4

Exponential
and Logarithmic
Functions
TERMINOLOGY

Exponential equation: Equation where the pronumeral is
the index or exponent such as 3 x = 9
Exponential function: A function in the form y = a x where
the variable x is a power or exponent
Logarithm: A logarithm is an index. The logarithm is the
power or exponent of a number to a certain base
i.e. 2 x = 8 is the same as log2 8 = x
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 133

INTRODUCTION
THIS CHAPTER INTRODUCES A new irrational number, ‘e’, that has
special properties in calculus. You will learn how to differentiate
and integrate the exponential function f (x) = e x.
The definition and laws of logarithms are also introduced in
this chapter, as well as differentiation and integration involving
logarithms.

DID YOU KNOW?

John Napier (1550–1617), a Scottish theologian and an amateur mathematician, was the first to
invent logarithms. These ‘natural’, or ‘Naperian’, logarithms were based on ‘e’. Napier was also
one of the first mathematicians to use decimals rather than fractions. He invented the notation of
the decimal, using either a comma or a point. The point was used in England, but a few European
countries still use a comma.
Henry Briggs (1561–1630), an Englishman who was a professor at Oxford, decided that
logarithms would be more useful if they were based on 10 (our decimal system). These are called
common logarithms. Briggs painstakingly produced a table of logarithms correct to 14 decimal
places. He also produced sine tables—to 15 decimal places—and tangent tables—to 10 decimal
places.
The work on logarithms was greatly appreciated by Kepler, Galileo and other astronomers
at the time, since they allowed the computation of very large numbers.

Differentiation of Exponential Functions

When differentiating exponential functions f (x) = a x from first principles, an
interesting result can be seen. The derivative of any exponential function gives
a constant which is multiplied by the original function.

EXAMPLE

Sketch the derivative (gradient) function of y = 10 x.

Solution

CONTINUED
134 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

The graph of y = 10 x always has a positive gradient that is becoming steeper.

So the derivative function will always be positive, becoming steeper.

The derivative function of an exponential function will always have a

shape similar to the original function.
We can use differentiation from first principles to find how close this
derivative function is to the original function.

EXAMPLE

Differentiate f (x) = 10x from first principles.

Solution

f (x + h ) − f ( x )
f l(x) = lim
h "0 h
10 x + h − 10 x
= lim
h "0 h
10 x (10 h − 1)
= lim
h "0 h
You can explore 10 h − 1
limits using a
= 10 lim
x
h "0 h
graphics package
on a computer or a 10 h − 1
graphical calculator.
Using the 10 x key on the calculator, and finding values of when h
h
is small, gives the result:
f l(x) Z 2.3026 ´ 10x
or d
(10x ) Z 2.3026 ´ 10x
dx

Drawing the graphs of y = 2.3026 ´ 10 x and y = 10 x together shows

how close the derivative function is to the original graph.
y
y = 10 x
y = 2.3026 × 10 x
12
10
8
6
4
2
x
−2 −1 1 2
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 135

Similar results occur for other exponential functions. In general,

d x
(a ) = kax where k is a constant.
dx

Application

dy You will study exponential

If y = a x then = ka x growth and decay in
dx
Chapter 6.
= ky

This means that the rate of change of y is proportional to y itself. That is, if y is
small, its rate of change is small, but if y is large, then it is changing rapidly.

This is called exponential growth (or decay, if k is negative) and has many
applications in areas such as population growth, radioactive decay, the cooling of
objects, the spread of infectious diseases and the growth of technology.

Different exponential functions have different values of k.

EXAMPLES
d x
1. (2 ) Z 0.6931 ´ 2 x.
dx
y
y = 0.6931 × 2x
12 y = 2x
10
8
6
4
2
x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3

d x
2. (3 ) Z 1.0986 ´ 3 x.
dx

12 y = 3x
y = 1.0986 × 3x
10
8
6
4
2
x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3
136 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Notice that the derivative function of y = 3 x is very close to the original

function.
We can find a number close to 3 that gives exactly the same graph for the
derivative function. This number is approximately 2.71828, and is called e.

e is an irrational number d x
like π. (e ) = e x
dx

DID YOU KNOW?

The number e was linked to logarithms before this useful result in calculus was known. It is
A transcendental
a transcendental (irrational) number. This was proven by a French mathematician, Hermite,
number is a number
in 1873. Leonhard Euler (1707–83) gave e its symbol, and he gave an approximation of e to
beyond ordinary
23 decimal places. Currently, e is known to about 100 000 decimal places.
numbers. Another
Euler studied mathematics, theology, medicine, astronomy, physics and oriental languages.
transcendental
He did extensive research into mathematics and wrote more than 500 books and papers.
number is π.
Euler gave mathematics much of its important notation. He caused π to become standard
notation and used i for the square root of –1. He first used small letters to show the sides of
triangles and the corresponding capital letters for their opposite angles. Also, he introduced
the symbol S for sums and f(x) notation.

ex KEY

Use this key to find powers of e.

