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13.2 Logarithmic Functions

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13.2 Logarithmic Functions

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pascualemer31
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MATH - 237 – Mathematics for Technologists - Spring 2024

Instructor: Farzan Sarvestani

13. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

13.2 : Logarithmic Functions

Any time we wish to solve for the value of an unknown exponent, it is necessary to express equations in
logarithmic form. In fact, every exponential function can be expressed as an equivalent logarithmic
equation as follows.

𝐼𝑓 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 , 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑦
When, x may be any real number, 𝑏 is a positive number other than 1, and 𝑦 is a positive real number.

Note: 𝑦 = 𝑏𝑥is the exponential form, and 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑦 is the logarithmic form.
Tip: The exponential form is useful if we know 𝑥 and need to obtain 𝑦; the logarithmic form is useful if
we know 𝑦 and need to obtain 𝑥.

Credit: Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus SI Version, 11ed

1
Example 1: For each of the following, determine the change of form that is needed to solve the
problem.

a) 𝑦 = 3𝑥
b) 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 y = 𝑥

Answers:

a) 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3𝑦
b) 𝑦 = 5𝑥

Example 2: Solving for unknowns by changing form.

1
a) Find 𝑏, given −4 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 (81)
1
b) Find 𝑦, given 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 𝑦 = 2
1

Answers:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
a) 𝟖𝟏
= 𝒃−𝟒 ⇒ 𝟑𝟒 = 𝒃𝟒 ⇒ 𝒃 = 𝟑

1
a) 𝑦 = 42 = √4 ⇒ 𝑦 = 2

Example 3: The power supply (in 𝑊) of a certain satellite is given by 𝑃 = 75𝑒−0.005𝑡, where 𝑡 is the time
(in days) after launch. By writing this equation in logarithmic form, solve for 𝑡.

Solution:
𝑃
Dividing both side by 75: = 𝑒−0.005𝑡
75

2
Recall: 𝑒 is the special irrational number equal to about 2.718. It is important as a base of logarithms,
and this will be discussed in next sections.

The Logarithmic Function

When we are working with functions, we must keep in mind that a function is defined by the operation
being performed on the independent variable, and not by the letter chosen to represent it. However,
for consistency, it is standard practice to let 𝑦 represent the dependent variable and 𝑥 represent the
independent variable. Therefore, the logarithmic function is:

𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑥

With 𝑏 > 0, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ≠ 1

Example: Evaluate the logarithmic function 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2𝑥

for the given value of 𝑥.

a) 𝑥 = 16
1
b) 𝑥 =
16

Solution:

a) 2𝑦 = 16 ⇒ 𝑦 = 4
1
b) 2𝑦 = = 2−4 ⇒ 𝑦 = −4
16

3
Inverse Functions

The exponential and the logarithmic functions are inverses of each other. Recall that, in general, the
inverse of a function undoes the process that the function performs.

Procedure for Finding the Inverse of a Function

1. Solve for the independent variable as a function of the dependent variable.


2. Interchange the variables.

Example: Find the inverse of the function 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 4.

Solution:

2𝑥 = 𝑦 − 4
𝑦−4
𝑥= solving for x
2

𝑥−4
𝑦= interchanging the variables
2

Example:

Show that the functions 𝑦 = 2𝑥 and 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2𝑥 are inverse functions.

Solution:

4
Homework 13.2

3,5, 7, 9, 13, 17, 19, 25, 23, 25, 27, 33, 39, 43, 45, 49, 55, 61, 65, 69, 73

References:

Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus SI Version, 12ed

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