Exponential & Logarithmic functions
To explore the properties of exponential and logarithmic
functions and their graphs.
To understand the nature and behavior of exponential
growth and decay.
y = a
x
,a > 1 Exponential growth Asymptote: y = 0 y- intercept: (0, 1 )
We have already studied the graphs of
exponential functions.
y = a
x
,0 < a <1 Exponential decay
x f(x) 1 2
2 4
3 8
4 16
0 1
1 0.5
2 1
4 2
8 3
16 4
1 0
0.5 1
x g(x) Complete the tables: Draw sketches of both graphs on the same grid.
y=x
The logarithm with base e is called "natural logarithm". log e = lnln e = ln 1 = ln e
2
=Use your calculator to sketch the graph of
y = ln x
The natural logarithm function ln e = ln 1 = ln e
2
=
With your calculator draw the graphs of
y =log x , y = ln x and use the graph you drew for
y =log 2x to describe the common features of
logarithms graphs.
·graph crosses the xaxis at (1,0)
·it only exist for x >0, the graph is to the right
of the yaxis
·log is negative for 0< x<1 and positive for x>1
·the yaxis is an asymptote to the curve
we1:
Express each logarithm in its simplest form: ln e
5
=
we2:
Find the value of x:ln x = 0 ln x + 1 = 0 ln x = 1