Exponentials & Logarithms

Last modified: 20th October 2017

Chapter Overview
You have encountered exponential expressions like before, but probably not ‘the’ exponential
function . Similarly, you will learn that the inverse of is .

1:: Sketch exponential graphs. 2:: Use an interpret models that use
Sketch and on the same axes. exponential functions.
The population of Davetown after years is
NEW! to A Level 2017 modelled using , where are constants…
“The” exponential function, , has
been moved from Year 2 to Year 1.
NEW! to A Level 2017
Again, moved from Year 2.

3:: Be able to differentiate . 4:: Understand the log function and

If , determine . use laws of logs.
Solve the equation:

5:: Use logarithms to estimate values of

constants in non-linear models.
(This is a continuation of (2))
 -18 𝑥
-2

?
0.25 ?
0.5
0
1?
1
2?
2
4?
3
8?
4
16? 𝑦 =2
20
Fro Note: Ensure that you can distinguish
between a (e.g. polynomial) term and an
exponential term. In the former the
16
variable is in the base, and in the letter the
variable is in the power. behaves very
differently to , both in its rate of growth
12 grow much faster!)
(i.e. exponential terms
and how it differentiates.
Why are exponential functions
8 important?
Each of the common graphs have a key property
that makes them useful for modelling.
For reciprocal graphs , as doubles, halves. This
4
means we’d use it to represent variables which are
inversely proportional.
Linear graphs are used when we’re adding the
same amount each time.
-2 -1 1 2 3 4
In contrast, 5
exponential 6 are used7 when
graphs
we’re multiplying by the same amount each time.
For example, we might use to model our savings
-4 with interest, where each year we have 1.05 times
as much, i.e. with 5% added interest.
Contrasting exponential graphs
On the same axes sketch ,

The -intercept is
𝑦 𝒚 =𝟑 𝒙
always 1.
If , the larger the 𝒙
base, the smaller the 𝒚 =𝟐 If , the larger the
value: ? base, the larger the
𝒚 =𝟏 .𝟓 𝒙 value:

1
𝑥
On the same axes sketch and

Three important notes:

𝑦 • is said to be “exponential growing” whereas is said
to be “exponentially decaying”, because it’s getting

( )
𝒙
𝟏 𝒙 smaller (halving) each time increases by 1.
𝒚= 𝒚 =𝟐 • is a reflection of in the line . Proof:
𝟐 If ,
• would usually be written .
? You should therefore in general be able to recognise
1 and sketch the graph .

𝑥
Graph Transformations

Sketch
𝑦 The ‘change’ to is ‘inside the
function’ (i.e. input is replaced
𝒙 +𝟑
𝒚 =𝟐 with ).
So a translation to the left by 3.
8 ?
Ensure you work out the new
𝑥 -intercept.
Euler’s Number: e

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/
algebra2/x2ec2f6f830c9fb89:logs/
x2ec2f6f830c9fb89:e/v/e-through-compound-
interest

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/
algebra2/x2ec2f6f830c9fb89:logs/
x2ec2f6f830c9fb89:e/v/e-as-limit
 Click
Function Gradient
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0
𝑦 =1 𝑑𝑥 >
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0.41 ×1.5
𝑦 =1.5 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
>
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0.69 ×2
𝑦 =2 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
>
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0.92 ×2.5
𝑦 =2.5 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
> You won’t yet be able to differentiate general
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =1.10 ×3 exponential functions until Year 2.
𝑦 =3 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
>
But I’ve calculated the gradient functions for you – click
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =1.25 ×3.5
𝑦 =3.5 𝑑𝑥 the black arrow to reveal the graph and gradient
𝑥
>
function.

