Exponential and

Logarithmic Functions
At the end of this lecture, a student must be able to:

Demonstrate the properties of real exponents

Recognize an exponential function and its properties

Solve equations involving expressions with real exponents

Illustrate the relation between a logarithm and an
expression involving exponents

Recognize a logarithmic function and its properties

 Some Applications of Exponential and
Logarithmic Functions

• Exponential growth and decay

• Compound interest

• Acidity of chemical substances

• Richter scale
 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

If a > 1 and p, q ∈ Q with p < q,

 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

If a > 1 and p, q ∈ Q with p < q, then ap < aq .

 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

If a > 1 and p, q ∈ Q with p < q, then ap < aq .

Example: 23 < 24 ,
 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

If a > 1 and p, q ∈ Q with p < q, then ap < aq .

Example: 23 < 24 , 3−2 < 3−1 ,

 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

If a > 1 and p, q ∈ Q with p < q, then ap < aq .

Example: 23 < 24 , 3−2 < 3−1 , 51.3 < 51.32

 Real Exponents

recall: definition and properties of rational exponents

If a > 1 and p, q ∈ Q with p < q, then ap < aq .

Example: 23 < 24 , 3−2 < 3−1 , 51.3 < 51.32

√
2
We want to define 2 such that the property described
above holds.
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then:
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then:
√
21 < 2 2
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then:
√
21 < 2 2
√
21.4 < 2 2
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then:
√
21 < 2 2
√
21.4 < 2 2
√
21.41 < 2 2
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then:
√
21 < 2 2
√
21.4 < 2 2
√
21.41 < 2 2
√
21.414 < 2 2

...
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then: At the same time,

√ √
21 < 2 2
2 2
< 22
√
21.4 < 2 2
√
21.41 < 2 2
√
21.414 < 2 2

...
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then: At the same time,

√ √
21 < 2 2
2 2
< 22
√ √
21.4 < 2 2
2 2
< 21.5
√
21.41 < 2 2
√
21.414 < 2 2

...
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then: At the same time,

√ √
21 < 2 2
2 2
< 22
√ √
21.4 < 2 2
2 2
< 21.5
√ √
21.41 < 2 2
2 2
< 21.42
√
21.414 < 2 2

...
 Real Exponents
√
Note: 2 ≈ 1.41421359....
√
If 2 2 is to be defined such that properties of exponents
would hold,

Then: At the same time,

√ √
21 < 2 2
2 2
< 22
√ √
21.4 < 2 2
2 2
< 21.5
√ √
21.41 < 2 2
2 2
< 21.42
√ √
21.414 < 2 2
2 2
< 21.415
... ...
 Real Exponents

Strictly speaking (though we will not dwell on this),

Definition
If a > 1 and r ∈ R, ar is defined as the least upper bound of

{aq | q ≤ r, q ∈ Q}.

Definition
If 0 < a < 1 and r ∈ R, ar is defined as the greatest lower
bound of
{aq | q ≤ r, q ∈ Q}.
 Properties of Real Exponents
Theorem
Let a, b, x, y ∈ R and a, b > 0,
1. ax is a unique real number.
2. a0 = 1.
3. if a = 1, then ax = 1.
4. a−x = a1x
5. laws of real exponents

a. axxay = ax+y
 a x ax
d. =
a b bx
b. y = ax−y
a
c. (ab)x = ax bx e. (ax )y = axy
 Properties of Real Exponents

Theorem

Example:
 Properties of Real Exponents

Theorem
6. if a > 1 with x < y then ax < ay

Example:
 Properties of Real Exponents

Theorem
6. if a > 1 with x < y then ax < ay

Example:
(6) 2 < 3 and 42 < 43
 Properties of Real Exponents

Theorem
6. if a > 1 with x < y then ax < ay
7. if 0 < a < 1 with x < y then ax > ay

Example:
(6) 2 < 3 and 42 < 43
 Properties of Real Exponents

Theorem
6. if a > 1 with x < y then ax < ay
7. if 0 < a < 1 with x < y then ax > ay

Example:
(6) 2 < 3 and 42 < 43
 1 2  1 3
(7) 2 < 3 but >
2 2
 Exponential Functions
Definition
If b > 0, b 6= 1, the exponential function with base b is
defined by
f (x) = bx
for every x ∈ R.
 Exponential Functions
Definition
If b > 0, b 6= 1, the exponential function with base b is
defined by
f (x) = bx
for every x ∈ R.

