6.

4 Transformations of Exponential
and Logarithmic Functions
Essential Question How can you transform the graphs of
exponential and logarithmic functions?

Identifying Transformations
Work with a partner. Each graph shown is a transformation of the parent function
f (x) = e x or f (x) = ln x.
Match each function with its graph. Explain your reasoning. Then describe the
transformation of f represented by g.
a. g(x) = e x + 2 − 3 b. g(x) = −e x + 2 + 1 c. g(x) = e x − 2 − 1
d. g(x) = ln(x + 2) e. g(x) = 2 + ln x f. g(x) = 2 + ln(−x)

A. 4
y B. 4
y

−4 −2 2 x −4 −2 2 4x
−2 −2

−4

C. y D. y
4
2
2
−4 2 x
−2 2 4 x
−2

−4

E. y F. y
4 4

−4 2 4x −4 −2 2 x

−2 −2

−4 −4

Characteristics of Graphs
REASONING
QUANTITATIVELY Work with a partner. Determine the domain, range, and asymptote of each function
in Exploration 1. Justify your answers.
To be proficient in math,
you need to make sense
of quantities and their Communicate Your Answer
relationships in problem
3. How can you transform the graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions?
situations.
4. Find the inverse of each function in Exploration 1. Then check your answer by
using a graphing calculator to graph each function and its inverse in the same
viewing window.

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 6.4 Lesson What You Will Learn
Transform graphs of exponential functions.
Transform graphs of logarithmic functions.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry Write transformations of graphs of exponential and logarithmic
Previous functions.
exponential function
logarithmic function Transforming Graphs of Exponential Functions
transformations
You can transform graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions in the same
way you transformed graphs of functions in previous chapters. Examples of
transformations of the graph of f (x) = 4x are shown below.

Core Concept
Transformation f (x) Notation Examples
Horizontal Translation g(x) = 4x − 3 3 units right
f (x − h)
Graph shifts left or right. g(x) = 4x + 2 2 units left
Vertical Translation g(x) = 4x + 5 5 units up
f (x) + k
Graph shifts up or down. g(x) = 4x − 1 1 unit down
Reflection f(−x) g(x) = 4−x in the y-axis
Graph flips over x- or y-axis. −f(x) g(x) = −4x in the x-axis
Horizontal Stretch or Shrink g(x) = 42x shrink by a
Graph stretches away from factor of —21
or shrinks toward y-axis. f(ax)
g(x) = 4x/2 stretch by a
factor of 2
Vertical Stretch or Shrink g(x) = 3(4x) stretch by a
Graph stretches away from factor of 3
or shrinks toward x-axis. ⋅
a f(x)
g(x) = —14 (4x) shrink by a
factor of —14

Translating an Exponential Function

x x
()
1
2
1
Describe the transformation of f (x) = — represented by g(x) = — − 4.
2 ()
Then graph each function.

SOLUTION
x
1
()
Notice that the function is of the form g(x) = — + k.
2
STUDY TIP Rewrite the function to identify k.
Notice in the graph that x
the vertical translation
also shifted the asymptote
1
2()
g(x) = — + (−4)
g f y
4 units down, so the range k
3
of g is y > −4.
Because k = −4, the graph of g
is a translation 4 units down of
−3 1 3 x
the graph of f. −1

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 Translating a Natural Base Exponential Function

Describe the transformation of f (x) = e x represented by g(x) = e x + 3 + 2. Then graph

each function.

SOLUTION
Notice that the function is of the form g y f
STUDY TIP g(x) = e x − h + k. Rewrite the function to
7
identify h and k.
Notice in the graph that
the vertical translation g(x) = e x − (−3) + 2 5

also shifted the asymptote 3

2 units up, so the range h k
of g is y > 2.
Because h = −3 and k = 2, the graph −6 −4 −2 2x
of g is a translation 3 units left and
2 units up of the graph of f.

