Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Graphing Logarithmic Functions
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Graph the given function.
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Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the base function: The given function is g(x) = \log_2(x-1) - 4. The base function is \log_2(x), which is a logarithmic function with base 2.
Determine the transformations: The function \log_2(x-1) represents a horizontal shift to the right by 1 unit. The '-4' at the end of the function indicates a vertical shift downward by 4 units.
Find the vertical asymptote: For the function \log_2(x-1), the vertical asymptote is at x = 1, because the logarithm is undefined for x ≤ 1.
Plot key points: Choose values of x greater than 1 to find corresponding y-values. For example, if x = 2, g(x) = \log_2(2-1) - 4 = \log_2(1) - 4 = 0 - 4 = -4. Plot this point and a few others to get the shape of the graph.
Sketch the graph: Draw the curve starting from just above the x-axis at x = 1, moving to the right, and approaching the vertical asymptote at x = 1. The graph should be decreasing and shifted downwards by 4 units.
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