xponentials and

Logarithms
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 Prior Knowledge Check
1) Given that and , evaluate 3) Plot the following on a
these expressions without scatter graph and draw a line
a calculator: of best fit.
1 1.2 2.1 3.5 4 5.8
125 3 32
a) b) c) 5.8 7.4 9.4 10.3 12.8

d) e) Find the gradient of your line

49 1 of best fit, giving answers to
1dp.
2) Simplify each expression
by writing it as a single
𝑦 =1.5 𝑥+4.1
power:6 21
6 𝑦

a) b)
4
c) 2
6 d) 𝑥
Teachings for
Exercise 14A
 Exponentials and
Logarithms y
Graphs of Exponential
Functions 8
7
6
You need to be familiar with the
function; 5
y a x where a  0 4
3
2
x x
For example, y = 2 , y = 5 and 1
so on…
x
-3 -2 -1 1 2 3

1) Draw the graph of y = 2x x

x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Any graph of y a will be the
same basic shape
y 1
/8 /4
1
/2
1
1 2 4 8
It always passes through (0,1) as
1 anything to the power 0 is equal to
Remember 2 3
: 23 1
14
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Graphs of Exponential
Functions All pass through
(0,1)
x
a examples of
Here are a fewymore They never go
graphs where
30 below 0
y = 3x
25
Notice that either
side of (0,1), the
20
biggest/smallest
15
values switch
y

y = 2x Above (0,1), y =
10
3x is the biggest
value, below
5
(0,1), it is the
y= smallest…
0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 1.5x3
x
14
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Graphs of Exponential
Functions
The graph y = (1/2)x is
x a reflection of y = 2x
a examples of
Here are a fewymore
graphs where
9

8
y = 2x
x
1
7
y  
6  2
5
y

3
y 2 
1 x

2
y = (1/2)x
1

0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
y 2 x
x

14
Teachings for
Exercise 14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms
 Imagine you have £100 in a bank account
 Imagine your interest rate for the year is 100%
 You will receive 100% interest in one lump at the end of the year, so you
will now have £200 in the bank

However, you are offered a possible alternative way of being paid

 Your bank manager says, ‘If you like, you can have your 100% interest
split into two 50% payments, one made halfway through the year, and one
made at the end’
 How much money will you have at the end of the year, doing it this way
(and what would be the quickest calculation to work that out?)
 £100 x 1.52
 = £225

Investigate further. What would happen if you split the interest into 4, or 10,
or 100 smaller bits etc…
14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms
Start Interest Each
Payments Sum Total (2dp)
Amount Payment
£100 1 100% £100 x 2 £200
£100 2 50% £100 x 1.52 £225
£100 4 25% £100 x 1.254 £244.14
£100 8 12.5% £100 x 1.1258 £256.58
£100 10 10% £100 x 1.110 £259.37
£100 20 5% £100 x 1.0520 £265.33
£100 50 2% £100 x 1.0250 £269.16
£100 100 1% £100 x 1.01100 £270.48
£100 1,000 0.1% £100 x 1.0011000 £271.69
£100 10,000 0.01% £100 x 1.000110000 £271.81
£100 n /n
100
£100 x (1 + 1/n)n £100e

n The larger the value of n, the better the accuracy of

 1
 1   e
e…
(2.718281828459 The value of e is irrational, like
 n …) π…
It also has another interesting
property… 14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms

Gradient Functions y = x2

You have already learnt y = 2x

about differentiation, that
differentiating a graph The
function gives the gradient Gradient at
function… this point…

We can plot the gradient

function on the graph itself…

… is this
y=x 2
value here!

So dy
/dx = 2x

14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms
y= y = x3
3x2
Gradient Functions
You have already learnt
about differentiation, that … is this
differentiating a graph value here!
function gives the gradient
function…
We can plot the gradient The
function on the graph itself… Gradient at And the
this point… Gradient is
the same
here!
y = x3

So dy
/dx = 3x2

14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms

Gradient Functions y = 2x
You have already learnt
about differentiation, that
differentiating a graph y=
2xln2
function gives the gradient
function…
We can plot the gradient
function on the graph itself…

y = 2x

You will learn where

this comes from in
dy
/dx = 2xln2 Year 13!

