Back to homeMathematics · Integrated Math III · Change subject
Start for free
Math III · Mathematics
Functions · Common Types of Functions

Logarithmic Functions

A magnitude 7 earthquake does not release twice the energy of a magnitude 5 quake. It releases thousands of times more.

The Richter scale, the pH of orange juice, and the decibels at a concert all squeeze enormous numbers into a small, friendly scale, and they all use the same tool: the logarithm.

You already know how to evaluate $\log_b x$. Now let's study it as a function, with its own domain, graph, and equations, and by the end of the page you'll know exactly how much more energy that magnitude 7 quake releases.

Logarithms: The Inverse of an Exponential

Every logarithm statement is an exponent statement in disguise:

Exponential form Logarithmic form
$2^3 = 8$ $\log_2 8 = 3$
$10^{-2} = 0.01$ $\log 0.01 = -2$
$e^0 = 1$ $\ln 1 = 0$

Because $y = b^x$ and $y = \log_b x$ undo each other, they are inverse functions:

Graphs of y = 2^x and y = log base 2 of x, mirror images over the dashed line y = x, with the points (0, 1) and (1, 0). y = x y = 2ˣ y = log₂ x (0, 1) (1, 0)

To find an inverse, swap $x$ and $y$, then solve for $y$. For an exponential, "solving" means taking a logarithm.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Find the equation of the inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ of the exponential function $f(x) = 10^{x+2} - 5$.

Find the equation of the inverse function $f^{-1}(x)$ of the exponential function $f(x) = 10^{x+2} - 5$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
The book value of a high-capacity computer server depreciates over time according to the exponential function $V(t) = 4500 \cdot e^{-0,25t}$, where $V$ is the value in…

The book value of a high-capacity computer server depreciates over time according to the exponential function $V(t) = 4500 \cdot e^{-0,25t}$, where $V$ is the value in dollars and $t$ is the time elapsed in years since its purchase. Find the equation of the inverse function $t(V)$ and briefly explain what quantity this new function allows to be calculated.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Analyze the symmetry relationship between the functions $f(x) = e^{x-1}$ and $g(x) = \ln(x) + 1$. Observe the attached graph showing both curves and the line y = x.…

Analyze the symmetry relationship between the functions $f(x) = e^{x-1}$ and $g(x) = \ln(x) + 1$. Observe the attached graph showing both curves and the line y = x. Prove algebraically that they are inverse functions by calculating the composition $(f \circ g)(x)$ and $(g \circ f)(x)$.

X Y y = x f(x) g(x)
Solve

Domain, Range, and Vertical Asymptote

Graph of y = log base 2 of x with the vertical asymptote x = 0, the x-intercept (1, 0), and the domain x greater than 0 highlighted on the x-axis. x = 0 (asymptote) Domain: x > 0 Range: all real numbers

When the argument is more complicated, the rule is the same: the argument must be strictly greater than 0. Solve that inequality to find the domain.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Find the domain of the logarithmic function $f(x) = \log_3(2x - 8)$.

Find the domain of the logarithmic function $f(x) = \log_3(2x - 8)$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Find the domain of the function $f(x) = \ln(x^2 - 4x - 5)$. Express the result in interval notation.

Find the domain of the function $f(x) = \ln(x^2 - 4x - 5)$. Express the result in interval notation.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Find the domain of the function $f(x) = \log_{10} \left( \frac{x+3}{|x-2|} \right)$. Pay special attention to the points that make the numerator, the denominator, and…

Find the domain of the function $f(x) = \log_{10} \left( \frac{x+3}{|x-2|} \right)$. Pay special attention to the points that make the numerator, the denominator, and the argument of the logarithm zero.

Solve

Increasing or Decreasing, and Intercepts

The base decides which way the graph goes.

Two logarithmic graphs: an increasing curve for base greater than 1 and a decreasing curve for base between 0 and 1, both passing through (1, 0) and sharing the asymptote x = 0. b > 1: increasing 0 < b < 1: decreasing
Practice★☆☆Not started
Find the x- and y-intercepts (if any) of the function $g(x) = \ln(x - 2)$.

Find the x- and y-intercepts (if any) of the function $g(x) = \ln(x - 2)$.

Solve
Practice★☆☆Not started
Given the function $h(x) = \log_{0,5}(x)$, state with reasons whether it is an increasing or decreasing function throughout its domain and calculate the exact value of…

Given the function $h(x) = \log_{0,5}(x)$, state with reasons whether it is an increasing or decreasing function throughout its domain and calculate the exact value of $h(1)$ and $h(4)$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
From the following graph of the function $f(x) = \log_2(x+2) - 1$, determine algebraically its domain, its range, the equation of its vertical asymptote, and the exact…

From the following graph of the function $f(x) = \log_2(x+2) - 1$, determine algebraically its domain, its range, the equation of its vertical asymptote, and the exact coordinates of the x- and y-intercepts.

