Unit

2 Notes (Exponential, Logistic, and Logarithmic

Functions)

Exponential Functions and Logistic Functions
Content Objective: Students will be able to evaluate exponential expressions
and identify and graph exponential and logistic functions.

Let a and b be real number constants. An exponential function in x is a function
that can be written in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 N , where a is a nonzero, b is
positive, and 𝑏 ≠ 1. The constant a is the initial value of 𝑓 (the value at 𝑥 = 0),
and b is the base.

Ex. 1 – For 𝑓 𝑥 = 3N , find the following:
1
𝑓 4 𝑓 −3 𝑓 − 𝑓(0)
2

Properties of Exponential Expressions (Given 𝑎 is a constant such that 𝑎 >
0, 𝑎 ≠ 1.)
N [ N\[
𝑎N
𝑎 ∙𝑎 =𝑎 [ = 𝑎 N][ 𝑎 N [ = 𝑎 N[
𝑎

Ex. 2 – Simplify each exponential expression to a single term.
1 ^N]_ a
∙ 81N 4N ∙ 8b]N
3

For any exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 N and any real number x, 𝑓 𝑥 + 1 =
𝑏 ∙ 𝑓(𝑥). If 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑏 > 0, the function f is increasing and is an exponential
growth function. The base b is its growth factor. If 𝑎 > 0 and 0 < 𝑏 < 1, f is
decreasing and is an exponential decay function. The base b is its decay factor.

Ex. 3 – Describe the graph as a transformation of the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 4N .
1
𝑔 𝑥 = 5 − 4N]^ ℎ 𝑥 = − 4N + 1
2

1
𝑞 𝑥 = 4]^N\k − 3





The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 N is one of the basic function introduced in Section 1.3,
and is an exponential growth function. Because 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 N is increasing, it is an
exponential growth function, so 𝑒 > 1. But what is e, and what makes this
exponential function the exponential function? The letter e is the initial of the
last name of Leonhard Euler, who introduced the notation. Because 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 N
has special calculus properties that simplify many calculations, e is the natural
base of exponential functions for calculus purposes, and 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 N is
considered the natural exponential function. The value of e is found by taking
_ N
the expression 1 + as 𝑥 → ∞, which is approximately 𝑒 ≈
N
2.718281828459 …

Ex. 4 – Graph the following exponential functions. State the domain and range.
𝑓 𝑥 = 3N]^ − 4

_
𝑔 𝑥 =9− 5]^N\v

2
ℎ 𝑥 = 5 − 2 ∙ 𝑒 N\_

Let a, b, c, and k be positive constants, with 𝑏 < 1. A logistic growth function in
x is a function that can be written in the form
𝑐 𝑐
𝑓 𝑥 = or 𝑓 𝑥 =
1 + 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏N 1 + 𝑎 ∙ 𝑒 ]xN
where the constant c is the limit to growth. If 𝑏 > 1 or 𝑘 < 0, these formulas
yield logistic decay functions. Unless otherwise stated, all logistic functions in
this book will be logistic growth functions.

Ex. 5 – Graph each logistic function. Find the y-intercept and the horizontal
asymptotes. State the domain and range.
10
𝑓 𝑥 =
1 + 4𝑒 ]^N

3
 8
𝑔 𝑥 =
1 + 3N

Group Try Problems:

Simplify the exponential expression to a single term.
N
1 {N\^
27 ∙
9




Describe the graph as a transformation of the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 2N .
𝑔 𝑥 = 2bN]b + 5 ℎ 𝑥 = −4 ∙ 2N\k − 1






Graph each exponential function. Then state the domain and range.
𝑓 𝑥 = 2]N]b + 1

4
 N]_
1
𝑔 𝑥 = − 6
4

Graph each logistic function. Find the y-intercept and horizontal asymptotes.
State the domain and range.
9
𝑓 𝑥 =
1 + 2𝑒 ]bN

12
𝑔 𝑥 = N
1
1+3
2

5
Exponential and Logistic Modeling
Content Objective – SWBAT use exponential growth, decay, and regression to
model real-life problems.

Suppose that a population is changing at a constant percentage rate r, where r
is the percent rate of change expressed in decimal form. If the population
follows an exponential pattern, the population is an exponential function of
time.