14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms
y=
3xln3
Gradient Functions
You have already learnt y = 3x
about differentiation, that
differentiating a graph
function gives the gradient
function…
We can plot the gradient
function on the graph itself…

y = 3x

You will learn where

this comes from in
dy
/dx = 3xln3 Year 13!

14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms
y= y= y = 3x
y = 2x
2xln2 3xln3

What has happened from the first graph to the second?

 The lines have crossed…
 Therefore the must be a value between 2 and 3 where the lines are
equal… 14B
 Exponentials and Logarithms

Gradient Functions
If we plot a graph of ex, its y = ex
gradient function is the same
graph! y = ex

This leads to an interesting

conclusion…

If y = ex

Then dy
/dx = ex as well!

14B
Exponentials and Logarithms

If:

Then:
You should learn these two results – in
If: Year 13 you will see where they come
from!
Then:

14B
 If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

2𝑥
You need to be able to 𝑦 =𝑒
Follow
differentiate using the results the
𝑑𝑦
above =2 𝑒2 𝑥 pattern!
𝑑𝑥

Differentiate the following with

1
respect to x: −
2
𝑥
𝑦 =𝑒
Follow
𝑑𝑦 1
1
− 𝑥 the
a) =− 𝑒 2
pattern!!
𝑑𝑥 2
b)
c)
2𝑥
𝑦 =3 𝑒
Follow
You can do all of these using the the
pattern at the top right of the screen! 𝑑𝑦
=6 𝑒 2 𝑥 pattern!!!
𝑑𝑥

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y=
2ex y = ex
You need to be able to
sketch transformations of
the graph
(0,2)

(0,1)
f(x)
y=e x

y = 2ex 2f(x)

(For the same set of

inputs (x), the
outputs (y) double)

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y = ex + y = ex
You need to be able to 2
sketch transformations of
the graph (0,3)

y = ex f(x)
(0,1)

y = ex + 2 f(x) + 2

(For the same set of

inputs (x), the
outputs (y) increase
by 2)

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y = ex
You need to be able to
sketch transformations of
the graph

(0,1)
y=e x f(x)
(0,-
1)
y = -ex -f(x)
y = -ex

(For the same set of

inputs (x), the
outputs (y) ‘swap
signs’

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y = e2x y = ex
You need to be able to
sketch transformations of
the graph

(0,1)
y=e x f(x)

y = e2x f(2x)

(The same set of

outputs (y) for half
the inputs (x))

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y = ex + 1 y = ex
You need to be able to
sketch transformations of
the graph
(0,e)
(0,1)
y = ex f(x)

y = ex + 1 f(x + 1)

(The same set of We can work out the y-intercept by

outputs (y) for substituting in x = 0
inputs (x) one less
 This gives us e1 = e
than before…)

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y = 10e-x y = ex
You need to be able to
sketch transformations of y = e-x
the graph
(0,
10)

y = ex
(0, 1)

y = 10e-x

The graph of e-x,

but with y values
10 times bigger…

14B
If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

y = ex
You need to be able to
sketch transformations of
the graph (0, 7)
y = 3 + 4e0.5x
(0, 4) y = e0.5x
y = 4e0.5x
y=e x
(0, 1)

y = 3 + 4e0.5x

The graph of e0.5x,

but with y values 4
times bigger with 3
added on at the
end…
14B
Teachings for
Exercise 14C
 If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

− 0.006 𝑡
You can use to model situations 𝑃=160 𝑒
such as population growth, where Sub in
the rate of change depends on the 𝑃=160 𝑒− 0.006(15)
current amount Calculate
𝑃=146.2
The density of a pesticide in a section of
field, , can be modelled by the equation:

− 0.006 𝑡
𝑃=160 𝑒
Sub in
In this case, is the time in days since − 0.006(0)
the pesticide was first applied.
𝑃=160 𝑒
Calculate
𝑃=160
a) Estimate the density of the pesticide
after 15 days 1 46.2 𝑚𝑔 When , we get 160 as the answer
b) Interpret the meaning of the 160 in
 Using implies that no time has passed, so
this model
therefore 160 must be the original amount of
pesticide sprayed in the area

14C
 If: Then: If: Then:

Exponentials and Logarithms

− 0.006 𝑡
You can use to model situations 𝑃=160 𝑒
such as population growth, where
the rate of change depends on the 𝑑𝑃
current amount =− 0.96 𝑒 −0.006 𝑡
𝑑𝑡

The density of a pesticide in a section of The sign is negative

field, , can be modelled by the equation:
 This means that the gradient function (in
this case) is downward sloping

 In context, this means that the level of

decay of the pesticide is decreasing
c) Find

16
d) Interpret the significance of the sign 0 The original graph is
of your answer to part c a negative
exponential shape!

e) Sketch the graph of against .