Compare each exponential

function against its
respective gradient
function. What do you
notice?
Function Gradient and seem to be similar to their respective
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0 gradient functions. So is there a base between 2.5
𝑦 =1 𝑑𝑥 >
and 3 where the function is equal to its gradient
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0.41 ×1.5 function?
𝑦 =1.5 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
>
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0.69 ×2 is known as Euler’s Number.
𝑦 =2 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
>
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =0.92 ×2.5 It is one of the five most fundamental constants
𝑦 =2.5 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
> in mathematics (0, 1, , , ).
𝑑𝑦
𝑥 𝑑𝑦
𝑦 =𝑒
=3 𝑑𝑥
𝑥𝑥
=1.10
=𝑒 ×3 > It has the property that:
𝑑𝑥
𝑥 𝑑𝑦 =1.25 ×3.5
𝑦 =3.5 𝑑𝑥
𝑥
> 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑥
𝑦 =𝑒 → =𝑒
𝑑𝑥

Although any function of the form is known as

an exponential function, is known as “the”
exponential function.

You can find the exponential function on your calculator, to

the right (above the “ln” key)
 Differentiating
! If , where is a constant, then

Note: This is not a standalone rule

Different with respect to . but an application of something
called the ‘chain rule’, which you
𝑑𝑦 will encounter in Year 2.
=5 ?𝑒
5 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

Different with respect to .

𝑑𝑦
∴?
−1 𝑥 −𝑥
𝑦 =𝑒 =− 𝑒
𝑑𝑥

Different with respect to .

Note: In general, when you scale
𝑑𝑦 ? 3 𝑥 the function, you scale the
=12 𝑒 derivative/integral.
𝑑𝑥
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/in-in-grade-12-ncert/xd340c21e718214c5:advanced-
differentiation/xd340c21e718214c5:proofs-for-derivatives-of-ex-and-lnx/v/proofs-of-derivatives-of
ln-x-and-e-x
More Graph Transformations
Sketch Sketch
𝑦 𝒚 =𝒆𝟑 𝒙 −𝒙𝑦 Note: Recall the shape of a
Input is being 𝒚 =𝟓 𝒆 graph.
replaced with , so 𝒚 =𝒆 𝒙
stretch of scale 5 is ‘outside’ function, so
factor on -axis. stretch of scale factor 5 on
? 𝒚 =𝒆
−𝒙 ? -axis.
1 5
𝑥 1 𝑥

Sketch
𝟏
𝒙
𝟑
𝑦 𝒚 =𝟐+𝒆 We have a stretch on -axis by scale
factor 3, and a translation up by 2.
𝒚 =𝒆 𝒙
Important Note: Because
? the original asymptote was ,
3 𝒚 =𝟐 it is now and you must
indicate this along with its
1 equation.
𝑥
Test Your Understanding

Sketch

−𝟐𝒙
𝒚 =𝒆 −𝟏
−2 ( 0 )
𝑦 =𝑒 −1=0
?

𝑥
𝒚 =− 𝟏
Exercise 14B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 316-317
Exercise 14B
Exercise 14B
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 316-317
 Just for your interest…
Where does come from, and why is
it so important?
Its value was originally encountered by Bernoulli who
was solving the following problem:
is known as Euler’s Number, and is You have £1. If you put it in a bank account with 100%
considered one of the five interest, how much do you have a year later? If the interest is
fundamental constants in maths: split into 2 instalments of 50% interest, how much will I
have? What about 3 instalments of 33.3%? And so on…

No. Instalments Money after a year

Thus:

But we have seen that differentiation by first principles uses

‘limits’. It is therefore possible to prove from the definition
above that , and these two definitions of are considered
to be equivalent*.
therefore tends to arise in problems involving limits, and
also therefore crops up all the time in anything involving
differentiation and integration. Let’s see some applications…
As becomes larger, the amount after a year
*You can find a full proof here in my Graph Sketching/Limits slides: approaches £2.71…, i.e. !
http://www.drfrostmaths.com/resources/resource.php?rid=163
 A scene from one of Dr
Application 2: Russian Roulette Frost’s favourite films,
Application 1: Solutions to The Deer Hunter.

many ‘differential equations’. I once wondered (as you do), if I was playing Russian
Roulette, where you randomly rotate the barrel of a gun
Frequently in physics/maths, the rate of each time with chambers, but with one bullet, what’s the
change of a variable is proportional to probability I’m still alive after shots?
the value itself. So with a population The probability of surviving each time is
behaving in this way, if the population , so the probability of surviving all shots is . We might consider what happens when
doubled, the rate of increase would becomes large, i.e. . In general, . Thus , i.e. I have a 1 in chance of surviving. Bad odds!
double. This is also applicable to the lottery. If there was a 1 in 20 million chance of winning
the lottery, we might naturally wonder what happens if we bought 20 million (random)
lottery tickets. There’s a 1 in (roughly a third) chance of winning no money at all!