Exponential Population Model
If a population P is changing at a constant percentage rate r each year, then
𝑃 𝑡 = 𝑃• (1 + 𝑟)ƒ , where 𝑃• is the initial population, r is expressed as a
decimal, and t is time in years. If 𝑟 > 0, then 𝑃(𝑡) is an exponential growth
function, and its growth factor is the base of the exponential function, 1 + 𝑟. If
𝑟 < 0, the base 1 + 𝑟 < 1, 𝑃(𝑡) is an exponential decay function, and 1 + 𝑟 is
the decay factor for the population.

Ex. 1 – State whether the function is exponential growth or decay, and find the
percentage rate of growth or decay.
𝑃 𝑡 = 5 ∙ 1.013 ƒ 𝑃 𝑡 = 3.2 ∙ 0.996 ƒ 𝑃 𝑡 = 45 ∙ 3ƒ





Ex. 2 – Determine the exponential function with the given conditions (state the
unit of time for t):
a.) The value of a new car is $35,000, but decreases at a rate of 8% per year.





b.) A population of bacteria is initially 30, but tripling every 5 hours.



6
c.) A population has an initial value of 55.7, halving 3 times per week.





Sometimes when we are provided with a data set, based on patterns we may
notice in the data, we can make a regression to model that situation. These
models can mimic all different types of functions we have learned about to this
point. In this chapter, we will most model situations that fit exponential or
logistic models. Exponential growth is unrestricted, but population growth
often is not. For many populations, the growth begins exponentially, but
eventually slows and approaches a limit to growth called the maximum
sustainable population. So, we will have to recognize if the model continues to
grow faster and faster, or does the growth slow down at some point, this will
be tell-tale sign of an exponential regression versus a logistic regression. When
choosing a logistic regression, you will also have to choose between a situation
where there may or may not be a vertical shift in the graph (this will be
denoted as 𝑑 = 0 or 𝑑 ≠ 0 in your calculator).

Ex. 3 – The data in the table below gives the minimum salary for Major League
Baseball players beginning in the year 1970.
Years 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
after
1970 (t)
Average 12 16 30 60 100 109 200 316 400
Salary in
thousands
of dollars
What kind of model would best represent this situation?



Write an equation to model the minimum salary in thousands of dollars for a
Major League Baseball player with respect to the number of years after 1970.

7
Based on this model, make a prediction for the minimum salary for Major
League Baseball player in 2020.





Based on this model, in what year would you predict a Major League Baseball
player would earn a minimum salary of $125,000? Would earn a minimum
salary of $750,000? Would earn a minimum salary of $1,000,000?






Ex. 4 – The data in the table below gives the average salary for Major League
Baseball players beginning in the year 1970.
Year 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Average 29 44 143 371 578 1,071 1,998 2,632 3,000
Salary in
thousands
of dollars
What kind of model would best represent this situation?





Write an equation to model the average salary in thousands of dollars for a
Major League Baseball player with respect to the number of years after 1970.
Based on this model, make a prediction for the average salary for Major League
Baseball player in 2020.




8
Based on this model, in what year would you predict a Major League Baseball
player would earn an average salary of $1,500,000? Would earn an average
salary of $3,300,000? Would earn an average salary of $5,000,000?






Ex. 5 – Determine the logistic function that satisfies the given conditions.
Initial Value: 5; Limit to Growth: 20; Passes Through (1,12)







Group Try Problems:

State whether the function is exponential growth or decay, and find the
percentage rate of growth or decay.
𝑃 𝑡 = 36 ∙ (. 874)ƒ 𝑃 𝑡 = 4 ∙ 4.5 ƒ 𝑃 𝑡 = 55 ∙ (1.85)ƒ





Determine the exponential function with the given conditions (state the unit of
time for t):
a.) Initial investment of $500, increasing at a rate of 6.5% per year.






9
b.) Initial population of 320, but doubling every 3 years.





c.) Initial population of 55.3, but decreasing at a rate of 10% four times per
month.