14C
Teachings for
Exercise 14D
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Writing expressions as 2) Write as a logarithm:
Logarithms
a) 103 = 1000
log a n  x means a x n
that 103 1000
log10 1000 3
‘a’ is known as the ‘base’ of the
logarithm… b) 54 = 625

54 625
1) Write 25 = 32 as a logarithm
Effectively, the 2 log 5 625 4
25 32 stays as the ‘first’
number… c) 210 = 1024

log 2 32 5 The 32 and the 5 210 1024

‘switch positions’
log 2 1024 10
14
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Writing expressions as
Logarithms

log a n  x means a x n
that
Find the value of:
a) log 3 81 b) log 4 0.25

What power do I What power do I

raise 3 to, to get raise 4 to, to get
81? 0.25?

log 3 81 4 log 4 0.25  1 0.25 is 1/4

1
Remember,4 1 
4
14
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Writing expressions as
Logarithms

log a n  x means a x n
that
Find the value of:
c) log 0.5 4 d) log a (a 5 )

What power do I What power do I

raise 0.5 to, to raise ‘a’ to, to get
get 4? a5?
0.5 = 1/2
0.52 = 1/4
log a (a 5 ) 5
0.5-2 = 4

log 0.5 4  2
14
Teachings for
Exercise 14E
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms Proof of the first rule:

Suppose
You do not need to know proofs of that;
these rules, but you will need to learn log a x b an log a y c
and use them: d

log a xy log a x  log a y (The

Multiplication law) ab x ac  y
 x
log a   log a x  log a y (The Division xy  a a
b c
 y law)

b c
k
log a ( x) k log a x (The Power law) xy  a

1 log a xy b  c
log a    log a x
 x ‘a must be raised to the power
(b+c) to get xy’ 14E
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms log a xy log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x

 x 1
Write each of these as a single log a   log a x  log a y log a    log a x
logarithm:  y  x

1) log 3 6  log 3 7 2) log 2 15  log 2 3 3) 2 log 5 3  3log 5 2

log 3 (6 7) log 2 (15 3) log 5 32  log5 23

log 3 42 log 2 5 log 5 9  log 5 8

log 5 (9 8)

log 5 72

14E
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms log a xy log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x

 x 1
Write each of these as a single log a   log a x  log a y log a    log a x
logarithm:  y  x

1
4) log10 3  4 log10  
 2
4
1
log10 3  log10  
 2
Alternatively,
 1 using rule 4
log10 3  log10 16
log10 3  log10  
 16 
 1 log10 (3 16)
log10  3  
 16  log10 48
log10 48 14E
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms log a xy log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x

 x 1
Write in terms of logax, logay and logaz log a   log a x  log a y log a    log a x
 y  x

2 3  x 
1) log a ( x yz ) 2) log a  3 
y 
log a ( x 2 )  log a y  log a ( z 3 ) log a x  log a ( y )3

2 log a x  log a y  3log a z log a x  3log a y

14E
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms log a xy log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x

 x 1
Write in terms of logax, logay and logaz log a   log a x  log a y log a    log a x
 y  x

x y  x 
3) log a  log a  4 
 z 
4)
  a 

log a x  log a y  log a z log a x  log a (a) 4

1
log a x  log a ( y )  log a z
2 log a x  4 log a a
=1
1
log a x  log a y  log a z log a x  4
2

14E
  x
log a xy log a x  log a y log a   log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x
 y
Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥=8
Use the power
2
𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 =8 law
Solve the equation:
Write without
8 2 the logarithm
2 =𝑥
Work out left side
2
2 56= 𝑥
Square
± 16=𝑥 root…

Check that your answers

work…
2 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (16) 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (− 16)

¿8 ¿ 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟
You cannot calculate the logarithm of a negative value
 In terms of graphs, the answer would be where the graph is
below the x-axis (ie )
14E
  x
log a xy log a x  log a y log a   log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x
 y
Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4 +2 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑥=2
Use the power
2
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4 +𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑥 =2 law
Solve the equation:
Use the addition
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 4 𝑥 = 2
2 law
Rewrite without the
2 2 logarithm
10 = 4 𝑥
Work out left side
2
1 00=4 𝑥
Divide by
2
2 5= 𝑥 4
Square
5= 𝑥 root

