Chapter 11 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Section 3 Logarithmic Functions

Section 11.3 Objectives

1 Change Exponential Expressions to Logarithmic Expressions 2 Change Logarithmic Expressions to Exponential Expressions 3 Evaluate Logarithmic Functions 4 Determine the Domain of a Logarithmic Function 5 Graph Logarithmic Functions 6 Work with Natural and Common Logarithms 7 Solve Logarithmic Equations 8 Study Logarithmic Models That Describe Our World
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11.3 - 2

Logarithms
The logarithmic function to the base a, where a > 0 and a 0, is denoted by y = logax (read as y is the logarithm to the base a of x) and is defined by y = logax is equivalent to x = ay Exponent = y y = logax Base = a x = ay

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Exponential Equations into Log Form

Example: Write the following exponential equations in logarithmic form. Exponential Form 23 = 8
6 2 = 1 36

Logarithmic Form log28 = 3

log 6 1 = 2 36

50 = 1

log51 = 0
log1 2 1 = 4 16

( )
1 2

= 1 16

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Log Equations into Exponential Form

Example: Write the following logarithmic equations in exponential form. Logarithmic Form log232= 5
log 4 1 = 3 64

Exponential Form 25 = 32
4 3 = 1 64

log1010= 1
log1 3 1 = 2 9

101 = 10

()
1 3

=1 9

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Solving Logarithmic Equations

Example: Solve the following logarithmic equation:
a) logx 81 = 4 a) logx 81 = 4 x4 = 81 x4 = 34 x=3 b) log10 x = 2 10 2 = x 1 x= 100
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b) log10 x = 2

Convert into an equivalent exponential equation. Solve the exponential equation.

Convert into an equivalent exponential equation. Simplify.

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Evaluating Logarithmic Functions

To find the exact value of a logarithm, we write the logarithm in exponential notation and use the fact that if au = av, u = v. Example: Find the exact value of log381. y = log381 3y = 81 3y = 34 y=4 Let y = log381. Write the logarithm as an exponent. 81 = 34 Set the exponents equal to each other.

Therefore, log381= 4.
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Evaluating Logarithmic Functions

Example: Find the value f(125) given that f(x) = log5x. y = log5125 5y = 125 5y = 53 y=3 Let y = log5125. Write the logarithm as an exponent. 125 = 53 Set the exponents equal to each other.

Therefore, f(125) = 3

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Domain and Range

Domain and Range of the Logarithmic Function Domain of the logarithmic function = (0, ) Range of the logarithmic function = ( , ) Example: Find the domain of f(x) = log3(x 2). The domain is the set of all real numbers such that x 2 > 0. x2>0 x>2 The domain of f is {x| x > 2} or (2, ).
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Graphing a Logarithmic Function

Example: Graph y = log2 x. The exponential form of the function is x = 2y
x
1 4 1 2

y = 2x

y 2 1 0 1 2 2

y = log2 x x
2

1 2 4

y = log2 x is the inverse function of y = 2x.

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Properties of Logarithmic Functions

Properties of the Graph of a Logarithmic Function f(x) = logax, a > 1 1. The domain is the set of all positive real numbers. The range is the set of all real numbers. 2. There is no y-intercept; the x-intercept is 1.
1 3. The graph of f contains the points a ,1 ,

(1,0), and (a,1).

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Properties of Logarithmic Functions

Properties of the Graph of a Logarithmic Function f(x) = logax, 0 < a < 1 1. The domain is the set of all positive real numbers. The range is the set of all real numbers. 2. There is no y-intercept; the x-intercept is 1.
1 3. The graph of f contains the points a ,1 ,

(1,0), and (a,1).

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The Natural and Common Logarithm

If the base on a logarithmic function is the number e, we have the natural logarithm function. This function is denoted by the symbol, ln. The natural logarithm: y = ln x if and only if x = ey. If the base on a logarithmic function is the number 10, we have the common logarithm function. If the base a of the logarithmic function is not indicated, it is understood to be 10. The common logarithm: y = log x if and only if x = 10y.

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The Natural and Common Logarithm

Example: Using a calculator, evaluate each of the following: a) log 962 962 log 2.98318
Press this key on the calculator.

b) log 73.2 73.2 log 1.86451

Some calculators require the log button to be entered first.

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Solving Logarithmic Equations

Example: Solve the following logarithmic equation: log (2x + 3) = 1 log (2x + 3) = 1 101 = 2x + 3 7 = 2x Write as an exponential equation. Subtract 3 from both sides. Divide each side by 2.

7 x= 2
7 Check: log 2 + 3 = 1 2 log ( + 3)= 1 7
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log10 = 1
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Application of Logarithm: Loudness

The loudness L, measured in decibels, of a sound of intensity x, measured in watts per square meter, is
L (x)= 10 log x 1012

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Solving Logarithmic Equations

Example: Normal conversation has an intensity level of 1012 watt per square meter. How many decibels is normal conversation? L 106

( )

106 = 10 log 12 10 6 (12 ) = 10 log10 6 = 10 log10 = 10 6 = 60 decibels

()

The loudness of normal conversation is 60 decibels.

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