𝑡 Application 3: Secret Santa

This is known as a ‘differential equation’
because the equation involves both the You might have encountered For ABC, that only gives BCA or CAB, so . This is
variable and its derivative . , said “ factorial” meaning “the applicable to ‘Secret Santa’ (where each person
number of ways of arranging is given a name out a hat of whom to give their
The ‘solution’ to a differentiation equation objects in a line”. So if we had 3 present to) because ideally we want the scenario
means to have an equation relating and letters ABC, we have ways of where no person gets their own name.
without the . We end up with (using Year 2 ABC, arranging them. Remarkably, a derangement occurs an -th of the
techniques): ACB, time. So if there are 5 people and hence
BAC, Meanwhile, means the number possible allocations of recipient names, we only
of derangements of , i.e. the get the ideal Secret Santa situation just times.
where and are constants. This is expected, BCA, arrangements where no letter
CAB, And so we get my favourite result in the whole
because we know from experience that appears in its original place. of mathematics:
population growth is usually exponential. CBA

! 𝑛=
[ ]𝑛!
𝑒
(where
means round)
Exponential Modelling
There are two key features of exponential functions which make them suitable for population growth:
1. gets times bigger each time increases by 1. (Because )
With population growth, we typically have a fixed percentage increase each year. So suppose
the growth was 10% a year, and we used the equivalent decimal multiplier, 1.1, as . Then ,
where is the number of years, would get 1.1 times bigger each year.
2. The rate of increase is proportional to the size of the population at a given moment.
This makes sense: The 10% increase of a population will be twice as large if the population
itself is twice as large.

Suppose the population in The Republic of Dave is modelled by where is the

numbers years since The Republic was established.

𝑃 What is the initial population? When

?

What is the initial rate of

population growth? When ?

𝑡 “Use of Technology” Monkey says:

When I’m not busy eating ticks off other monkeys, I use the
key. I can also use [ALPHA] [] to get without a power.
Another Example
[Textbook] The density of a pesticide in a given section of field, mg/m 2, can
be modelled by the equation
where is the time in days since the pesticide was first applied.
a. Use this model to estimate the density of pesticide after 15 days.
b. Interpret the meaning of the value 160 in this model.
c. Show that , where is a constant, and state the value of .
d. Interpret the significance of the sign of your answer in part (c).
e. Sketch the graph of against .

a When In general, the ‘initial value’,

?
when , is the coefficient of
the exponential term.
b When , then . Thus 160 is the initial
density of pesticide?in the field. 𝑃 Recall that if the power in the
exponential term is negative, we have
an exponential decay graph, which
c gradually decreases towards 0.
? 160 If in doubt, just try a large value of .
The rate is negative, thus the density of ? to put in the 160!
Don’t forget
pesticide is decreasing.
d
?
𝑡
Exercise 14C
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 318-319
Logarithms
You know the inverse of many mathematical operations; we can undo an addition by 2 for
example by subtracting 2. But is there an inverse function for an exponential function?

Function Inverse

12
4 𝑥 ×3 𝑥÷
? 3 4
7
4 𝑥+ 3 𝑥−
? 3 4
16
4 𝑥
2
√ ?𝑥 4
1024
4 𝑥
5
√ ?𝑥
5
4
81
4 3
𝑥
log?3 𝑥 4
Such functions are known as logarithms, and exist in
order to provide an inverse to exponential functions.
Interchanging between exponential and log form
! (“said log base of ”) is equivalent to .
The log function outputs the missing power.