Note that the answer cannot be -5 (as in the

previous example…

14E
  x
log a xy log a x  log a y log a   log a x  log a y log a ( x) k k log a x
 y
Exponentials and
Logarithms
Laws of logarithms 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 ( 𝑥+ 11 ) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 ( 𝑥 − 5 )=2
Use the

Solve the equation:

𝑙𝑜𝑔3 ( 𝑥 +11
𝑥−5 )
=2
subtraction law

Rewrite without
2 𝑥 +11 using the
3 = logarithm
𝑥 −5
Calculate left
𝑥 +11 side
9=
𝑥 −5
Multiply by

9 𝑥 − 45=𝑥+ 11
Rearrange
8 𝑥=56
Divide by 8
𝑥=7

14E
Teachings for
Exercise 14F
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Solving Equations using 3x 20
Logarithms ‘Take
logs’
log10 (3x ) log10 20
Logarithms allow you to solve You can bring
equations where ‘powers’ are the power
involved as unknowns. down… x log10 3 log10 20
Divide by log103
You need to be able to solve these log10 20
x
by ‘taking logs’ of each side of the log10 3
equation. Calculate
1.3010...
Make sure you
x
All logarithms you use on the 0.4771...
calculator will be in base 10 by use the exact
default. answers to avoid
rounding errors.. x 2.73 (3sf)

14F
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Solving Equations using 7 x 1 3x 2
Logarithms ‘Take logs’
log(7 x 1 ) log(3x 2 )
Bring the
The steps are essentially the powers down
same when the power is an ( x  1) log 7 ( x  2) log 3
expression, such as ‘x – 2’, Multiply out
the brackets
‘2x + 4’ etc… x log 7  log 7  x log 3  2 log 3
Rearrange to get
‘x’s together
There is more rearranging to x log 7  x log 3 2 log 3  log 7
be done though, as well as Factorise to
factorising. isolate the x
x(log 7  log 3) 2 log 3  log 7
term
Divide by

Overall, you are trying to get

(log7-log3) 2 log 3  log 7
x
all the ‘x’s on one side and (log 7  log 3)
Be careful
all the logs on the other…
when typing it
all in! x 0.297 (3dp
) 14F
 Exponentials and
Logarithms
Solving Equations using 52 x  7(5x )  30 0
Logarithms Sub in ‘y = 5x’
y 2  7 y  30 0
You may also need to use a Factorise
substitution method with even
harder ones.
( y  10)( y  3) 0
You have 2
possible
You will know to use this when you answers y  10 or y 3
see a logarithm that has a similar
shape to a quadratic equation..
5 x 3
y2 = 5x x ‘Take logs’
Let y=5x 5x log 5 x log 3
y2 = 52x Bring the power
down
x log 5 log 3
Divide by log5
When you raise a number to a log 3
power, the answer cannot be x
negative… Make sure it is log 5
accurate…
x 0.68 (2dp
) 14F
Teachings for
Exercise 14G
 Exponentials and Logarithms
y = ex y=
The graph of is a reflection x
of the graph in the line . y=
lnx
The notation means the (0,1
logarithm to the base of , and is )
also on your calculator.
(1,0
)

 We can compare the graphs of

and

14G
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥=𝑙𝑛𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

The graph of is a reflection
of the graph in the line .

You should use when solving

exponential equations involving .

Solve the equation

𝑥 𝑥
𝑒 =5 𝑒 =5
Take natural logs Take natural logs
𝑥 of both sides 𝑥 of both sides
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑒 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 5 𝑙𝑛 𝑒 =𝑙𝑛 5
Use the power Use the power
𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑒=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 5 law 𝑥=𝑙𝑛 5 law
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑒=1
𝑥=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 5 You should use notation like the
above when dealing with natural
It is fine to leave your logarithms
answers as exact
values
14G
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥=𝑙𝑛𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

The graph of is a reflection
of the graph in the line .

You should use when solving

exponential equations involving .