Examples:
(1) f (x) = 2x

x
(2) f (x) = 21
(3) f (x) = π x
1
(4) g(x) = x2 and h(x) = (x − 3) 3 are not exponential
functions
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f =
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
2. ran f =
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
2. ran f = (0, +∞)
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
2. ran f = (0, +∞)
3. x-int:
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
2. ran f = (0, +∞)
3. x-int: none
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
2. ran f = (0, +∞)
3. x-int: none
4. y-int:
 Graphs of Exponential Functions

Note: For b > 0 and b 6= 1, bx is always a positive real

number.

Let b > 0, b 6= 1 and f be the exponential function with

base b.
1. dom f = R
2. ran f = (0, +∞)
3. x-int: none
4. y-int: 1
Let b > 1 and f be the exponential function with base b.
5. If x1 < x2 ,
Let b > 1 and f be the exponential function with base b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 < bx2 .
Let b > 1 and f be the exponential function with base b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 < bx2 .
(f is an increasing function)
Let b > 1 and f be the exponential function with base b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 < bx2 .
(f is an increasing function)
6. f (x) = bx is one-to-one
Let b > 1 and f be the exponential function with base b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 < bx2 .
(f is an increasing function)
6. f (x) = bx is one-to-one

4.

3.

2.
(0, 1)
1.

y = 2x
−4. −3. −2. −1. 0 1. 2. 3.
Let 0 < b < 1 and f be the exponential function with base
b.
5. If x1 < x2 ,
Let 0 < b < 1 and f be the exponential function with base
b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 > bx2 .
Let 0 < b < 1 and f be the exponential function with base
b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 > bx2 .
(f is a decreasing function)
Let 0 < b < 1 and f be the exponential function with base
b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 > bx2 .
(f is a decreasing function)
6. f (x) = bx is one-to-one
Let 0 < b < 1 and f be the exponential function with base
b.
5. If x1 < x2 , then bx1 > bx2 .
(f is a decreasing function)
6. f (x) = bx is one-to-one
y = 0.5x 4.

3.

2.
(0, 1)
1.

−3. −2. −1. 0 1. 2. 3. 4.

The Number e
e = 2.718281828459045...
The Number e
e = 2.718281828459045...
Definition
The natural exponential function is the exponential
function with base e: f (x) = ex

3.

2.
(0, 1)
1.

−4.
y = ex
−3. −2. −1. 0 1. 2. 3.
Equations involving Exponential Expressions

Let b > 0, b 6= 1.

f (x) = bx is one-to-one
m
r s
if b = b then r = s.
Equations involving Exponential Expressions

Let b > 0, b 6= 1.

f (x) = bx is one-to-one
m
r s
if b = b then r = s.

Example: 53x = 57x−2

Equations involving Exponential Expressions

Let b > 0, b 6= 1.

f (x) = bx is one-to-one
m
r s
if b = b then r = s.

Example: 53x = 57x−2

Solution:
3x = 7x − 2
Equations involving Exponential Expressions

Let b > 0, b 6= 1.

f (x) = bx is one-to-one
m
r s
if b = b then r = s.

Example: 53x = 57x−2

Solution:
3x = 7x − 2
2 = 4x
Equations involving Exponential Expressions

Let b > 0, b 6= 1.

f (x) = bx is one-to-one
m
r s
if b = b then r = s.

Example: 53x = 57x−2

Solution:
3x = 7x − 2
2 = 4x
1
x=
2
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6 = 0
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6 = 0
(t + 3)
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6 = 0
(t + 3)(t − 2)
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6 = 0
(t + 3)(t − 2) = 0
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6 = 0
(t + 3)(t − 2) = 0
t = −3 or
 2
Example: 4t = 46−t
Solution:

t2 = 6 − t
t2 + t − 6 = 0
(t + 3)(t − 2) = 0
t = −3 or t = 2
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:

