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Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: Logarithmic Functions

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Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic Functions

Logarithmic functions are the inverses of exponential functions and are essential in solving equations involving exponents. This section covers the definition, properties, evaluation, and applications of logarithmic functions, as well as their graphs and domains.

Definition of the Logarithmic Function

  • Logarithmic Function: For x > 0 and b > 0, b \neq 1, the logarithmic function with base b is defined as:

  • This means that the logarithm of x with base b is the exponent to which b must be raised to obtain x.

Changing Between Logarithmic and Exponential Forms

  • To convert from logarithmic to exponential form:

  • To convert from exponential to logarithmic form:

  • Example: means .

Evaluating Logarithms

  • To evaluate a logarithm, determine the exponent that the base must be raised to in order to produce the given number.

  • Example: because .

  • Example: because .

  • Example: because .

  • Example: because .

Basic Logarithmic Properties Involving One

  • because .

  • because .

  • Example: and .

Inverse Properties of Logarithms

  • For and :

  • These properties show that logarithms and exponentials are inverse operations.

Graphs of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

The graph of a logarithmic function is the reflection of the graph of its corresponding exponential function across the line . The exponential function and the logarithmic function are inverses of each other.

Graph of exponential and logarithmic functions as inverses

Characteristics of Logarithmic Functions

  • The domain of is (all positive real numbers).

  • The range is (all real numbers).

  • The graph passes through because .

  • If , the function increases; if , the function decreases.

  • The y-axis () is a vertical asymptote.

Characteristics of logarithmic functions

Domain of a Logarithmic Function

  • The domain of consists of all for which .

  • Example: For , the domain is , so .

  • The graph will have a vertical asymptote at .

Common Logarithms

  • The logarithmic function with base 10 is called the common logarithm.

  • It is written as (without a base).

  • Example Application: The percentage of adult height attained by a boy at age 10 can be modeled using a logarithmic function, yielding approximately 80%.

Properties of Common Logarithms

General Properties

Common Logarithms

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1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

Properties of common logarithms

Natural Logarithms

  • The logarithmic function with base (where ) is called the natural logarithm.

  • It is written as .

Properties of Natural Logarithms

General Properties

Natural Logarithms

1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

4.

4.

Properties of natural logarithms

Applications of Logarithmic Functions

  • Logarithmic functions are used to model real-world phenomena such as growth, decay, and temperature changes.

  • Example: The temperature increase in a vehicle can be modeled by a logarithmic function. For instance, after 30 minutes, the temperature may increase by approximately 34°F.

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