You planted a sunflower seedling and kept track of its height h (in centimeters)
over time t (in weeks). Find a model that gives h as a function of t.
Time, t 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
(weeks)
Height, 18 33 56 90 130 175 221 262 289
h
(cm)
What kind of model would best represent this situation?




Predict the height after 12 weeks.





Will the sunflower ever exceed a height of 350 centimeters? Why or why not?





10
A runner from Jamaica competed in the 200m dash at the Olympic Games and
the distance he traveled is given at the given intervals of time in the table
below.
Time, t 0 1.5 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5
(seconds)
Distance, 0 8 18 30 45 62 81 102 122 140
x
(meters)
What kind of model would best represent this situation?




Find a model that gives his position, x, in meters, as a function of time, t, in
seconds.





Predict how far he has run after 18 seconds.




Predict the time he finishes the race. If the top three runners had the following
times, would he have medaled in the event? Would he earn gold, silver, bronze,
or no medal?
Runner Time
A 20.79
B 21.16
C 21.98





11
Determine the logistic function that satisfies the given conditions.
Initial Value: 50; Limit to Growth: 500; Passes Through (1, 150)





Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs
Content Objective: Students will be able to convert equations between
logarithmic form and exponential form, evaluate logarithms, and graph
logarithmic functions.

An exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 N passes the horizontal line test, which means
it has an inverse function. This inverse is the logarithmic function with base b,
denoted log Ž (𝑥), or more simply as log Ž 𝑥. That is, if 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 N with 𝑏 > 0 and
𝑏 ≠ 1, then 𝑓 ]_ 𝑥 = log Ž 𝑥.

Logarithmic and Exponential Form
If 𝑥 > 0 and 0 < 𝑏 ≠ 1, then 𝑦 = log Ž (𝑥) if and only if 𝑏 [ = 𝑥.

Basic Properties of Logarithms
For 0 < 𝑏 ≠ 1, 𝑥 > 0, and any real number y.
log Ž 1 = 0 because 𝑏 • = 1
log Ž 𝑏 = 1 because 𝑏_ = 𝑎
log Ž 𝑏 [ = 𝑦 because 𝑏 [ = 𝑏 [
𝑏 •‘’“ N = 𝑥 because log Ž 𝑥 = log Ž 𝑥

Ex. 1 – Evaluate.
_
log k 16 log ^ 64 log { 1 log b
v_



log ” 27 log • 7{ log k 4 8•‘’– b•



12
 _ ˜
log_/^ log ^ 8
b^




Logarithms with base 10 are called common logarithms. Because of their
connection to our base-ten number system, the metric system, and scientific
notation, common logarithms are especially useful. We often drop the
subscript of 10 for the base when using common logarithms. The common
logarithmic function log_• 𝑥 = log 𝑥 is the inverse of the exponential function
𝑓 𝑥 = 10N . So 𝑦 = log 𝑥 if and only if 10[ = 𝑥.

Ex. 2 – Solve each logarithmic equation.
_
log 𝑥 = 2 log b 𝑥 = 3 log ” 𝑥 =
^





Because of their special calculus properties, logarithms with the natural base e
are used in many situations. Logarithms with base e are natural logarithms. We
often use the abbreviation “ln” (without a subscript) to denote a natural
logarithm. Thus, the natural logarithmic function log › 𝑥 = ln 𝑥. It is the inverse
of the exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 N .

Basic Properties of Natural Logarithms
Let x and y be real numbers with 𝑥 > 0.
ln 1 = 0 because 𝑒 • = 1
ln 𝑒 = 1 because 𝑒 _ = 𝑒
ln 𝑒 [ = 𝑦 because 𝑒 [ = 𝑒 [
𝑒 •œ N = 𝑥 because ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥

Ex. 3 – Evaluate.
• •œ › a
ln 𝑒 ^ 𝑒 •œ v 15 ln 1
ž


13
Ex. 4 – Describe how to transform 𝑓 𝑥 = log b 𝑥 to:
𝑔 𝑥 = log b 2 − 𝑥 − 4 ℎ 𝑥 = − log b (2𝑥 − 6) + 5





Ex. 5 – Graph each function without a calculator. State the domain and range.
𝑓 𝑥 = log ^ (𝑥 − 2) − 5

