Logistic Functions

x
2
1. Let f(x) = 2 and g(x) =
x

2 +1
x

a. Sketch the graphs of f and g.

b. Function f is an exponential function, and function g is a

logistic function. Function f has a horizontal asymptote at y=0.
Does function g have a horizontal asymptote? __________
State the equation(s): __________________________

c. As x → ∞ , g(x) → _____________________________
As x → − ∞ , g(x) → ____________________________

d. You can transform the equation for function g so that only one exponential term appears. Here’s
how.
x
2
g(x) =
2 +1
x

e. To get a general function of this form, replace the 1 in the numerator with a constant c to give the
−x −x
function a vertical stretch/shrink. Replace the exponential term 2 with a ⋅ b or, equivalently
a ⋅ e− bx if you want to use the natural exponential function. The results are the general equations for
the logistic function.

Logistic Functions: f(x)= or f(x)=

2. Modeling With Logistic Functions

The population of a new subdivision is growing rapidly. The table below shows the monthly
population figures.

Months 0 2 4 6 8
Houses 103 117 132 148 167

a. Suppose that there are only 1000 lots in the subdivision, use the points for 0 months and
8 months to find the particular equation of the logistic function that satisfies these constraints.

b. Trace to see if the function fits the other three points closely.
c. Plot the graph of the function from 0 through 100 months.

c
d. Rewrite the function in the form f(x) = .
1+ a ⋅ e −bx

e. By using the logistic regression capabilities of your calculator, find the logistic regression equation
of the function. How does it compare to the answer in part d above?

f(x)= ___________________________

f. Use the function to predict the number of houses in the subdivision after two years. ___________

g. Algebraically determine after how many months the subdivision will be filled to 75% of its
capacity. Check your answer graphically.