For example, to find e2:
Press SHIFT e x 2 = e 2 7.389056099
To find e:
Press SHIFT e x 1 = e 1 2.718281828

EXAMPLES

1. Sketch the curve y = e x.

Solution
Use ex on your calculator to draw up a table of values:

x −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
y 0.05 0.1 0.4 1 2.7 7.4 20.1
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 137

2. Differentiate 5e x.

Solution
d x
(e ) = e x
dx
d d
` (5e x) = 5 (e x)
dx dx
= 5e x

3. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 3e x at the point (0, 3).

Solution
dy
= 3e x
dx
dy
At (0, 3), = 3e 0
dx
dy
=3 gives the gradient of
dx
` m=3 the tangent.

Equation y − y1 = m (x − x1)
y − 3 = 3 (x − 0 )
= 3x
y = 3x + 3

CONTINUED
138 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

2x + 3
4. Differentiate .
ex
Solution
This is the quotient rule
from Chapter 8 of the dy u lv − v lu
Preliminary Course book. =
dx v2
2 . e x − e x ( 2 x + 3)
=
( e x) 2
2e x − 2xe x − 3e x
=
e 2x
− e x − 2xe x
=
e 2x
− e x (1 + 2x)
=
e 2x
− (1 + 2x)
=
ex

4.1 Exercises
1. Find, correct to 2 decimal places, (j) x 2 e x
the value of (k) (2x + 1) e x
(a) e 1.5 ex
(b) e − 2 (l)
7x − 3
(c) 2e 0.3 5x
1 (m)
(d) 3 ex
e
(e) − 3e − 3.1 4. If f (x) = x 3 + 3x − e x, find f l(1)
and f m(1) in terms of e.
2. Sketch the curve
(a) y = 2e x 5. Find the exact gradient of the
(b) y = e − x tangent to the curve y = e x at the
(c) y = − e x point (1, e).

6. Find the exact gradient of the

3. Differentiate
normal to the curve y = e x at the
(a) 9e x
point where x = 5.
(b) − e x
(c) e x + x 2 7. Find the gradient of the tangent
(d) 2x 3 − 3x 2 + 5x − e x to the curve y = 4e x at the point
(e) (e x + 1) 3 where x = 1.6, correct to 2
(f) (e x + 5)7 decimal places.
(g) (2e x − 3) 2
8. Find the equation of the tangent
(h) xe x
to the curve y = − e x at the point
ex
(i) x (1, –e).
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 139

9. Find the equation of the normal 11. Find the first and second
to the curve y = e x at the point derivatives of y = 7e x. Hence show
where x = 3, in exact form. d 2y
that = y.
10. Find the stationary point on the dx 2
curve y = xe x and determine its d2y
12. If y = 2e x + 1, show that = y − 1.
nature. Hence sketch the curve. dx 2

Function of a function rule

Remember that the function of a function rule uses the result

dy dy du You studied this in Chapter 8 of
= ´ . the Preliminary Course book.
dx du dx

EXAMPLE

+ 5x − 3
Differentiate e x .
2

Solution
Let u = x 2 + 5x − 3
Then y = e u
du dy
= 2x + 5 and = eu
dx du
dy dy du
= ´
dx du dx
= e u (2x + 5)
= e x + 5x − 3 (2x + 5)
2
Can you see a quick way to
do this?
= (2x + 5) e x + 5x − 3
2

dy
If y = e f (x) then = f l(x) ef (x)
dx

Proof
Let u = f (x)
Then y = eu
dy du
= e u and = f l(x)
du dx
dy dy du
= ´
dx du dx
= e u f l(x)
= f l(x) e f (x)
140 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

EXAMPLES

1. Differentiate e 5x − 2

Solution
y l = f l(x) e f (x)
= 5e 5x − 2

2. Differentiate x 2 e 3x.

Solution
This is the product rule from
Chapter 8 of the Preliminary dy
Course book. = ulv + vlu
dx
= 2x . e3x + 3e3x . x2
= xe3x (2 + 3x)

d2 y
3. Given y = 2e 3x + 1, show that = 9 (y − 1) .
dx 2
Solution
y = 2e 3x + 1
dy
= 6e 3x
dx
d2 y
= 18e 3x
dx 2
= 9 (2e 3x)
= 9 (2e 3x + 1 − 1)
= 9 (y − 1)

4.2 Exercises
1. Differentiate e 3x
(a) e 7x (m)
x2
(b) e − x 3 5x
(n) x e
(c) e 6x − 2 e 2x + 1
(o)
(d) e x + 1
2

2x + 5
(e) ex + 5x + 7
3

2. Find the second derivative of

(f) e 5x
(e 2x + 1)7.
(g) e − 2x
(h) e 10x 3. If f (x) = e 3x − 2, find the exact value
(i) e 2x + x of f l(1) and f m(0) .
(j) x 2 + 2x + e 1 − x
4. Find the gradient of the tangent
(k) (x + e 4x)5
to the curve y = e 5x at the point
(l) xe 2x
where x = 0.
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 141