𝑔 𝑥 = 3 − 2 log b (5 − 𝑥)

ℎ 𝑥 = 1 − ln(𝑥 − 4)

14
Ex. 6 – Find the domain of the given functions.
𝑓 𝑥 = 3 + log { 𝑥 ^ − 4𝑥 − 5 𝑔 𝑥 = ln 1 + 𝑥






Group Try Problems:
Evaluate.
_ • _
log { log ž 1 log ^ 4 log k
{ _^v




log_/^ 8




Solve each equation.
log ^ 𝑥 = −5 log { 𝑥 = 3






Describe how to transform 𝑓 𝑥 = log { 𝑥 to:
𝑔 𝑥 = 2 + log { (10 − 5𝑥)







15
Graph the function without a calculator. State the domain and range.
𝑓 𝑥 = 2 log b (𝑥 + 3) − 1

𝑔 𝑥 = −3 log k 𝑥 + 8 + 2

Find the domain of the given functions.
ln(2𝑥 + 5)
𝑓 𝑥 = −2 log b 25 − 𝑥 ^ 𝑔 𝑥 =
6−𝑥






Properties of Logarithms
Content Objective: Students will be able to apply the properties of logarithms
to evaluate expressions, and be able to re-express data.

16
Properties of Logarithms
Let b, R, and S be positive real numbers with 𝑏 ≠ 1, and c any real number.
Product Property log Ÿ 𝑅𝑆 = log Ÿ 𝑅 + log Ÿ 𝑆
£
Quotient Property log Ÿ = log Ÿ 𝑅 − log Ÿ 𝑆
¤
¥
Power Property log Ž 𝑅 = 𝑐log Ž 𝑅

Alternate Version of Power Property
1
log Ž¦ 𝑅 = log Ž 𝑅
𝑐

Ex. 1 – Write each logarithm in terms of ln 2 and ln 5.
{ ^{
ln 10 ln ln 200 ln
b^ v







Ex. 2 – Find the exact value of each expression without using a calculator.
˜
log • 7 ln 𝑒 _^ + ln 𝑒 { log b 36 − log b 4






Ex. 3 – Expand each logarithmic expression.
•
N[
log 3𝑥 ^ 𝑦 ln
v

17
Ex. 4 – Condense each logarithmic expression.
_
log 𝑥 + 5 log(𝑥 − 3) 4 ln(𝑥 − 4) − 2 ln 𝑥
b







_
[log b 𝑥 + log b (𝑥 − 2)] log k 9 + log ^ 5
{








Change of Base Formula for Logarithms
•‘’ N
For positive real numbers a, b, and x with 𝑎 ≠ 1 and 𝑏 ≠ 1, log Ž 𝑥 = © .
•‘’© Ž

Ex. 5 – Use the change of base formula to write the expression using only
natural logs and common logs.
log b 16 log { 22





Group Try Problems:

Find the exact value of each expression without using a calculator.
ª
ln 𝑒 b log k 2 + log k 32 log 5 − log 5000

18
Expand each logarithmic expression.
N• [
log b ˜ log(5𝑤 ^ 𝑧 b )
«







Condense the logarithmic expression.
1
2 log ^ 𝑥 − log ^ 𝑦 − 7 log ^ 𝑧
4







Solving Exponential, Logistic, and Logarithmic Equations
Content Objective: Students will be able to use the properties of logarithms to
solve exponential and logarithmic equations algebraically.

One-to-One Properties
For any exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 N ,
If 𝑏 N = 𝑏 [ , then 𝑥 = 𝑦.
For any logarithmic function 𝑓 𝑥 = log Ž 𝑥,
If log Ž 𝑥 = log Ž 𝑦, then 𝑥 = 𝑦.

If the one-to-one property cannot be applied, we must use inverse operations
to solve. Isolate the exponential term or logarithmic term before you apply the
inverse operation. If the equation is exponential in nature, we will need to
apply logarithms and if the equation is logarithmic in nature, we will need to
apply exponentials.