3z
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
z+5
3z = (32 )
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
z+5
3z = (32 )
3z
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
z+5
3z = (32 )
3z = 32z+10
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
z+5
3z = (32 )
3z = 32z+10
z
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
z+5
3z = (32 )
3z = 32z+10
z = 2z + 10
Example: 3z = 9z+5
Solution:
Express in terms of the same base:
z+5
3z = (32 )
3z = 32z+10
z = 2z + 10
z = −10
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

2
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x)
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x) = 2
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x) = 2−3(x−2)
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x) = 2−3(x−2)
2(5 − 9x) = −3(x − 2)
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x) = 2−3(x−2)
2(5 − 9x) = −3(x − 2)
10 − 18x = −3x + 6
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x) = 2−3(x−2)
2(5 − 9x) = −3(x − 2)
10 − 18x = −3x + 6
4 = 15x
 1
Example: 45−9x =
8x−2
Solution:

22(5−9x) = 2−3(x−2)
2(5 − 9x) = −3(x − 2)
10 − 18x = −3x + 6
4 = 15x
4
x=
15
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

3
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
3x = 1 or 3x = −3
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
3x = 1 or 3x = −3
3x = 1 ⇒
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
3x = 1 or 3x = −3
3x = 1 ⇒ x = 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
3x = 1 or 3x = −3
3x = 1 ⇒ x = 0
3x = −3
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
3x = 1 or 3x = −3
3x = 1 ⇒ x = 0
3x = −3 has no solution since 3x > 0
Example: 9x + 2 (3x ) − 3 = 0
Solution:

32x + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0
(3x )2 + 2(3x ) − 3 = 0 Let y = 3x
y 2 + 2y − 3 = 0
(y − 1)(y + 3) = 0
y = 1 or y = −3
3x = 1 or 3x = −3
3x = 1 ⇒ x = 0
3x = −3 has no solution since 3x > 0

x=0
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 =
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = −3
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

(3) log 1 81 =
3
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

(3) log 1 81 = − 4
3
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
(4) loga 1 =
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
(4) loga 1 = 0
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
(4) loga 1 = 0 since a0 = 1
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
(4) loga 1 = 0 since a0 = 1
(5) loga a =
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
(4) loga 1 = 0 since a0 = 1
(5) loga a = 1
 Logarithms

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. If by = x then y is
called the logarithm of x to the base b, denoted y = logb x.
Examples: Let a ∈ R, a > 0 and a 6= 1.
(1) log4 16 =2 because 42 = 16
1
(2) log5 125 = − 3 because 5−3 = 125
1

−4
(3) log 1 81 = − 4 because 13 = 81
3
(4) loga 1 = 0 since a0 = 1
(5) loga a = 1 since a1 = a
 Computing the Inverse of the Exponential
Function
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1.
For f (x) = bx , solve for f −1 (x).
 Computing the Inverse of the Exponential
Function
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1.
For f (x) = bx , solve for f −1 (x). Interchanging x and y, we
have
 Computing the Inverse of the Exponential
Function
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1.
For f (x) = bx , solve for f −1 (x). Interchanging x and y, we
have

x = by
 Computing the Inverse of the Exponential
Function
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1.
For f (x) = bx , solve for f −1 (x). Interchanging x and y, we
have

x = by
m
logb x = y
 Computing the Inverse of the Exponential
Function
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1.
For f (x) = bx , solve for f −1 (x). Interchanging x and y, we
have

x = by
m
logb x = y

Thus,
f −1 (x) = logb x
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞).
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞). Its range is
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞). Its range is R.
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞). Its range is R.
3 logb (bx ) =
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞). Its range is R.
3 logb (bx ) = x for all x ∈ R
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞). Its range is R.
3 logb (bx ) = x for all x ∈ R
4 blogb x =
Definition
Let b ∈ R such that b > 0 and b 6= 1. The function

f (x) = logb x

is called the logarithmic function to the base b.