5. Find the equation of the tangent d2y dy

to the curve y = e 2x − 3x at the 11. Prove −3 + 2y = 0, given
dx 2
dx
point (0, 1).
y = 3e 2x .
6. Find the exact gradient of the
d2 y
normal to the curve y = e 3x at the 12. Show = b 2 y for y = ae bx .
point where x = 1. dx 2
13. Find the value of n if y = e 3x
7. Find the equation of the tangent to satisfies the equation
the curve y = e x at the point (1, e).
2

d 2y dy
+2 + ny = 0.
8. If f (x) = 4x 3 + 3x 2 − e − 2x, find dx 2
dx
f m(−1) in terms of e.
14. Sketch the curve y = e x + x − 2,
2

9. Find any stationary points on showing any stationary points

the curve y = x 2 e 2x and sketch the and inflexions.
curve. x2 + 1
15. Sketch the curve y = ,
ex
10. If y = e 4x + e − 4x, show that showing any stationary points
d2y and inflexions.
= 16y.
dx 2

Integration of Exponential Functions

d x
Since (e ) = e x, then the reverse must be true.
dx

# e x dx = e x + C

To find the indefinite integral (primitive function) when the function of

a function rule is involved, look at the derivative first.

EXAMPLE

Differentiate e 2x + 1.
Hence find # 2e 2x + 1 dx.
Find # e 2x + 1 dx.
Solution
d 2x + 1
(e ) = 2 e 2x + 1
dx Integration is the inverse of
` # 2e 2x + 1 dx = e 2x + 1 + C differentiation.

# e 2x + 1 dx = 12 # 2e 2x + 1 dx
1 2x + 1
= e +C
2
142 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

In general

# e ax + b dx = 1a e ax + b + C

Proof
d ax + b
(e ) = ae ax + b
dx
` # ae ax + b dx = e ax + b + C

# e ax + b dx = 1a # ae ax + b dx
1
= a e ax + b + C

EXAMPLES

1. Find # (e 2x − e − x) dx.
Solution
# (e 2x − e − x) dx = 12 e 2x − (−11) e − x + C
1 2x
= e + e−x + C
2

2. Find the exact area enclosed between the curve y = e 3x, the x-axis and
the lines x = 0 and x = 2.

Solution

Area = # e 3x dx
2

0
2
1
= ; e 3x E
3 0
1 6 1 0
= e − e
3 3
1 6
= (e − e 0)
3
1
= (e 6 − 1) units 2
3

3. Find the volume of the solid of revolution formed when the curve
y = e x is rotated about the x-axis from x = 0 to x = 2.

Solution
y = ex
Use index laws to simplify (e x) 2. ` y 2 = ( e x) 2
= e 2x
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 143

V = π # y2 dx
b

= π # e2x dx
2

0
2
1
= π ; e2x E
2 0

1 4 1 0
=πc e − e m
2 2
1 4 1
=πc e − m
2 2
π 4
= (e − 1) units3
2

4.3 Exercises
1. Find these indefinite integrals.
#5
6
(c) (ex + 5 + 2x − 3) dx
(a) # e dx 2x

#0
1
(d) (e 3t + 4 − t) dt
(b) # e 4x dx
#1
2
(e) (e 4x + e 2x) dx
(c) # e − x dx
(d) # e 5x dx 4. Find the exact area enclosed by
the curve y = 2e 2x, the x-axis and
(e) # e − 2x dx
the lines x = 1 and x = 2.
(f) # e 4x + 1 dx
5. Find the exact area bounded by
(g) # − 3e 5x dx the curve y = e 4x − 3, the x-axis and
(h) # e 2t dt the lines x = 0 and x = 1.

(i) # (e 7x − 2) dx 6. Find the area enclosed by the

curve y = x + e − x, the x-axis and
(j) # (e x − 3 + x) dx
the lines x = 0 and x = 2, correct
2. Evaluate in exact form. to 2 decimal places.

#0
1
(a) e 5x dx 7. Find the area bounded by the
curve y = e 5x, the x-axis and the
#0
2
(b) − e− x dx
lines x = 0 and x = 1, correct to
#1
4
(c) 2e 3x + 4 dx 3 significant figures.

#2
3
(d) (3x 2 − e 2x) dx 8. Find the exact volume of the
solid of revolution formed when
#0
2
(e) (e 2x + 1) dx
the curve y = e x is rotated about
#1
2
(f) (e x − x) dx the x-axis from x = 0 to x = 3.

#0
3
(g) (e 2x − e − x) dx 9. Find the volume of the solid formed
when the curve y = e − x + 1 is rotated
3. Evaluate correct to 2 decimal places.
about the x-axis from x = 1 to x = 2,
#1
3
(a) e − x dx correct to 1 decimal place.

#0
2
(b) 2e 3y dy
144 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

10. Use Simpson’s rule with 3 12. The curve y = e x + 1 is rotated

function values to find an about the x-axis from x = 0 to
#1
2
approximation to xe x dx, x = 1. Find the exact volume of
correct to 1 decimal place. the solid formed.

11. (a) Differentiate x 2 e x . 13. Find the exact area enclosed

(b) Hence find # x(2 + x)e dx. x between the curve y = e 2x and the
lines y = 1 and x = 2.

Application

The exponential function occurs in many fields, such as science and economics.
You will study these formulae in P = P0 e kt is a general formula that describes exponential growth.
Chapter 6. - kt
P = P0 e is a general formula that describes exponential decay.