Transforming Exponential Functions

LOOKING FOR
Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.
STRUCTURE
In Example 3(a), the a. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 33x − 5 b. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = − —18 e−x
horizontal shrink follows
the translation. In the SOLUTION
function h(x) = 33(x − 5), the
a. Notice that the function is of the b. Notice that the function is of the
translation 5 units right
form g(x) = 3ax − h, where a = 3 form g(x) = ae−x, where a = − —18.
follows the horizontal
and h = 5.
shrink by a factor of —13 .
So, the graph of g is a translation So, the graph of g is a reflection
5 units right, followed by a in the x-axis and a vertical
horizontal shrink by a factor of —13 shrink by a factor of —81 of the
of the graph of f. graph of f.

y f g f y
8 4

4
−4 2 4x
2 −2

g −4
−2 2 4 x

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

1. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = 2x − 3 + 1

2. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−x − 5

3. f (x) = 0.4x, g(x) = 0.4−2x

4. f (x) = e x, g(x) = −e x + 6

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 Transforming Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
Examples of transformations of the graph of f (x) = log x are shown below.

Core Concept
Transformation f (x) Notation Examples
Horizontal Translation g(x) = log(x − 4) 4 units right
f (x − h)
Graph shifts left or right. g(x) = log(x + 7) 7 units left
Vertical Translation g(x) = log x + 3 3 units up
f(x) + k
Graph shifts up or down. g(x) = log x − 1 1 unit down
Reflection f (−x) g(x) = log(−x) in the y-axis
Graph flips over x- or y-axis. −f(x) g(x) = −log x in the x-axis
Horizontal Stretch or Shrink g(x) = log(4x) shrink by a
Graph stretches away from factor of —41
or shrinks toward y-axis. f(ax)
( )
g(x) = log —13 x stretch by a
factor of 3
Vertical Stretch or Shrink g(x) = 5 log x stretch by a
Graph stretches away from factor of 5
or shrinks toward x-axis. ⋅
a f(x)
g(x) = —23 log x shrink by a
factor of —23

Transforming Logarithmic Functions

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

(
a. f (x) = log x, g(x) = log − —12 x ) b. f (x) = log1/2 x, g(x) = 2 log1/2(x + 4)

SOLUTION
a. Notice that the function is of the form g(x) = log(ax),
where a = − —12 .

So, the graph of g is a reflection in the y-axis y

f
and a horizontal stretch by a factor of 2 of g
1
the graph of f.
STUDY TIP −16 −8 8 16 x
In Example 4(b), notice
−1
in the graph that the b. Notice that the function is of the form
horizontal translation also g(x) = a log1/2(x − h), where a = 2 and
shifted the asymptote h = −4.
4 units left, so the domain
of g is x > −4.
So, the graph of g is a horizontal translation y
4 units left and a vertical stretch by a factor 2
of 2 of the graph of f.
−1 4x
−2
f

320 Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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 Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Describe the transformation of f represented by g. Then graph each function.

5. f (x) = log2 x, g(x) = −3 log2 x 6. f (x) = log1/4 x, g(x) = log1/4(4x) − 5

Writing Transformations of Graphs of Functions

Writing a Transformed Exponential Function

Let the graph of g be a reflection in the x-axis followed by a translation 4 units right of
the graph of f (x) = 2x. Write a rule for g.

SOLUTION
Check Step 1 First write a function h that represents the reflection of f.
S
4
f h(x) = −f (x) Multiply the output by −1.
= −2x Substitute 2x for f (x).
−5 7 Step 2 Then write a function g that represents the translation of h.
S
g(x) = h (x − 4) Subtract 4 from the input.
h g
= −2x − 4 Replace x with x − 4 in h (x).
−4

The transformed function is g(x) = −2x − 4.

Writing a Transformed Logarithmic Function

Let the graph of g be a translation 2 units up followed by a vertical stretch by a factor

of 2 of the graph of f (x) = log1/3 x. Write a rule for g.

SOLUTION

Check Step 1 First write a function h that represents the translation of f.

7 h(x) = f (x) + 2 Add 2 to the output.
g
= log1/3 x + 2 Substitute log1/3 x for f (x).
Step 2 Then write a function g that represents the vertical stretch of h.

