 5 ÷ −2
y=1 7
= −2 5
(–4.998, –4.998)
( 1–5
0, –
e )
y = –5
x = –3
Domain = (−3, ∞), range = R x = –5
c. (−4.998, −4.998) and (3.091, 3.091)