Logarithms
‘Logarithm’ is another name for the index or power of a number. Logarithms
are related to exponential functions, and allow us to solve equations like
2 x = 5. They also allow us to change the subject of exponential equations such
as y = e x to x.

Definition

If y = a x, then x is called the logarithm of y to the base a.

If y = a x, then x = loga y

Logarithm keys

log is used for log 10 x

In is used for log e x

 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 145

EXAMPLES

1. Find log 10 5.3 correct to 1 decimal place.

Solution
Use the log key.
log 10 5.3 = 0.724275869
= 0.7 correct to 1 decimal place

2. Evaluate log e 80 correct to 3 significant figures.

Solution
Use the In key.
log e 80 = 4.382026634
= 4.38 correct to 3 significant figures

3. Evaluate log 3 81.

Solution
Let log3 81 = x
Then 3 x = 81 (by definition)
i.e. 3x = 34
` x=4
So log3 81 = 4.

1
4. Find the value of log 2 .
4
Solution
1
Let log2 =x
4
1
Then 2x =
4
1
= 2
2
= 2−2
` x = −2
1
So log2 = − 2.
4
146 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Class Investigation

1. Sketch the graph of y = log 2 x.

There is no calculator key for logarithms to the base 2. Use the
definition of a logarithm to change the equation into index form,
and the table of values:
x
y –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3

2. On the same set of axes, sketch the curve y = 2 x and the line y = x.
What do you notice?

4.4 Exercises
1. Evaluate 1
(d) log 5
(a) log2 16 25
(b) log4 16 (e) log 7 4 7
(c) log5 125 1
(f) log3 3
(d) log3 3 3
(e) log7 49 1
(g) log4
(f) log7 7 2
(h) log8 2
(g) log5 1
(h) log2 128 (i) log 6 6 6
2
2. Evaluate (j) log2
4
(a) 3 log2 8
4. Evaluate correct to 2 decimal
(b) log5 25 + 1
places.
(c) 3 – log3 81
(a) log10 1200
(d) 4 log3 27
(b) log10 875
(e) 2 log10 10 000
(c) loge 25
(f) 1 + log4 64
(d) ln 140
(g) 3 log4 64 + 5
(e) 5 ln 8
(h) 2 + 4 log6 216
log3 9 (f) log10 350 + 4.5
(i) log10 15
2 (g)
log8 64 + 4 2
(j) (h) ln 9.8 + log10 17
log2 8
log10 30
3. Evaluate (i)
loge 30
1
(a) log 2 (j) 4 ln 10 – 7
2
(b) log 3 3
(c) log4 2
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 147

5. Write in logarithmic form. 8. Evaluate y given that log y 125 = 3.

(a) 3 x = y
(b) 5 x = z 9. If log 10 x = 1.65, evaluate x correct
(c) x 2 = y to 1 decimal place.
(d) 2 b = a 10. Evaluate b to 3 significant figures
(e) b 3 = d if log e b = 0.894.
(f) y = 8 x
(g) y = 6 x 11. Find the value of log2 1. What is
(h) y = e x the value of loga 1?
(i) y = a x
12. Evaluate log5 5. What is the value
(j) Q = e x
of loga a?
6. Write in index form.
13. (a) Evaluate ln e without a
(a) log3 5 = x
calculator.
(b) loga 7 = x
(b) Using a calculator, evaluate
(c) log3 a = b
(i) loge e3
(d) logx y = 9
(ii) loge e2
(e) loga b = y
(iii) loge e5
(f) y = log 2 6
(iv) loge e
(g) y = log 3 x
1
(h) y = log 10 9 (v) loge e
(i) y = ln 4 (vi) eln 2
(j) y = log 7 x (vii) eln 3
(viii) eln 5
7. Solve for x, correct to 1 decimal
(ix) eln 7
place where necessary.
(x) eln 1
(a) log 10 x = 6
(xi) eln e
(b) log 3 x = 5
(c) logx 343 = 3 14. Sketch the graph of y = log e x.
(d) logx 64 = 6 What is its domain and range?
1 15. Sketch y = 10 x, y = log10 x and
(e) log 5 =x
5
y = x on the same number plane.
1
(f) log x 3= What do you notice about the
2
(g) ln x = 3.8 relationship of the curves to
the line?
(h) 3 log 10 x − 2 = 10
3 16. Change the subject of y = log e x
(i) log 4 x =
2 to x.
1
(j) log x 4 =
3
148 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Class Discussion

1. Investigate these questions on the calculator. Can you see some

patterns?
(a) loge e
(b) loge e2
(c) loge e3
(d) loge e4
(e) loge e5
Can you write a rule for loge ex?

2. Evaluate using a calculator. Can you write a rule to show this pattern?
(a) eln 1
(b) eln 2
(c) eln 3
(d) eln 4
(e) eln 5
Can you write a rule for eln x?