−1
h
f
14 ⋅
g(x) = 2 h(x) Multiply the output by 2.
= 2 ⋅ (log 1/3 x + 2) Substitute log1/3 x + 2 for h(x).
−3
= 2 log1/3 x + 4 Distributive Property

The transformed function is g(x) = 2 log1/3 x + 4.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

7. Let the graph of g be a horizontal stretch by a factor of 3, followed by a

translation 2 units up of the graph of f (x) = e−x. Write a rule for g.
8. Let the graph of g be a reflection in the y-axis, followed by a translation 4 units to
the left of the graph of f (x) = log x. Write a rule for g.

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 6.4 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at BigIdeasMath.com

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

1. WRITING Given the function f (x) = ab x − h + k, describe the effects of a, h, and k on the graph
of the function.

2. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE The graph of g (x) = log4(−x) is a reflection in the __________ of the
graph of f (x) = log4 x.

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

In Exercises 3–6, match the function with its graph. 14. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−x − 9
Explain your reasoning.
x x−3
3. f (x) = 2x + 2 − 2 4. g (x) = 2x + 2 + 2 ( 41 )
15. f (x) = — , g (x) = — ( 14 ) + 12

5. h (x) = 2x − 2 − 2 6. k(x) = 2x − 2 + 2 x x+2

f (x) = ( ) , g(x) = ( )
1 1 2
16. — — −—
3 3 3
A. B.
y y
4 6 In Exercises 17–24, describe the transformation
of f represented by g. Then graph each function.
2 4 (See Example 3.)

−4 −2 4x
17. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e2x
4
−4 −2 2 4x 18. f (x) = e x, g (x) = — ex
3
C. D. 19. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = −2x − 3
y y
4
20. f (x) = 4x, g(x) = 40.5x − 5
2
3 21. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = 3e−6x
−4 2 4x
−1 1
22. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−5x + 2
−6 −4 −2 2x
x x+5

In Exercises 7–16, describe the transformation

( 21 )
23. f (x) = — , g(x) = 6 — ( 21 ) −2

of f represented by g. Then graph each function. x x−7

f (x) = ( ) , g(x) = − ( )
(See Examples 1 and 2.) 3 3
24. — — +1
4 4
7. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 3x + 5
ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 25 and 26, describe and
8. f (x) = 4x, g(x) = 4x − 8 correct the error in graphing the function.

9. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e x − 1 25. f (x) = 2x + 3

10. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e x + 4

11. f (x) = 2x, g(x) = 2x − 7

✗ y

12. f (x) = 5x, g(x) = 5x + 1

−4 −2 2 4x
13. f (x) = e−x, g(x) = e−x + 6

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 26. f (x) = 3−x In Exercises 35–38, write a rule for g that represents
the indicated transformations of the graph of f.

✗ y
(See Example 5.)
−4 −2 2 4 x 35. f (x) = 5x; translation 2 units down, followed by a
reflection in the y-axis
−4
()
2 x
36. f (x) = —3 ; reflection in the x-axis, followed by a
vertical stretch by a factor of 6 and a translation
4 units left
In Exercises 27–30, describe the transformation 1
of f represented by g. Then graph each function. 37. f (x) = ex; horizontal shrink by a factor of —2 , followed
(See Example 4.) by a translation 5 units up

27. f (x) = log4 x, g(x) = 3 log4 x − 5 38. f (x) = e−x; translation 4 units right and 1 unit down,
followed by a vertical shrink by a factor of —13
28. f (x) = log1/3 x, g(x) = log1/3(−x) + 6
In Exercises 39–42, write a rule for g that represents
29. f (x) = log1/5 x, g(x) = − log1/5(x − 7) the indicated transformation of the graph of f.
(See Example 6.)
30. f (x) = log2 x, g(x) = log2(x + 2) − 3
39. f (x) = log6 x; vertical stretch by a factor of 6,
ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS In Exercises 31–34, match followed by a translation 5 units down
the function with the correct transformation of the
graph of f. Explain your reasoning. 40. f (x) = log5 x; reflection in the x-axis, followed by a
translation 9 units left
y
f 41. f (x) = log1/2 x; translation 3 units left and 2 units up,
followed by a reflection in the y-axis

x 42. f (x) = ln x; translation 3 units right and 1 unit up,

followed by a horizontal stretch by a factor of 8

JUSTIFYING STEPS In Exercises 43 and 44, justify each

step in writing a rule for g that represents the indicated
transformations of the graph of f.
31. y = f (x − 2) 32. y = f (x + 2)
43. f (x) = log7 x; reflection in the x-axis, followed by a
33. y = 2f (x) 34. y = f (2x) translation 6 units down
h (x) = −f (x)
A. y B. y
= −log7 x
g (x) = h (x) − 6
= −log7 x − 6
x x

