Logarithmic

Functions and
Equations
 • Represents real-life
situations using logarithmic
OBJECTIVES: functions;
• Distinguishes among
logarithmic function and
logarithmic equation
• Illustrates the law of
logarithms
 A logarithmic function is a function
 

defined by
if and only if
Definition of for all positive real numbers x and b.
Logarithmic The equivalent logarithmic function of
is , read as “x is equal to the logarithm
Function of y to the base 2”.
 A logarithmic equation in one variable is an equation involving logarithms of
expression containing the variable.
Here are other examples. Observe how exponential equations is converted to
its equivalent logarithmic equation.
Exponential Equation Logarithmic Equation

Solving
Logarithmic
Equations

Note that the logarithm of a number to a certain base is merely the exponent of
the base used to raise that base to produce the number.
 EXAMPLE 1:
Express each exponential equation in its equivalent logarithmic equation.
 
c.
d.
 
SOLUTION:
Remember: Logarithm is merely an exponent.
c.
d.
 
EXAMPLE 2:
Express each logarithmic equation in its equivalent exponential form.
c.
d.
 
SOLUTION:
c.
d.
  Letb be a positive number not equal to 1. Let x and y
be any positive number and n be any real number.
Then,
 
LAW 1:
Laws of LAW 2:

Logarithms
LAW 3:
Since logarithms are exponents, these laws can be
proven by using the appropriate rules of exponents.
Following are proofs of laws.
  The logarithm of a product is equal to the sum of the logarithms of
its factors.

 Proof: Let

LAW 1 Definition of Logarithm

Logarithm of Multiplication Property of Equality

a Product Law of Exponent

Definition of Logarithm
Law of Substitution
  The logarithm of a quotient is equal to the logarithms of the
numerator minus the logarithm of the denominator.

Proof: Let

LAW 2
Definition of Logarithm

Logarithm of Division Property of Equality

Law of Exponent
a Quotient Definition of Logarithm
Law of Substitution
  The logarithm of a power is equal to the product of the exponent n and
the logarithm of the base x.

Proof: Let

LAW 3 Definition of Logarithm

Logarithm of Raising both sides of the equation to a power n

Law of Exponent
a Power Definition of Logarithm
Law of Substitution
Commutative Property of Multiplication
 
EXAMPLE
  1:
Use the laws of logarithms to expand each term.
a. e.
f.
g.
h.
 
SOLUTION:
a. = f. h.
b. =
c. g.
d.

e.
 To condense a logarithmic expression, we write the sum and difference of two or more
expressions as a single logarithmic expression.

EXAMPLE 2:
Write the sum or difference as a single logarithm.
a. d.
b. e.
c.
 
SOLUTION:
d.

b.
e.
c.
   As with exponential functions, the most widely used
base for logarithmic functions is the number e, where .
The logarithmic function with base e is the natural
logarithmic function and is denoted by the special symbol
ln x, read as “the natural logarithm of x” or “el en of x”.
Natural
The function defined by
Logarithms
Is called the natural logarithmic function.

Common Logatihms : Natural Logarithms:

means means
 
 
SEATWORK:
A. Fill in each blank to make a true statement.
1. The logarithm of a product is the ____ of the logarithm of its
factors.
2. The logarithm of a ____ is the difference of the logarithms of the
numerator and denominator, respectively.
3. The logarithm of a number with an exponent is the product of
the ______ and the logarithm of that number.
4.
5.
 
B. Expand each logarithmic expression. Whenever possible,
 

evaluate each logarithmic expression without using calculator.

6. 9.
7. 10.
8.
 
SEATWORK:
C. Condense each logarithmic expression into a single logarithm.
Whenever possible, evaluate the logarithm expression.
 
11. 14.
12. 15.
13.
 
ASSIGNMENT:
A. Given , , , and . Express each in terms of a, b, c, and
d only.
 
1. 4.
2. 5.
3.