3. Do these rules work if x is negative?

Logarithm laws

Because logarithms are closely related to indices there are logarithm laws that
This corresponds to the correspond to the index laws.
law a m ´ a n = a m + n from
Chapter 1 of the Preliminary
Course book.
loga (xy) = loga x + loga y

Proof
Let x = a m and y = a n
Then m = log a x and n = log a y
xy = a m ´ a n
= am + n
` loga (xy) = m + n (by definition)
= loga x + loga y

This corresponds to the

law a m ÷ a n = a m − n . x
log a b y l = log a x − log a y
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 149

Proof
Let x = a m and y = a n
Then m = loga x and n = loga y
x
y =a ÷a
m n

= am − n
x
` loga b y l = m − n (by definition)
= loga x − loga y

This corresponds to the

loga x n = n loga x law (a m) n = a mn .

Proof
Let x = am
Then m = loga x

x n = (a m) n
= a mn
` loga x = mn
n
(by definition)
= n loga x

EXAMPLES

1. Evaluate log6 3 + log6 12.

Solution
log6 3 + log6 12 = log6 (3 ´ 12)
= log6 36
log 6 36 = 2, since 6 2 = 36.
=2

2. Given log5 3 = 0.68 and log5 4 = 0.86, find

(a) log 5 12
(b) log5 0.75
(c) log 5 9
(d) log 5 20

CONTINUED
150 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Solution
(a) log5 12 = log5 (3 ´ 4)
= log5 3 + log5 4
= 0.68 + 0.86
= 1.54
3
(b) log 5 0.75 = log 5
4
= log 5 3 − log 5 4
= 0.68 − 0.86
= − 0.18
(c) log 5 9 = log 5 3 2
= 2 log 5 3
= 2 ´ 0.68
= 1.36
(d) log 5 20 = log 5 (5 ´ 4)
= log 5 5 + log 5 4
log 5 5 = 1, since 5 1 = 5. = 1 + 0.86
= 1.86

3. Solve log2 12 = log2 3 + log2 x.

Solution
log 2 12 = log 2 3 + log 2 x
= log 2 3x
So 12 = 3x
4=x

4.5 Exercises
1. Use the logarithm laws to 2. Given log7 2 = 0.36 and
simplify log7 5 = 0.83, find
(a) loga 4 + loga y (a) log7 10
(b) loga 4 + loga 5 (b) log7 0.4
(c) loga 12 – loga 3 (c) log7 20
(d) loga b – loga 5 (d) log7 25
(e) 3 logx y + logx z (e) log7 8
(f) 2 logk 3 + 3 logk y (f) log7 14
(g) 5 loga x – 2 loga y (g) log7 50
(h) loga x + loga y – loga z (h) log7 35
(i) log10 a + 4 log10 b + 3 log10 c (i) log7 98
(j) 3 log3 p + log3 q – 2 log3 r (j) log7 70
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 151

3. Use the logarithm laws to (d) loga x2

evaluate (e) loga xy5
(a) log5 50 – log5 2 x2
(f) loga y
(b) log2 16 + log2 4
(g) loga ax
(c) log4 2 + log4 8
a
(d) log5 500 – log5 4 (h) loga 2
y
(e) log9 117 – log9 13 (i) loga a3y
(f) log8 32 + log8 16 x
(j) loga ay
(g) 3 log2 2 + 2 log2 4
(h) 2 log4 6 – (2 log4 3 + log4 2) 6. If loga b = 3.4 and loga c = 4.7,
(i) log6 4 – 2 log6 12 evaluate
(j) 2 log3 6 + log3 18 – 3 log3 2 c
(a) loga
b
4. If loga 3 = x and loga 5 = y, find an (b) loga bc2
expression in terms of x and y for (c) loga (bc)2
(a) loga 15 (d) loga abc
(b) loga 0.6 (e) loga a2c
(c) loga 27 (f) loga b7
(d) loga 25 a
(g) loga c
(e) loga 9 (h) loga a3
(f) loga 75 (i) loga bc4
(g) loga 3a (j) loga b4c2
a
(h) loga
5 7. Solve
(i) loga 9a (a) log4 12 = log4 x + log4 3
125 (b) log3 4 = log3 y – log3 7
(j) loga a
(c) loga 6 = loga x – 3 loga 2
5. If loga x = p and loga y = q, find, in (d) log2 81 = 4 log2 x
terms of p and q. (e) logx 54 = logx k + 2 logx 3
(a) loga xy
(b) loga y3
y
(c) loga x

Change of base

Sometimes we need to evaluate logarithms such as log2 7. We use a change of

base formula.

log b x
log a x =
log b a
152 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Proof
Let y = log a x
Then x = a y
Take logarithms to the base b of both sides of the equation:
logb x = logb a y
= y logb a
logb x
` =y
logb a
= loga x
You can use the change of base formula to find the logarithm of any number,
such as log 5 2. You change it to either log 10 x or log e x, and use a calculator.

EXAMPLE

Find the value of log 5 2, correct to 2 decimal places.

Solution
log 2
log 5 2 = (by change of base)
log 5
You can use either log or In
Z 0.430676558
= 0.43

Exponential equations

You can also use the change of base formula to solve exponential equations
such as 5 x = 7.
You studied exponential equations such as 2 x = 8 in the Preliminary
Course. Exponential equations such as 2 x = 9 can be solved by taking
logarithms of both sides, or by using the definition of a logarithm and the
change of base formula.
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 153

EXAMPLES

1. Solve 5 x = 7 correct to 1 decimal place.

Solution
5x = 7
Using the definition of a logarithm, this means:
log 5 7 = x
log 7 You can use either
=x (using change of base formula) log or ln.
log 5
1.2 = x

If you do not like to solve the equation this way, you can use the
logarithm laws instead.