Solve the equation

𝑙 𝑛𝑥=3 Think about what

𝑙 𝑛𝑥=3
Learn this pattern
represents so you can use
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥=3 3
𝑒 =𝑥 it !
Rewrite without
3 using a logarithm
𝑒 =𝑥

14G
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥=𝑙𝑛𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

The graph of is a reflection
of the graph in the line . 𝑒 2 𝑥+ 3=7
Take natural logs
2 𝑥+3=𝑙𝑛7
You should use when solving Subtract 3
exponential equations involving . 2 𝑥=𝑙𝑛 7 −3
Divide by 2
1 3
𝑥= 𝑙𝑛 7 −
Solve the equation 2 2

14G
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥=𝑙𝑛𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

The graph of is a reflection
of the graph in the line . 2 𝑙𝑛𝑥 +1=5
Subtract 1
2 𝑙𝑛𝑥=4
You should use when solving Divide by 2
exponential equations involving . 𝑙𝑛𝑥 =2
Write without a
logarithm
Solve the equation 𝑒 2= 𝑥

14G
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑒 𝑥=𝑙𝑛𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

The graph of is a reflection 2𝑥 𝑥
of the graph in the line . 𝑒 +5 𝑒 = 14
Subtract 14
2𝑥 𝑥
𝑒 +5 𝑒 −14=0
Factorise (or write using y
You should use when solving
( 𝑒 𝑥 +7 ) ( 𝑒 𝑥 − 2 ) = 0 to help)
exponential equations involving .
2 possible
solutions for
Solve the equation or
No
solutions if
negative

𝑒𝑥= 2
Take natural logs
𝑥=𝑙𝑛 2

14G
Teachings for
Exercise 14H
 Exponentials and Logarithms
Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

 You are familiar with problems

involving straight-line graphs

 You can use logarithms to turn an

exponential relationship into a
linear one

 In short, using a logarithmic scale

can turn a curved line into a
straight line!

14H
 Exponentials and Logarithms
These are the same equation, one with logs having
Logarithms can be used to been taken
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data  If it is plotted on logarithmic axes, it is a straight line

 In short, using a logarithmic scale

can turn a curved line into a
straight line!
𝒚 𝒚 =𝒙
𝟐 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 =𝟐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒙

𝒙 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒙
14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear 𝑦 =𝑎𝑥 𝑛
trends in data
Take logs of both
𝑛 sides
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎𝑥
This can be shown by starting with an Separate using
exponential relationship… the addition law
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 𝑛
Use the power law
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 We can compare this
with the straight line
The ‘’ term is variable 𝑦 =𝑚𝑥 +𝑐 form…

We then have a constant We then have a

multiplied by a variable constant
( would be the constant)

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Birmingha
Logarithms can be used to City
m
Leeds Glasgow Sheffield Bradford
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data Rank, 2 3 4 5 6

Populati
1,000,000 730,000 620,000 530,000 480,000
The data shows the rank (by size) and on,
population of some UK cities. 𝑷
The relationship between and can be
modelled by the formula:

Where and are constants.

A scatter graph of this

data would look like
this!

𝑹
14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Birmingha
Logarithms can be used to City
m
Leeds Glasgow Sheffield Bradford
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data Rank, 2 3 4 5 6

Populati
1,000,000 730,000 620,000 530,000 480,000
The data shows the rank (by size) and on,
population of some UK cities. Birmingha
City Leeds Glasgow Sheffield Bradford
m
The relationship between and can be
modelled by the formula:
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑹 0.30 0.48 0.60 0.70 0.78

𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑷 6 5.86 5.79 5.72 5.68

𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑷
Where and are constants.

a) Draw a table giving values of and

to 2 decimal places

b) Plot a graph of against using the

values from your table, and draw a
line of best fit

𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑹
14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

𝑷 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑷

𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑹

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Birmingha
City Leeds Glasgow Sheffield Bradford
Logarithms can be used to m
manage and explore non-linear 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑹 0.30 0.48 0.60 0.70 0.78
trends in data
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑷 6 5.86 5.79 5.72 5.68
The data shows the rank (by size) and
population of some UK cities. 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑷

The relationship between and can be

modelled by the formula:

Where and are constants.

b) Plot a graph of against using the

values from your table, and draw a
line of best fit

c) Use your graph to estimate the

values of and to two significant
figures

 First you need to rearrange the

original relationship into the 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑹
form.
14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Logarithms can be used to 𝑛
manage and explore non-linear 𝑃=𝑎𝑅
trends in data Take logs
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎𝑅
The data shows the rank (by size) and
population of some UK cities. Addition law
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑅
The relationship between and can be Power
modelled by the formula:
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑅 law

 So is the constant from the linear graph

Where and are constants.
 And is the gradient from the linear graph
c) Use your graph to estimate the
values of and to two significant
figures

 First you need to rearrange the

original relationship into the
form.