X Y x = −2 f(x)
Solve

Transformations of Logarithmic Graphs

Start from the parent function $y = \log_b x$ (vertical asymptote $x = 0$, point $(1, 0)$) and apply the usual transformations.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Describe precisely what geometric transformations (translations) must be applied to the graph of the parent function $f(x) = \ln(x)$ to obtain the graph of the function…

Describe precisely what geometric transformations (translations) must be applied to the graph of the parent function $f(x) = \ln(x)$ to obtain the graph of the function $g(x) = \ln(x+2) - 3$.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Determine the numerical values of the parameters $a$ and $b$ so that the logarithmic function $f(x) = \ln(ax + b)$ simultaneously satisfies two conditions: having a…

Determine the numerical values of the parameters $a$ and $b$ so that the logarithmic function $f(x) = \ln(ax + b)$ simultaneously satisfies two conditions: having a vertical asymptote at the line with equation $x = -3$ and passing through the point with coordinates $(2, 0)$.

Solve

Continuity and Piecewise Functions with a Log Piece

A function is continuous at $x = c$ when you can draw through $x = c$ without lifting your pencil. Precisely, three things must hold: $f(c)$ is defined, $\lim_{x \to c} f(x)$ exists (the left and right limits agree), and the limit equals $f(c)$.

A logarithmic piece is continuous everywhere on its domain. So with a piecewise function, the only place to check is where the pieces meet.

Three kinds of breaks to recognize: a removable discontinuity (a hole: the limit exists but doesn't match $f(c)$), a jump (left and right limits differ), and an infinite discontinuity (a vertical asymptote).

Graph of the piecewise function with the line y = x - 1 for x less than 3, ending at an open circle at (3, 2), and the logarithmic piece y = log base 3 of x starting at a closed circle at (3, 1), showing a jump discontinuity. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 y = x − 1 (3, 2) open (3, 1) closed y = log₃ x
Practice★★☆Not started
Determine if the following piecewise function is continuous at $x = 1$. If there is a discontinuity, classify its type.…

Determine if the following piecewise function is continuous at $x = 1$. If there is a discontinuity, classify its type.

$f(x) = \begin{cases} x^2 - 1 & \text{if } x < 1 \\ \ln(x) & \text{if } x \ge 1 \end{cases}$

Solve

Properties of Logarithms

Notice that the two curves above are the same shape. $\log(2x) = \log x + \log 2$, so the second is the first lifted by $\log 2 \approx 0.301$.

Practice★☆☆Not started
Using the properties of logarithms, expand the following expression: $\log_5 \left( \frac{25x^3}{y} \right)$

Using the properties of logarithms, expand the following expression:

$\log_5 \left( \frac{25x^3}{y} \right)$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Given the function $f(x) = \ln \left( \frac{1+x}{1-x} \right)$ whose domain is the interval $x \in (-1, 1)$, prove analytically, using the properties of logarithms, that…

Given the function $f(x) = \ln \left( \frac{1+x}{1-x} \right)$ whose domain is the interval $x \in (-1, 1)$, prove analytically, using the properties of logarithms, that the identity $f(a) + f(b) = f\left( \frac{a+b}{1+ab} \right)$ is satisfied for any values $a$ and $b$ belonging to the domain that make the expression meaningful.

Solve

Solving Logarithmic Equations

Graph of y = log base 2 of x intersected by the horizontal line y = 3 at x = 8, illustrating that log base 2 of x equals 3 means x equals 2 cubed. y = 3 x = 8 y = log₂ x
Practice★☆☆Not started
Solve the following logarithmic equation by applying the definition of a logarithm: $\log_2(3x + 1) = 4$

Solve the following logarithmic equation by applying the definition of a logarithm:

$\log_2(3x + 1) = 4$

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
Solve the following logarithmic equation, checking the validity of the solutions obtained: $\log(x + 2) + \log(x - 1) = 1$

Solve the following logarithmic equation, checking the validity of the solutions obtained:

$\log(x + 2) + \log(x - 1) = 1$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Solve the following logarithmic equation. Make sure to check the possible solutions in the original equation to rule out extraneous roots: $2\log_2(x) - \log_2(x-1) = 3$

Solve the following logarithmic equation. Make sure to check the possible solutions in the original equation to rule out extraneous roots:

$2\log_2(x) - \log_2(x-1) = 3$

Solve

Systems with Logarithms and Exponentials

A system is solved as always, by substitution or elimination, once the logs and exponents are turned into ordinary algebra. The two moves you need: condense logs (then use the definition or equal arguments) and rewrite exponentials with a common base (then equate exponents).

The graph shows the same two solutions: the line $y = 10 - x$ meets the curve $y = \dfrac{16}{x}$ at $(2, 8)$ and $(8, 2)$.