Taking logs of both sides:

log 5 x = log 7 n
Use loga x = n loga x
x log 5 = log 7
log 7
` x=
log 5
= 1.2 correct to 1 decimal place

2. Solve 4 y − 3 = 9 correct to 2 decimal places.

Solution
4y − 3 = 9
Using the logarithm definition and change of base:
log 4 9 = y − 3
log 9
=y−3
log 4
log 9
+3=y
log 4
4.58 = y
Using the logarithm laws:

Taking logs of both sides:

log 4 y − 3 = log 9
(y − 3) log 4 = log 9
log 9
y−3=
log 4
log 9
y= +3
log 4
= 4.58 correct to 2 decimal place
154 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

4.6 Exercises
1. Use the change of base formula (d) 7 m = 32
to evaluate to 2 decimal places. (e) 4 k = 50
(a) log4 9 (f) 3t = 4
(b) log6 25 (g) 8 x = 11
(c) log9 200 (h) 2 p = 57
(d) log2 12 (i) 4 x = 81.3
(e) log3 23 (j) 6 n = 102.6
(f) log8 250
(g) log5 9.5 4. Solve, to 1 decimal place.
(h) 2 log4 23.4 (a) 3 x + 1 = 8
(i) 7 – log7 108 (b) 53n = 71
(j) 3 log11 340 (c) 2 x − 3 = 12
(d) 4 2n − 1 = 7
2. By writing each equation as a (e) 7 5x + 2 = 11
logarithm and changing the base, (f) 8 3 − n = 5.7
solve the equation correct to (g) 2 x + 2 = 18.3
2 significant figures. (h) 37xk − 3 = 32.9
(a) 4 x = 9 (i) 9 2 = 50
(b) 3 x = 5 (j) 6 2y + 1 = 61.3
(c) 7 x = 14
(d) 2 x = 15 5. Solve each equation correct to
(e) 5 x = 34 3 significant figures.
(f) 6 x = 60 (a) e x = 200
(g) 2 x = 76 (b) e 3t = 5
(h) 4 x = 50 (c) 2e t = 75
(i) 3 x = 23 (d) 45 = e x
(j) 9 x = 210 (e) 3000 = 100e n
(f) 100 = 20e 3t
3. Solve, correct to 2 decimal places. (g) 2000 = 50e 0.15t
(a) 2 x = 6 (h) 15 000 = 2000e 0.03k
(b) 5 y = 15 (i) 3Q = Qe 0.02t
(c) 3 x = 20 (j) 0.5M = Me 0.016k
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 155

Derivative of the Logarithmic Function

Drawing the derivative (gradient) function of a logarithm function gives a
hyperbola.

EXAMPLE

Sketch the derivative function of y = log 2 x.

Solution
The gradient is always positive but is decreasing.

dy 1
If y = log e x then = x
dx

Proof dy 1
= is a special result that
dx dx
dy 1 dy
= can be proved by differentiating
dx dx
from first principles.
dy
Given y = log e x
Then x = e y
dx
= ey
dy
dy 1
` =
dx e y
1
=x
156 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Function of a function rule

dy 1 f l(x)
If y = log e f (x), then = f l(x) . =
dx f (x) f (x)

Proof
Let u = f (x)
Then y = log e u
dy 1
` =
du u
du
Also = f l(x)
dx
dy dy du
= .
dx du dx
1
= u . f l(x)
1 .
= f l(x)
f (x)

EXAMPLES

1. Differentiate log e (x 2 − 3x + 1) .

Solution
d 2x − 3
[loge (x 2 − 3x + 1)] = 2
dx x − 3x + 1

x+1
2. Differentiate log e .
3x − 4
Solution
x+1
Let y = loge
3x − 4
= loge (x + 1) − loge (3x − 4)
dy 1 3
= −
dx x + 1 3x − 4
1 (3x − 4) − 3 (x + 1)
=
(x + 1) (3x − 4)
3x − 4 − 3x − 3
=
(x + 1) (3x − 4)
−7
=
(x + 1) (3x − 4)
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 157

3. Find the gradient of the normal to the curve y = loge (x 3 − 5) at the

point where x = 2.

Solution
dy
3x 2
=
dx x 3 − 5
When x = 2,
dy 3 (2) 2
=
dx 2 3 − 5
m1 = 4
The normal is perpendicular to the tangent This result comes from the
Preliminary Course.
i.e. m1 m2 = − 1
4m 2 = − 1
1
` m2 = −
4

4. Differentiate y = log 2 x.

Solution
y = log 2 x
log e x
=
log e 2
1
= ´ log e x
log e 2
dy 1 1
= ´
dx log e 2 x
1
=
x log e 2

5. Find the derivative of 2x.

Solution
2 = e ln 2
` 2 x = (e ln 2) x
= e x ln 2
dy
= ln 2e x ln 2
dx
= ln 2 ´ 2 x
= 2 x ln 2
158 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

4.7 Exercises
1. Differentiate 6. Find the gradient of the normal
(a) x + log e x to the curve y = log e (x 4 + x) at the
(b) 1 − log e 3x point (1, log e 2).