44. f (x) = 8x; vertical stretch by a factor of 4, followed by

a translation 1 unit up and 3 units left

C. y D. y
⋅ f (x)
h(x) = 4
=4⋅8 x

g (x) = h(x + 3) + 1
x x =4 ⋅8x+3 +1

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 USING STRUCTURE In Exercises 45–48, describe the 51. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Your friend claims a single
transformation of the graph of f represented by the transformation of f (x) = log x can result in a function
graph of g. Then give an equation of the asymptote. g whose graph never intersects the graph of f. Is your
friend correct? Explain your reasoning.
45. f (x) = e x, g(x) = e x + 4
52. THOUGHT PROVOKING Is it possible to transform the
46. f (x) = 3x, g(x) = 3x − 9
graph of f (x) = e x to obtain the graph of g(x) = ln x?
Explain your reasoning.
47. f (x) = ln x, g(x) = ln(x + 6)

48. f (x) = log1/5 x, g(x) = log1/5 x + 13 53. ABSTRACT REASONING Determine whether each
statement is always, sometimes, or never true. Explain
49. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS The slope S your reasoning.
of a beach is related to the average diameter d a. A vertical translation of the graph of f (x) = log x
(in millimeters) of the sand particles on the beach by changes the equation of the asymptote.
the equation S = 0.159 + 0.118 log d. Describe the
transformation of f (d ) = log d represented by S. Then b. A vertical translation of the graph of f (x) = e x
use the function to determine the slope of a beach for changes the equation of the asymptote.
each sand type below. c. A horizontal shrink of the graph of f (x) = log x
does not change the domain.
Sand particle Diameter (mm), d
d. The graph of g(x) = abx − h + k does not intersect
fine sand 0.125 the x-axis.

medium sand 0.25 54. PROBLEM SOLVING The amount P (in grams) of
100 grams of plutonium-239 that remains after t years
coarse sand 0.5
can be modeled by P = 100(0.99997)t.
very coarse sand 1
a. Describe the domain and range of the function.
b. How much plutonium-239 is present after
50. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? y 12,000 years?
8
The graphs of f (x) = b x g f
x c. Describe the transformation of the function if the
1
and g(x) = — are
b () 6 initial amount of plutonium were 550 grams.
shown for b = 2. 4 d. Does the transformation in part (c) affect the domain
and range of the function? Explain your reasoning.

55. CRITICAL THINKING Consider the graph of the

−4 −2 2 4x function h (x) = e−x − 2. Describe the transformation
a. Use the graph to describe a transformation of the of the graph of f (x) = e−x represented by the graph
graph of f that results in the graph of g. of h. Then describe the transformation of the graph
of g(x) = e x represented by the graph of h. Justify
b. Does your answer in part (a) change when your answers.
0 < b < 1? Explain.
56. OPEN-ENDED Write a function of the form
y = ab x − h + k whose graph has a y-intercept of 5
and an asymptote of y = 2.

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

Perform the indicated operation. (Section 5.5)

57. Let f (x) = x4 and g(x) = x2. Find ( fg)(x). Then evaluate the product when x = 3.

()
f
58. Let f (x) = 4x6 and g(x) = 2x3. Find — (x). Then evaluate the quotient when x = 5.
g
59. Let f (x) = 6x3 and g(x) = 8x3. Find ( f + g)(x). Then evaluate the sum when x = 2.
60. Let f (x) = 2x2 and g(x) = 3x2. Find ( f − g)(x). Then evaluate the difference when x = 6.

324 Chapter 6 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

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