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑷
Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

The data shows the rank (by size) and

population of some UK cities.

The relationship between and can be

modelled by the formula:

Where and are constants.

c) Use your graph to estimate the

values of and to two significant
 So is the figures
constant from the
linear graph 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒂=𝟔. 𝟐
𝟔.𝟐
𝟏𝟎 =𝒂
𝒂=𝟏,𝟔𝟎𝟎 ,𝟎𝟎𝟎
 And is the gradient from 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝑹
the linear graph 𝑛 −0.67
𝑃=𝑎 𝑅 𝑃=1600000 𝑅
𝒏=− 𝟎.𝟔𝟕
14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data
−0.67
𝑷 𝑃=1600000 𝑅
𝑷

𝑹 𝑹
Original data Calculated graph

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏 𝑥
Take logs of both
There is a second situation that you 𝑥
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎𝑏 sides
may need to deal with, which is
slightly different… Separate using
the addition law
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑏𝑥
Use the power law
 In this case, the variable x is in the 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 We can compare this
power, rather than being raised to
a power… with the straight line
The ‘’ term 𝑦 =𝑚𝑥 +𝑐 form…
is variable
We then
We then have a have a
constant multiplied constant
by a variable
( would be the
constant)

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

Note that the axes we use for these

will be different to the previous
example…
𝑛 𝑥
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏

In this example, to get a In this example, to get a

linear relationship we linear relationship we
plot against plot against

Ensure you check what form the equation is, as this will affect what
you plot on the x-axis…

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃
Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

The graph shown represents the 𝟐

growth of a population of bacteria,
over a period of hours. The graph has
a gradient of 0.6 and meets the
vertical axis at (0,2) as shown. 𝑂 𝑡

A scientist suggests that this growth Use the form above as a starting point…
can be modelled by the equation ,
where a and b are constants to be
found. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 Use the variables
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=2+0.6 𝑡 in the question
a) Write down an equation for the line 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+𝑡𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
The y-intercept is and
the gradient is
b) Using your answer to part a or 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=2+0.6 𝑡
otherwise, find the values of and ,
giving them to 3sf where necessary

c) Interpret the meaning of the

constant in this model

14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃
Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

The graph shown represents the 𝟐

growth of a population of bacteria,
over a period of hours. The graph has
a gradient of 0.6 and meets the
vertical axis at (0,2) as shown. 𝑂 𝑡

A scientist suggests that this growth 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=2+0.6 𝑡

can be modelled by the equation , Write without the logarithm
where a and b are constants to be 2+ 0.6 𝑡
𝑃 = 10 Separate using
found.
2 0.6 𝑡 index laws
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=2+0.6 𝑡 𝑃 = 10 × 10
a) Write down an equation for the line Rewrite the right
𝑃 = 10 × ( 10
2 0.6 𝑡
) part as a bracket
b) Using your answer to part a or
otherwise, find the values Calculate each
𝑡 of and , 𝑡
𝑃 = 100× 3.98
giving them to 3sf where necessary 𝑃=100× 3.98 power

c) Interpret the meaning of the You can compare this with the form suggested
constant in this model earlier…
𝑎=100 𝑏=3.98
14H
𝑦 =𝑎𝑥
𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 𝑦 =𝑎𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 =𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎+ 𝑥𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏
𝑥

Exponentials and Logarithms

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃
Logarithms can be used to
manage and explore non-linear
trends in data

The graph shown represents the 𝟐

growth of a population of bacteria,
over a period of hours. The graph has
a gradient of 0.6 and meets the
vertical axis at (0,2) as shown. 𝑂 𝑡

A scientist suggests that this growth

can be modelled by the equation , 𝑃= 100× 3.98
𝑡
where a and b are constants to be
Let
found. 0
𝑃= 100× 3.98
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑃=2+0.6 𝑡
a) Write down an equation for the line Calculat
𝑃=100 e
b) Using your answer to part a or
otherwise, find the values
𝑡 of and ,
𝑃 = 100× 3.98
giving them to 3sf where necessary So in this case, 100 gives the initial
size of the bacteria population
c) Interpret the meaning of the
constant in this model

14H