(c) ln (3x + 1) 7. Find the exact equation of the

(d) loge (x 2 − 4) normal to the curve y = log e x at
(e) ln (5x 3 + 3x − 9) the point where x = 5.
(f) loge (5x + 1) + x 2
8. Find the equation of the tangent
(g) 3x 2 + 5x − 5 + ln 4x to the curve y = log e (5x + 4) at
(h) log e (8x − 9) + 2 the point where x = 3.
(i) log e (2x + 4) (3x − 1)
9. Find the point of inflexion on the
4x + 1
(j) log e curve y = x loge x − x 2 .
2x − 7
(k) (1 + loge x) 5 10. Find the stationary point on the
(l) (ln x − x) 9 ln x
curve y = x and determine its
(m) (loge x) 4
nature.
(n) (x 2 + loge x) 6
(o) x log e x 11. Sketch, showing any stationary
log e x points and inflexions.
(p) x (a) y = x − log e x
(q) (2x + 1) log e x (b) y = (log e x − 1) 3
(r) x 3 log e (x + 1) (c) y = x ln x
(s) log e (log e x) 12. Find the derivative of log3 (2x + 5).
ln x
(t)
x−2 13. Differentiate
2x
e (a) 3 x
(u) (b) 10 x
loge x
(c) 2 3x − 4
(v) e x ln x
(w) 5 (loge x) 2 14. Find the equation of the tangent
to the curve y = 4 x + 1 at the point
2. If f (x) = log e 2 − x , find f l(1).
(0, 4).
3. Find the derivative of log 10 x.
15. Find the equation of the normal
4. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = log 3 x at the
to the curve y = log e x at the point where x = 3.
point (2, log e 2).

5. Find the equation of the tangent

to the curve y = log e (x − 1) at the
point where x = 2.
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 159

Integration and the Logarithmic Function

# dx 1
x = # x dx = log e x + C

f l(x)
# f (x)
dx = log e f (x) + C
Integration is the inverse of
differentiation.

EXAMPLES

1
1. Find the area enclosed between the hyperbola y = x , the x-axis and
the lines x = 1 and x = 2, giving the exact value.

Solution

21
A = # x dx
1

= 7 loge x A 21
= loge 2 − loge 1
= loge 2
So area is log e 2 units2.

x2
2. Find # dx.
x3 + 7
Solution
x2 1 3x 2
# dx = # 3
3 x +7
dx
x +7
3

1
= loge (x 3 + 7) + C
3

CONTINUED
160 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

x+1
3. Find # dx.
x2 + x + 4
Solution
x+1 1 2 (x + 1)
# dx = # 2
2 x + 2x + 4
dx
x + 2x + 4
2

1 2x + 2
= # 2 dx
2 x + 2x + 4
1
= loge (x 2 + 2x + 4) + C
2

4.8 Exercises

1. Find the indefinite integral 3. Evaluate correct to 1 decimal

(primitive function) of place.
2 2
#1
3
(a) (a) dx
2x + 5 2x + 5
4x
#2 x dx
5
(b) (b)
2x 2 + 1 +1
2
5x 4
#1 3x dx
7
(c) 5 (c)
x −2 x +2
#0 42 x + 1 dx
3
1 (d)
(d)
2x 2x + x + 1
4 x − 1
2
(e) x (e) #3 2 dx
x − 2x
5 4. Find the exact area between the
(f)
3x 1
2x − 3 curve y = x , the x-axis and the
(g) 2
x − 3x lines x = 2 and x = 3.
x
(h) 2 5. Find the exact area bounded by
x +2
1
3x the curve y = , the x-axis and
(i) 2 x−1
x +7 the lines x = 4 and x = 7.
x+1
(j) 2
x + 2x − 5 6. Find the exact area between the
1
curve y = x , the x-axis and the
2. Find
lines y = x and x = 2 in the first
(a) # 4x4− 1 dx quadrant.

(b) # x dx
+3
7. Find the area bounded by the
x
x2 curve y = 2 , the x-axis and
(c) # dx x +1
2x − 7
3
the lines x = 2 and x = 4, correct
x5
(d) # dx to 2 decimal places.
2x 6 + 5
x+3
(e) # dx
x 2 + 6x + 2
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 161

8. Find the exact volume of the 12. (a) Show that

solid formed when the curve 3x + 3 1 2 .
= +
1 x2 − 9 x + 3 x − 3
y= is rotated about the x-axis
x 3x + 3
(b) Hence find # 2 dx.
from x = 1 to x = 3. x −9

9. Find the volume of the solid x−6 5

13. (a) Show that =1− .
formed when the curve x−1 x−1
x−6
y=
2
is rotated about the (b) Hence find # dx.
2x − 1 x−1
x-axis from x = 1 to x = 5, giving 14. Find the indefinite integral
an exact answer. (primitive function) of 3 2x − 1.