Practice★★☆Not started
Find the values of $x$ and $y$ that satisfy the following system of nonlinear equations: $\begin{cases} x - y = 9 \\ \log_3(x) + \log_3(y) = 3 \end{cases}$

Find the values of $x$ and $y$ that satisfy the following system of nonlinear equations:

$\begin{cases} x - y = 9 \\ \log_3(x) + \log_3(y) = 3 \end{cases}$

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
Solve the following system combining exponential and logarithmic equations, finding the values of $x$ and $y$:…

Solve the following system combining exponential and logarithmic equations, finding the values of $x$ and $y$:

$\begin{cases} 2^x \cdot 4^y = 64 \\ \ln(x) - \ln(y) = \ln(2) \end{cases}$

Solve

Solving Exponential Models with Logarithms

To solve an equation with the unknown in the exponent, take a log of both sides and use the power rule to bring the exponent down.

Cooling curve of a pizza from 200 degrees F toward the 70 degrees F room temperature, passing through 150 degrees F at 5 minutes and 100 degrees F at about 15.1 minutes. (5, 150) (15.1, 100) room temperature 70°F T (°F) time (min)
Practice★★★Not started
The law of radioactive decay of Carbon-14 is given by the function $N(t) = N_0 \cdot e^{-\lambda t}$, where $N_0$ is the initial amount of the isotope, $N(t)$ is the…

The law of radioactive decay of Carbon-14 is given by the function $N(t) = N_0 \cdot e^{-\lambda t}$, where $N_0$ is the initial amount of the isotope, $N(t)$ is the remaining amount at time $t$ (in years), and $\lambda$ is the decay constant. Knowing that the half-life (time needed for the initial amount to halve) is $5730$ years, calculate the exact value of the constant $\lambda$. Subsequently, determine the approximate age of a bone fossil that retains only $15\%$ of its original Carbon-14.

Solve
Practice★★★Not started
According to Newton's law of cooling, the temperature $T$ of a body at a time $t$ (in minutes) is given by the expression $T(t) = T_a + (T_0 - T_a)e^{-kt}$, where $T_a$…

According to Newton's law of cooling, the temperature $T$ of a body at a time $t$ (in minutes) is given by the expression $T(t) = T_a + (T_0 - T_a)e^{-kt}$, where $T_a$ is the constant ambient temperature and $T_0$ is the initial temperature of the body. A cup of tea at $90^\circ\text{C}$ is left to rest in a room whose temperature is $20^\circ\text{C}$. If after $10$ minutes the temperature of the tea has dropped to $60^\circ\text{C}$, find the exact value of the cooling constant $k$. Next, calculate how much total time must elapse from the start for the temperature to drop to $35^\circ\text{C}$.

Solve

Logarithmic Scales in the Real World

A number line marked at 10 to the 0, 10 cubed, 10 to the 6th, 10 to the 9th and 10 to the 12th, showing that equal steps on a log scale mean multiplying by 1,000. 10⁰ 10³ 10⁶ 10⁹ 10¹² each equal step = multiply by 1,000
Practice★☆☆Not started
In chemistry, the pH of a solution is defined by the expression $pH = -\log[H^+]$, where $[H^+]$ represents the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter.…

In chemistry, the pH of a solution is defined by the expression $pH = -\log[H^+]$, where $[H^+]$ represents the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter. Calculate the pH of orange juice whose hydrogen ion concentration is $[H^+] = 10^{-3,2}$.

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
The sound intensity level $\beta$, measured in decibels (dB), is calculated using the acoustic formula $\beta = 10 \log \left( \frac{I}{I_0} \right)$, where $I$ is the…

The sound intensity level $\beta$, measured in decibels (dB), is calculated using the acoustic formula $\beta = 10 \log \left( \frac{I}{I_0} \right)$, where $I$ is the sound intensity in $\text{W/m}^2$ and $I_0 = 10^{-12} \text{ W/m}^2$ is the standard threshold of hearing. If the takeoff of a jet plane generates a noise level of $140 \text{ dB}$, what is the intensity $I$ of that sound in $\text{W/m}^2$?

Solve
Practice★★☆Not started
On the Richter scale, the magnitude $M$ of an earthquake is related to the energy released $E$ (in ergs) by the empirical equation $\log(E) = 11,8 + 1,5M$. Calculate how…

On the Richter scale, the magnitude $M$ of an earthquake is related to the energy released $E$ (in ergs) by the empirical equation $\log(E) = 11,8 + 1,5M$. Calculate how many times greater the energy released by an earthquake of magnitude $7,0$ is compared to the energy released by one of magnitude $5,0$.

Solve

Back to the start: the energy of an earthquake grows like $10^{1.5M}$. A difference of $7 - 5 = 2$ magnitude units multiplies the energy by $10^{1.5 \cdot 2} = 10^3 = 1{,}000$. So a magnitude 7 quake releases about a thousand times the energy of a magnitude 5.

Summary

See all the exercises in this section