3 =9
2 log 3 9= 2
Here are two methods of interchanging between these forms.
Pick your favourite!
Method 2: Do same operation
Method 1: ‘Missing Power’
to each side of equation.
• Note first the base of the log must Since KS3 you’re used to the idea of doing the same
match the base of the exponential. thing to each side of the equation that ‘undoes’
• for example asks the question “2 to whatever you want to get rid of.
what power gives 8?”
We can imagine inserting the (−2 ) (−2 )
output of the log just after
the base. Click the button!
“log base ” undoes “ to the power of” and vice versa,

𝑙𝑜𝑔8¿ 3 ¿
3 Click to start
as they are inverse functions.

2 Fro-manimation (2□ ) (2□ )

Examples
log 5 25=𝟐 1
( )
Think: “5 to
? the power of log 3 =−?𝟑
what gives
27
log 3 81=𝟒
?
you 25?”

log 2 32=𝟓 ? log 2

1
16
=−𝟒?
( )
log 10 1000=𝟑 ?
log 𝑎 ( 𝑎 )=𝟑
3 ?
log 4 1=?𝟎! for all .
log 4 ( −1 ) =¿NOPE
?!!??
log 4 4 =𝟏 ?
While a log can output a negative number, we can’t log

()
1 negative numbers.

log 2 =−𝟏
? Strictly Just For Your Interest: However, if we were to expand the
range (i.e. output) of the log function to allow complex numbers

2 (known as the ‘complex logarithm’), then we in fact get . It’s

probably better if you purge these last few sentences from your
memory and move along…
With Your Calculator
There are three buttons on your calculator for computing logs:

I couldn’t think of a

log □ □ log 3 7=𝟏.𝟕𝟕𝟏𝟐𝟒…

?
? word that rhymed
with ‘ln’ so I recorded
it for you.
of

𝑙𝑛ln10=𝟐.𝟑𝟎𝟐𝟓𝟖…
?
? is the “natural log of ”,
meaning “log to the base ”,

𝑙𝑜𝑔
i.e. it the inverse of .
log 100=𝟐
?
We will use it more
extensively later this chapter.
Just like the symbol without a number is by default,
without a base is base 10 by default when used on
your calculator (although confusingly “” can mean “”
in mathematical papers)
Exercise 14D
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Pages 320-321 Non-calculator!

Extension [MAT 2013 1F] Three positive numbers satisfy

2
[MAT 2015 1J] Which is the largest of the
1 This information:
following numbers?
A) B) C) A) specifies uniquely;
D) E) B) is satisfied by two values of ;
C) is satisfied by infinitely many values of ;
(Official solution) Squaring all answers D) is contradictory
results in (A) which is larger than (B) . After
squaring (C) it simplifies to which further If we take exponents of the three equations:
simplifies to which is smaller than (A).
and , hence (D) is smaller than (A) after Hence eliminating and we get
squaring. Comparing (A) with (E) after
squaring results in a comparison of and . As , We are only interested in positive solutions
(E) squared must be less than and hence less to . Note that is negative for
?
than . The answer is (A). and then both and are positive and
increasing for . So there is only one positive
?
solution to the equation (, so that ). Answer is
(a).
 0.25
-2?
8
0.5
-1?
1
0?
2
1?
4
2?
8
3?
𝑦 = log 2 𝑥
4

The log graph isn’t

3 defined for

2
The gradient gradually
decreases but remains
1 Root is 1. positive (log is an
“increasing function”)

-2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

-1
We have a vertical
asymptote

-2
Laws of Logs
! Three main laws:
The logs must have a
Special cases: consistent base.

i.e. You can move the

Not in syllabus (but in MAT/PAT): power to the front.

We often try to avoid

leaving fractions inside logs.
So if the answer was:

You should write your

answer as:
Reciprocating the input
negates the output.

This is known as changing the base. So

to get in terms of log base 3:
Examples
Write as a single logarithm: Write in terms of , and
a. a.
b. b.
c.
c. d.

a ? a
?
b ?
c ? b
?
d ?
c
?

d ?
 Anti Laws
These are NOT LAWS OF LOGS, but are mistakes students often make:

log 𝑎 ( 𝑏+ 𝑐 )=log 𝑎 𝑏+ log 𝑎 𝑐 There is no method to

?
simplify the log of a sum,
only the sum of two logs!
 FAIL
3
log 2 𝑥 ) =3 log 2 𝑥 The power must be on the input
?
(here the ), but here the power is
around the entire log.