10. Find the area between the curve
y = ln x, the y-axis and the lines
y = 2 and y = 4, correct to 3
significant figures.
11. Find the exact volume of the
solid formed when the curve
y = log e x is rotated about the
y-axis from y = 1 to y = 3.
15. Find, correct to 2 decimal places,
the area enclosed by the curve
y = log 2 x, the x-axis and the
lines x = 1 and x = 3 by using
Simpson’s rule with 3 function
values.
162 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

Test Yourself 4
1. Evaluate to 3 significant figures. 7. Find the volume of the solid formed if
(a) e 2 − 1 the area bounded by y = e 3x, the x-axis
(b) log 10 95 and the lines x = 1 and x = 2 is rotated
(c) log e 26 about the x-axis.
(d) log 4 7
8. If log 7 2 = 0.36 and log 7 3 = 0.56, find the
(e) log 4 3
value of
(f) ln 50
(a) log 7 6
(g) e + 3
(b) log 7 8
5e 3
(h) (c) log 7 1.5
ln 4
(i) e ln 6 (d) log 7 14
(j) e ln 2 (e) log 7 3.5

2. Differentiate 9. Find the area enclosed between the curve

(a) e 5x y = ln x, the y-axis and the lines y = 1 and
(b) 2e 1 − x y = 3.
(c) log e 4x 10. (a) Use Simpson’s rule with 3 function
(d) ln (4x + 5) values to find the area bounded by the
(e) xe x curve y = ln x, the x-axis and the lines
ln x x = 2 and x = 4.
(f) x
(b) Change the subject of y = ln x to x.
(g) (e x + 1)10
(c) Hence find the exact area in part (a).
3. Find the indefinite integral (primitive
11. Solve
function) of
(a) 3 x = 8
(a) e 4x
(b) 2 3x − 4 = 3
x
(b) 2 (c) logx 81 = 4
x −9
(d) log6 x = 2
(c) e − x
(e) 12 = 10e 0.01t
1
(d)
x+4 12. Evaluate
#0
1
4. Find the equation of the tangent to the (a) 3e 2x dx
curve y = 2 + e 3x at the point where x = 0. dx
#1
4
(b)
3x − 2
5. Find the exact gradient of the normal to
2 2x 3 − x 2 + 5x + 3
the curve y = x − e − x at the point where (c) # x dx
1
x = 2.
13. Find the equation of the tangent to the
6. Find the exact area bounded by the curve curve y = e x at the point (4, e 4).
y = e 2x, the x-axis and the lines x = 2 and
14. Evaluate log 9 8 to 1 decimal place.
x = 5.
 Chapter 4 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions 163

15. (a) Find the area bounded by the curve 18. Find the stationary points on the curve
y = e x, the x-axis and the lines x = 1 and y = x 3 e x and determine their nature.
x = 2.
19. Use the trapezoidal rule with 4 strips
(b) This area is rotated about the
to find the area bounded by the curve
x-axis. Find the volume of the solid of
y = ln (x 2 − 1), the x-axis and the lines
revolution formed.
x = 3 and x = 5.
16. Simplify
20. Evaluate to 2 significant figures
(a) 5 loga x + 3 loga y
(a) log 10 4.5
(b) 2 log x k − log x 3 + log x p
(b) ln 3.7
17. Find the equation of the normal to the
curve y = ln x at the point (2, ln 2).

Challenge Exercise 4
loge x 1
1. Differentiate . 6. Find the derivative of loge .
e 2x + x 2x − 3

7. Use Simpson’s rule with 5 function

2. Find the exact gradient of the tangent to
values to find the volume of the solid
the curve y = e x + log x at the point where
e

formed when the curve y = e x is rotated

x = 1.
about the y-axis from y = 3 to y = 5,
3. If log b 2 = 0.6 and log b 3 = 1.2, find correct to 2 significant figures.
(a) log b 6b
8. Differentiate 5 x.
(b) log b 8
(c) log b 1.5b 2 d 2
9. Show that (x loge x) = x (1 + 2 loge x).
dx
4. Differentiate (e 4x + loge x) 9.
#1
3
Hence evaluate 2x (1 + 2 loge x) dx,
5. Find the shaded area, correct to giving an exact answer.
2 decimal places.
10. Find # 3 x dx.
11. (a) Find the point of intersection of the
curves y = log e x and y = log 10 x.
(b) Find the exact equations of the
tangents to the two curves at this point
of intersection.
(c) Find the exact length of the interval
XY where X and Y are the y-intercepts of
the tangents.
164 Maths In Focus Mathematics HSC Course

12. Use Simpson’s rule with 3 function d2y dy

values to find the area enclosed by the 15. Prove −4 − 5y − 10 = 0, given
dx 2
dx
curve y = e 2x, the y-axis and the line y = 3,
y = 3e − 2 .
5x

correct to 3 significant figures.

16. Find the equation of the curve that has
x loge x
13. Find the derivative of . f m(x) = 12e 2x and a stationary point at
ex
( 0 , 3) .
d2y 17. Sketch y = loge (x − x 2).
14. If y = e x + e − x, show 2
= y.
dx