Notes:
1 The logarithmic function to the base b and exponential
function with base b are inverse functions of each other.
2 The domain of f (x) = logb x is (0, +∞). Its range is R.
3 logb (bx ) = x for all x ∈ R
4 blogb x = x for all x ∈ (0, +∞)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(0, 1)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(0, 1)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(0, 1)

(1, 0)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

0<b<1

(0, 1)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

0<b<1

(0, 1)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

0<b<1

(0, 1)

(1, 0)
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1
 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1

Notes:
 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1

Notes:
5 x-int: 1
 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1

Notes:
5 x-int: 1
6 y-int: none
Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1
 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1

Notes:
 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1

Notes:
7 If b > 1, it is an increasing function. Moreover, it is
positive when x > 1 and negative when 0 < x < 1.
 Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

b>1

(1, 0)

0<b<1

Notes:
7 If b > 1, it is an increasing function. Moreover, it is
positive when x > 1 and negative when 0 < x < 1.
8 If 0 < b < 1, it is a decreasing function. Moreover, it is
negative when x > 1 and positive when 0 < x < 1.
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Definition
Let x ∈ R such that x > 0.
• The common logarithm of x, denoted log x, is

log x = log10 x.
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Definition
Let x ∈ R such that x > 0.
• The common logarithm of x, denoted log x, is

log x = log10 x.

• The natural logarithm of x, denoted ln x, is

ln x = loge x.
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:

(1) log 100 =

 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:

(1) log 100 = 2

 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:

(1) log 100 = 2

1
(2) log =
1000
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:

(1) log 100 = 2

1
(2) log = −3
1000
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:
√
3
(1) log 100 = 2 (3) ln e=
1
(2) log = −3
1000
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:
√
3 1
(1) log 100 = 2 (3) ln e= 3
1
(2) log = −3
1000
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:
√
3 1
(1) log 100 = 2 (3) ln e= 3
1 1
(2) log = −3 (4) ln =
1000 e
 Common and Natural Logarithms

Recall: logb x = y ⇔ by = x

Examples:
√
3 1
(1) log 100 = 2 (3) ln e= 3
1 1
(2) log = −3 (4) ln = −1
1000 e
Common and Natural Logarithmic Functions

Definition
Let x ∈ R with x > 0.
1. The common logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = log x.
2. The natural logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = ln x.
Common and Natural Logarithmic Functions

Definition
Let x ∈ R with x > 0.
1. The common logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = log x.
2. The natural logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = ln x.
Note: The domain of the common and natural logarithmic
function is
Common and Natural Logarithmic Functions

Definition
Let x ∈ R with x > 0.
1. The common logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = log x.
2. The natural logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = ln x.
Note: The domain of the common and natural logarithmic
function is (0, +∞)
Common and Natural Logarithmic Functions

Definition
Let x ∈ R with x > 0.
1. The common logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = log x.
2. The natural logarithmic function is defined by
f (x) = ln x.
Note: The domain of the common and natural logarithmic
function is (0, +∞)
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
2. 10log x
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
2. 10log x = x for every x ∈ (0, +∞)
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
2. 10log x = x for every x ∈ (0, +∞)
3. ln ex
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
2. 10log x = x for every x ∈ (0, +∞)
3. ln ex = x for every x ∈ R
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
2. 10log x = x for every x ∈ (0, +∞)
3. ln ex = x for every x ∈ R
4. eln x
Since f −1 ◦ f (x) = x for all x ∈ domf , we have..
1. log 10x = x for every x ∈ R
2. 10log x = x for every x ∈ (0, +∞)
3. ln ex = x for every x ∈ R
4. eln x = x for every x ∈ (0, +∞)
Recap:
Demonstrate the properties of real exponents

Recognize an exponential function and its properties

Solve equations involving expressions with real exponents

Illustrate the relation between a logarithm and an

expression involving exponents

Recognize a logarithmic function and its properties

 Exercises:
1. Solve for x
1
1.1 23x = 64 1.5 25x − 6(5x ) + 5 = 0
1−x = 92x
1.2 3 1.6 (3x )2 − 10(3x ) + 9 = 0
1.3 25x+2 = 12511−x 1.7 22x+1 + 4x = 24
2
1.4 16x −1 − 8x−1 = 0 1.8 2x + 2−x = 2

2. Express the following in logarithmic form

3
2.1 82 = 64 2.2 2−5 = 1
32 2.3 16 4 = 8

3. Find the value of 28x if 16x = 5.

4. Find the respective domains and ranges of the
functions defined by f (x) = log5 (x + 2) + 3 and
g(x) = logπ (x2 − 1).