 FAIL
Solving Equations with Logs
Solve the equation
This is a very common type of exam question.
The strategy is to combine the logs into one and isolate on one side.

2
We’ve used the laws of logs to combine

log 10 4+log10 𝑥 =2
them into one.

Use your favourite method of rearranging.

Either do “10 the power of each side” to

? “undo” the log, or the “insert the 2

between the 10 and ” method.

The subtle bit: You must check each value in the

original equation. If , then we’d have but we’re not
allowed to log a negative number.
Test Your Understanding
Edexcel C2 Jan 2013 Q6

a
Those who feel confident with their laws
could always skip straight to this line.

b These are both valid solutions when

? substituted into the original equation.
Exercise 14E
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS These are all strictly
Pages 323-324 non-calculator!

Extension [MAT 2002 1F] Observe that , , and . From

4 these facts, we can deduce that is:
1 [AEA 2010 Q1b] Solve the equation A) between and
B) between and
C) between and
[AEA 2008 Q5i] Anna, who is confused D) none of the above
2 about the rules of logarithms, states
that

However, there is a value for and a

value for for which both statements are
correct. Find their values.

[MAT 2007 1I] Given that and are

positive and Solutions on next slide.
3
what is the greatest possible value of ?
 Solutions to Extension Exercises
1 [AEA 2010 Q1b] Solve the equation 3 [MAT 2007 1I] Given that and are positive and

Solution: what is the greatest possible value of ?

?
[AEA 2008 Q5i] Anna, who is confused about the rules of To make as large as possible we make as small as
2 logarithms, states that possible. Anything squared is at least 0: will
achieve this.
However, there is a value for and a value for for which
both statements are correct. Find their values.
?
First equation:

Second equation:
4 [MAT 2002 1F] Observe that , , and . From these facts, we
can deduce that is:
A) between and
B) between and
C) between and
? D) none of the above
Suppose that . Taking 2 to the power of each side:

This is true, so answer is not (A).

Next try

?
This is not true, so answer is (B).
Solving equations with exponential terms
Solve

Applying to each side of the equation: This is often said “Taking

? logs of both sides…”

Solve

Applying to each side of the equation:

?
Solving equations with exponential terms
Solve

Why can we not apply quite the same strategy here?

Because the exponential terms don’t have the same base, so we can’t apply the same log.
We ‘take logs of’/apply log to both sides, but we need not specify a base. on its own may
?
either mean (as per your calculator) or (in academic circles, as well as on sites like
WolframAlpha), but the point is, the base does not matter, provided that the base is
consistent on both sides.

Logs in general are great for solving equations when

𝑥 𝑥+1
the variable is in the power, because laws of logs

log3 =log2
allow us to move the power down.

This then becomes a GCSE-style ‘changing the

? Solution
subject’ type question. Just isolate on one side and
factorise out.

It doesn’t matter what base you use to get the final

answer as a decimal, provided that it’s consistent. You
may as well use the calculator’s ‘log’ (no base) key.
Test Your Understanding
1 Solve , giving your answer 3 Solve , giving your answer in
to 3dp. exact form.

2 𝑥−1=log 3 5 which could be simplified to:

? ?

2 Solve , giving your answer to 3dp.

𝑥+1 𝑥−1 𝑥 ( log4−log3) =log3+log4

log3 =log 4 ?
Exercise 14F
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 325

Extension 2 [MAT 2013 1J] For a real number we

denote by the largest integer less than
1 [MAT 2011 1H] How many positive values or equal to . Let be a natural number.
which satisfy the equation:
The integral

equals:
This has 2 positive solutions. (A)
(B)
(C)
? (D)

(Warning: This one really

is very challenging, even
for MAT)
Solution to Extension Question 2
𝑦 𝑥
[MAT 2013 1J] For a real number we
𝑛
𝑦 =2
denote by the largest integer less 2
than or equal to . Let be a natural
number. The integral
5
equals:
(A)
4
(B) 3
(C) 2
(D) 1
log 2 1 log 2 3 log 2 5log 2 2𝑛 𝑥
log 2 2 log 2 4
This biggest challenge is sketching the graph! Because of the rounding down, the graph jumps up 1 at a time, giving
a bunch of rectangles. We can use logs to find the corresponding values at which these jumps occur, which
progressively become closer and closer together. The last value is , thus the last value is .