19
Ex. 1 – Solve each exponential equation.
N\^ _ N
16 = 2 = 81
b






^N]_ _ bN a
4 = 𝑒 ]N = 𝑒 {N ∙ 𝑒 ž
v







4 3N = 64 5 − 3𝑒 kN\_ = −1







𝑒 ^N − 7𝑒 N + 12 = 0 3N + 3]N = 5







a
3N = 243N ∙ 27{]N



20
Ex. 2 – Solve the logistic equation.
50
= 11
4 + 𝑒 ^N





Ex. 3 – Solve each logarithmic equation.
^
ln 𝑥 = log b (5𝑥 − 1) = log b (𝑥 + 7)
b






log b (5𝑥 + 13) − log b 6 = log b 3𝑥 6 + 3 ln 𝑥 = 4






3 log k 6𝑥 = 9 log 𝑥 + log 𝑥 − 9 = 1







log b (7𝑥 + 3) − log b 𝑥 + 2 = 1





21
Group Try Problems:

Solve each exponential equation.
a
4 + 2b]N = 11 4N ∙ 2 = 8N







2𝑒 ^N + 7𝑒 N − 15 = 0 5^N − 4 ∙ 5N − 2 = 0








Solve the logistic equation.
56
= 8
4 + 2N






Solve each logarithmic equation.
5 + 2 ln(2𝑥 + 3) = 9 ln 𝑥 ^ + 2 = ln 3 + ln 𝑥






22
log ^ 𝑥 + log ^ 𝑥 − 6 = 4







log { 2𝑥 + 6 − log { (𝑥 − 5) = log { (𝑥 − 3)







Solving Exponential, Logistic, and Logarithmic Application Problems
Content Objective: Students will be able to solve application problems using
these equations.

Richter Scale Magnitude of Earthquake
𝑎
𝑅 = log + 𝐵
𝑇
where R is the Richter Scale magnitude of an earthquake, a is the amplitude in
micrometers of the vertical ground motion at the receiving station, T is the
period of the associated seismic wave in seconds, and B accounts for the
weakening of the seismic wave with increasing distance from the epicenter.

Ex. 1 – How many times more severe was the 1906 earthquake in San
Francisco (𝑅_ = 7.7) than the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco (𝑅^ = 6.9).







23
Newton’s Law of Cooling
𝑇 𝑡 = 𝑇± + 𝑇• − 𝑇± 𝑒 ]xƒ
𝑇 𝑡 is the temperature at any time t, 𝑇± is the temperature of the surrounding
medium (room), 𝑇• is the initial temperature of the object.

Ex. 2 – A cup of coffee at temperature 105℉ is in a 72℉ room. Three minutes
later the temperature of the coffee is 98℉. Use Newton’s Law of Cooling to
determine when the coffee will be at 85℉.








Ex. 3 – A container of ice cream is 2℉ when it leaves the freezer and placed on
the counter in a room that is 77℉. Someone forgets to put the ice cream back
in the freezer and it continues to sit on the counter. After 15 minutes on the
counter the ice cream is now 23℉. Use Newton’s Law of Cooling to determine
when the ice cream will be 32℉.








Interest Compounded k Times Per Year
If a principal P is invested at a fixed annual interest rate r, compounded n times
per year, then the value of the investment after t years is
𝑟 µƒ
𝐴=𝑃 1+
𝑛
where r is expressed as a decimal.


24
Interest Compounded Continuously
If a principal P is invested at a fixed annual interest rate r, compounded
continuously, then the value of the investment after t years is
𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 ¶ƒ
where r is expressed as a decimal.

Ex. 4 – Suppose you invest $850 at 7.42% annual interest compounded semi-
annually, that is, twice per year. How much time will it take for the investment
to be worth $2,500?







Suppose that same investment of $850 is placed into a different account with
an annual interest rate compounded weekly, that is 52 times per year. If the
investment is worth $3,000 after 15 years, what would the annual interest rate
be?








Group Try Problems:

A pizza comes out of the oven at a temperature of 250℉ and place in a 78℉
room. Ten minutes later the temperature of the pizza is 140℉. Use Newton’s
Law of Cooling to determine when the pizza will be at 90℉.




25
Suppose you invest $2,000 at 3.14% annual interest compounded monthly,
that is, 12 times per year. How much time will it take for the investment to be
worth double the original investment?

26