1.18. Lesson: Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
1.18. Lesson: Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
But what if we wanted to know the year for any balance? We would need to create a
and the output; thus we would need to create a logarithmic model for this situation.
any input (account balance). For instance, what if we wanted to know how many ye
The Fgure below shows this point on the logarithmic graph.
In this lesson we will discuss the values for which a logarithmic function is deFned,
logarithmic functions.
Finding the domain of a logarithmic function
Before working with graphs, we will take a look at the domain (the set of input value
Recall that the exponential function is deFned as y = bx y = b x for any real number
In the last lesson we learned that the logarithmic function y = logb (x) y = log b(x)
y = b x. So, as inverse functions:
Transformations of the parent function y = logb (x) y = log b(x) behave similarly to
functions, we can apply the four types of transformations-shifts, stretches, compres
loss of shape.
For example, consider f (x) = log4 (2x − 3) . f(x) = log 4(2x − 3). This function is
this case 2x − 3, 2x − 3, is greater than zero. To Fnd the domain, we set up an ineq
How to
Solution
Solution
Now that we have a feel for the set of values for which a logarithmic function is deF
family of logarithmic functions includes the parent function y = logb (x) along wit
compressions, and reOections.
We begin with the parent function y = logb (x) . Because every logarithmic functio
with the form y = bx , their graphs will be reOections of each other across the line y
between the input and output values of y = 2x and its equivalent x = log2 (y) in th
x −3 −2 −1 0
2x = y 1
8
1
4
1
2
1
log2 (y) = x −3 −2 −1 0
Using the inputs and outputs from the table above, we can build another table to ob
the inverse functions f (x) = 2x and g(x) = log2 (x). .
Ordered pairs for exponential and logarithmic func
As we'd expect, the x- and y-coordinates are reversed for the inverse functions. The
f (x) = 2x has a y-intercept at (0, 1) and g(x) = log2 (x) has an x- intercep
The domain of f (x) = 2x , (−∞, ∞) , is the same as the range of g(x) = lo
The range of f (x) = 2x , (0, ∞) , is the same as the domain of g(x) = log2
Characteristics of the graph of the parent function
one-to-one function
vertical asymptote: x = 0
domain: (0, ∞)
range: (−∞, ∞)
x-intercept: (1, 0) and key point (b, 1)
y-intercept: none
increasing if b > 1
decreasing if 0 < b < 1
The graph below shows the two cases for graphs of logarith
PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.18.2: Graphing logarithmic functions.
1 2 3 2x speed
Graph and properties of f (x) =
Table
Solution
Before graphing, identify the behavior and key points for the g
Solution
PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.18.3: Graphs of logarithmic functions.
Match each logarithmic function with the appropriate graph.
y = log4 x
If b > 0 , the graph of y
Graph B increasing function that
since logb b = 1 for all
graph of y = log4 x sho
(4, 1).
y = log x
Graph C The base of log is assum
given. The graph of y =
through (10, 1) .
y = ln x
Graph A The base of ln is e , whic
2.71828 . Thus, the grap
pass through (2.71828
y = log1/2 x
If 0 < b < 1, the graph
Graph D decreasing rather than in
with b > 0 , the graph of
through (0.5, 1) .
When a constant c is added to the input of the parent function f (x) = logb (x), the
direction of the sign on c. To visualize horizontal shifts, we can observe the general
c > 0 alongside the shift left, g(x) = logb (x + c) , and the shift right, h(x) = lo
How to
Solution
Solution
PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.18.4: Identifying horizontal shifts.
y = ln(x − 2)
y = ln(x + 2)
y = ln x + 2
2)
Correct
This equation correctly d
graph of y = log x one
added to each value of x
y = log(x − 1)
y = log x + 1
y = log(x + 1)
When a constant d is added to the parent function f (x) = logb (x) , the result is a v
visualize vertical shifts, we can observe the general graph of the parent function f (x
g(x) = logb (x) + d and the shift down, h(x) = logb (x) − d. See the Fgure belo
Vertical transformations of a logarithmic function.
Solution
Solution
PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.18.5: Identifying vertical shifts.
y = ln x − 3
y = ln x
y = ln x + 3
2)
Correct
This equation correctly d
graph of y = log x dow
subtracted from each y -
y = log x + 2
y = log x − 2
y = log x
When the parent function f (x) = logb (x) is multiplied by a constant a > 0, the re
graph. To visualize stretches and compressions, we set a > 1 and observe the gen
f (x) = logb (x) alongside the vertical stretch, g(x) = alogb (x) and the vertical
Vertical stretch and compression of a logarithmic f
Solution
Solution
Solution
Solution
PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.18.6: Stretch and compression of a logarithmic
Given the graph of log3 x above, match graphs A-C with the app
log3 x .
Graph A
Graph B
1 1
y= log3 x The graph of y = log
2 2
of y = log3 x by a facto
Graph C
When the parent function f (x) = logb (x) is multiplied by −1,the result is a reOect
−1,the result is a reOection about the y-axis. To visualize reOections, we restrict b >
function f (x) = logb (x) alongside the reOection about the x-axis, g(x) = −logb
h(x) = logb (−x) .
ReOections of logarithmic functions.
Solution
Solution
How to
Solution
Solution
x ≈ 3.049
Now that we have worked with each type of translation for the logarithmic function,
the general equation for translating exponential functions.
Summary of transformation of logarithmic function
Shift
Solution
Analysis
Solution
f (x) = −a log(x + 2) +
It appears the graph passes through the points (−1, 1) and
(−1, 1) ,
1 = −a log(−1 + 2) + k Subs
1 = −a log(1) + k Arith
1=k log(1
Next, substituting in (2, −1) ,
−1 = −a log(2 + 2) + 1 Plug
−2 = −a log(4) Arith
2
a= log(4)
Solv
2
This gives us the equation f (x) = − log(4) log(x + 2) + 1.
Analysis
x −1 0 1 2
f (x) 1 0 −0.58496 −1
x 4 5 6 7
Graph A
Relative to the graph of
1 1
y = ln(x + 2) + 3 y= ln(x + 2) + 3 is
2 2
factor of 2 and translate
units to the left.
Graph B
Lesson exercises
Algebraic
For the following exercises, state the domain and range of the function.
Exercise 1.18.1
Exercise 1.18.2
(a) h(x) = ln ( 12 − x)
Solution !
(−∞, 2 ) ;
1
Domain: Range: (−∞, ∞)
For the following exercises, state the domain, vertical asymptote, and end behavior
Exercise 1.18.3
(a) f (x) = ln (2 − x)
Solution !
Domain: (−∞, 2) ; Vertical asymptote: x = 2; End behavi
as x → −∞, f (x) → ∞ .
Exercise 1.18.4
For the following exercises, state the domain, range, and x- and y-intercepts, if they
Exercise 1.18.5
Range: (−∞, ∞)
x-intercept: (−1.9998, 0)
y-intercept: (0, 4)
Lesson summary
Before moving on, take a last moment to think about what you've learned in this less
You can Fnd the domain of a logarithm by setting the argument of the logarith
Graphing logarithms is easier if you Fnd the domain Frst. Then you can graph
logarithm.
Logarithms are affected by horizontal/vertical shifts, compressions, stretches
help you quickly sketch a graph of the logarithm you're working with.
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