The area, using the rectangles, is thus:

Exercise 14F
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 325
Exercise 14F
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 325
Natural Logarithms
We have previously seen that is the inverse function of .
We also saw that is “the” exponential function.
The inverse of is , but because of its special importance, it has its own
function name!

! The inverse of is
Since “ to the power of” and
𝑥 ?
ln 𝑒 =? 𝒙
“ of” are inverse functions,
they cancel each other out!

Solve Solve

ln 𝑥=2
“ln both sides”.
𝑥 =ln?5 On the LHS it
cancels out the “
? Do “ to the power
to the power of” of” each side. On
the LHS it cancels
out the ln.
Quadratics in
In previous chapters we’ve already dealt with quadratics in disguise, e.g.
“quadratic in sin”. We therefore just apply our usual approach: either make a
suitable substitution so the equation is then quadratic, or (strongly
recommended!) go straight for the factorisation.

Solve Solve

Note that therefore First write negative powers as

fractions:
Exponential functions are always
positive therefore:
? ?
Test Your Understanding

Solve Solve

2 2𝑥 𝑥
3 𝑥+1=𝑒 ?
𝑒 +5𝑒 −6=0 ?

Solve giving your answer as an exact value.

𝑥 𝑥+1
ln2 𝑒 =ln3 ?
Exercise 14G
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 327-328
 Graphs for Exponential Data
In Science and Economics, experimental data often has exponential growth, e.g.
bacteria in a sample, rabbit populations, energy produced by earthquakes, my Twitter
followers over time, etc.
Because exponential functions increase rapidly, it tends to look a bit rubbish if we
tried to draw a suitable graph:
But suppose we took the log of the number of transistors
for each computer. Suppose the number of transistors one
Take for example “Moore’s Law”, which hypothesised year was , then doubled 2 years later to get .
that the processing power of computers would When we log (base 2) these:
double every 2 years. Suppose we tried to plot this
for computers we sampled over time: The logged value only increased by 1! Thus taking the log
of the values turns exponential growth into linear growth
(because each time we would have doubled, we’re now
just adding 1), and the resulting graph is a straight line.
Number of transistors

If we tried to force
all the data onto the
graph, we would end

log(transistors)
up making most of
the data close to the
horizontal axis. This
is not ideal.

Year Year
1970 1980 1990 2000 1970 1980 1990 2000
Graphs for Exponential Data

Because the energy involved in earthquakes

decreases exponentially from the epicentre
of the earthquake, such energy values
recorded from different earthquakes would
vary wildly.

The Richter Scale is a logarithmic scale, and

takes the log (base 10) of the amplitude of
the waves, giving a more even spread of
values in a more sensible range.
(The largest recorded value on the Richter Scale is 9.5 in Chile in
1960, and 15 would destroy the Earth completely – evil scientists
take note)

The result is that an earthquake just 1

greater on the Richter scale would in fact be
10 times as powerful.
Richter Scale
Other Non-Linear Growth

𝑦 3 We would also have similar graphing

𝑦 =2 𝑥
problems if we tried to plot data that
followed some polynomial function such
as a quadratic or cubic.

We will therefore look at the process to

convert a polynomial graph into a linear
one, as well as a exponential graph into a
linear one…
𝑥
Turning non-linear graphs into linear ones
Case 1: Polynomial Linear Case 2: Exponential Linear
Suppose our original model was a Suppose our original model was an exponential one:
polynomial one*:
Then taking logs of both sides:
Then taking logs of both sides:
Again we can compare this against a straight line:
We can compare this against a straight line:

 If , then the graph of against will be  If , then the graph of against will be
a straight line wih gradient and a straight line with gradient and
vertical intercept . vertical intercept .

