Chapter 11

Exponential &
Logarithmic
Functions
Lesson 11.6
Standards:
Algebra II: This discipline complements and expands the
mathematical content and concepts of algebra I and geometry.
Students who master algebra II will gain experience with algebraic
solutions of problems in various content areas, including the solution of
systems of quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions,
the binomial theorem, and the complex number system.

12.0 Students know the laws of fractional exponents, understand
exponential functions, and use these functions in problems involving
exponential growth and decay.

13.0 Students use the definition of logarithms to translate between
logarithms in any base.

14.0 Students understand and use the properties of logarithms to
simplify logarithmic numeric expressions and to identify their
approximate values.
Objectives:
*Solve exponential equations.

*Use the change-of-base property.

*Solve application problems whose solutions are
found by solving logarithmic or exponential
equations.
Lesson 11.6
Exponential Equations
and Change of Base
Bases
Everything we do is in Base 10.
We count by 10s then start over. We
change our numbering every 10 units.
In the past, other bases were used.
In base 5, for example, we count by
5s and change our numbering every 5
units.
We dont really use other bases anymore,
but since logs are often written in other
bases, we must change to base 10 in order
to use our calculators.
Change of Base
Examine the following problems:
log
4
64 = x
We know that x = 3 because 4
3
= 64,
and the base of this logarithm is 4
log 100 = x
If no base is written, it is assumed
to be base 10
We know that x = 2 because 10
2

= 100
But because calculators are written in base
10, we must change the base to base 10 in
order to use them.
Property 4: Change of Base




Example log
5
8=


This is also how you graph in another base. Enter
y
1
=log(8)/log(5). Remember, you dont have to
enter the base when youre in base 10!
log
log
.
8
5
12900
b
logM
log M
logb

If a or b are boh positive numbers other than 1,

and if x > 0, then
Practice: PS 11.6
1. 3
x
= 5 9. 8
x+1
= 4




15. 3
1-2x
= 2

Practice: PS 11.6
21. log
8
16 =


33. ln 345=

41. $500 (double), 6% annual interest
compounded twice a year

A = P (1 + r/n)
nt

Practice: PS 11.6
45. t = ?
P = P
A = 2P
r = 0.08
n = 4









Practice: PS 11.6
49. A(t) = Pe
rt
P = P
A = 2P
r = 0.08
n = 4









Homework
Problem Set 11.6
TB p.702
Evens 2-52