log 𝑦 log 𝑦

log 𝑎 log 𝑎
log 𝑥 𝑥
* We could also allow non-integer ; the term would The key difference compared to Case 1 is that we’re only logging the values (e.g. number
then not strictly be polynomial, but we’d still say the of transistors), not the values (e.g. years elapsed). Note that you do not need to
function had “polynomial growth”. memorise the contents of these boxes and we will work out from scratch each time…

In summary, logging the -axis turns an exponential graph into a linear one.
Logging both the and -axis turns a polynomial graph into a linear one.
Example
[Textbook] The graph represents the growth of a population of log ⁡( 𝑃 )
bacteria, , over hours. The graph has a gradient of 0.6 and meets
the vertical axis at as shown.
A scientist suggest that this growth can be modelled by the
equation , where and are constants to be found.
a. Write down an equation for the line. 2
b. Using your answer to part (a) or otherwise, find the values of 𝑡
and , giving them to 3 sf where necessary.
c. Interpret the meaning of the constant in this model.

a log 𝑃 =0.6 𝑡 +2 Equation of straight line is where here:

?
b Just like on previous slide, start with the model then log it:

Comparing with our straight line equation in (a): Recall that means
?

c gives the initial size of the bacteria population.

?
Recall that the coefficient of an
exponential term gives the ‘initial value’.
Example
[Textbook] The table below gives the rank (by size) and population of the UK’s largest cities and districts
(London is number 1 but has been excluded as an outlier).
City B’ham Leeds Glasgow Sheffield Bradford
Rank, 2 3 4 5 6
Population, 1 000 000 730 000 620 000 530 000 480 000
Textbook Error: They use
The relationship between the rank and population can be modelled by the formula: but then plot against .
where and are constants.
a) Draw a table giving values of and to 2dp.
b) Plot a graph of against using the values from your table and draw the line of best fit.
c) Use your graph to estimate the values of and to two significant figures.

c First get equation of straight line:

a 0.30 0.48 0.60 0.70 0.78
6 5.86 ? 5.79 5.72 5.68 (reading from the graph)

b Let’s use these points on

As with previous example, let’s log the original
model so we can compare against our straight line:
log ⁡( 𝑃 ) the line of best fit to
determine the gradient. ?
6.4 ( 0.05 ,6.16 ) Comparing this with our straight line:
6.0 ( 0.77 ,5.68 )
5.6 ?
5.2

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

log 𝑅
 Test Your Understanding
Reflections: Consider what we’re
Dr Frost’s wants to predict his number of Twitter followers (@DrFrostMaths) doing in this whole process in case you
years from the start 2015. He predicts that his followers will increase don’t understand why we’re doing all
exponentially according to the model , where are constants that he wishes to of this:
1. We want to find the parameters
find.
of a model, e.g. that best fits
He records his followers at certain times. Here is the data: the data (in this case the
parameters we want to find are
Years after 2015: 0.7 1.3 2.2 and ).
Followers : 2353 3673 7162 2. If the data had a linear trend,
then this would be easy! We
a) Draw a table giving values of and (to 3dp).
know from KS3 that we’d just
b) A line of best fit is drawn for the data in your new table, and it happens to go plot the data, find the line of
through the first data point above (where ) and last (where ). best fit, then use the gradient
Determine the equation of this line of best fit. (The -intercept is 3.147) and -intercept to work out the
c) Hence, determine the values of and in the model. and in our linear model.
d) Estimate how many followers Dr Frost will have at the start of 2020 (when ). 3. But the original data wasn’t
linear, and it would be harder to
draw an ‘exponential curve of
best fit’.
4. We therefore log the model so
a 0.7 1.3 2.2 b
3.855− 3.372 that the plotted data then

3.372 ?
3.565 3.855 𝑚= ? =0.322 roughly forms a straight line, and

2.2− 0.7
then we can then draw a
(straight) line of best fit.
5. The gradient and -intercept of
this line then allows us to
c d estimate the parameters and in
𝑡
𝑃=𝑎 𝑏
the original model that best fit
? When ? the data.
The process of finding parameters in a
model, that best fits the data, is known
as regression.
Exercise 14H
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 331-333
Exercise 14H
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 331-333
Exercise 14H
Pearson Pure Mathematics Year 1/AS
Page 331-333
The End