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Study Guides > Math for Liberal Arts: Co-requisite Course

Logarithmic Functions*

Learning Objectives

  • Composite and Inverse Functions
    • Define a composite function
    • Define an inverse function
    • Use compositions of functions to verify inverses algebraically
    • Identify an inverse algebraically
    • Identify the domain and range of inverse functions with tables
  • Logarithmic Functions
    • Define a logarithmic function as the inverse of an exponential function
    • Convert between logarithmic and exponential forms
  • Evaluate Logarithms
    • Mentally evaluate logarithms
    • Define natural logarithm, evaluate natural logarithms with a calculator
    • Define common logarithm, evaluate common logarithms mentally and with a calculator
  • Graphs of Logarithmic Functions
    • Identify the domain of a logarithmic function.
    • Graph logarithmic functions.
Photo of the aftermath of the earthquake in Japan with a focus on the Japanese flag. Figure 1. Devastation of March 11, 2011 earthquake in Honshu, Japan. (credit: Daniel Pierce)

In 2010, a major earthquake struck Haiti, destroying or damaging over 285,000 homes.[footnote]http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010rja6/#summary. Accessed 3/4/2013.[/footnote] One year later, another, stronger earthquake devastated Honshu, Japan, destroying or damaging over 332,000 buildings,[footnote]http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/#summary. Accessed 3/4/2013.[/footnote] like those shown in the picture above. Even though both caused substantial damage, the earthquake in 2011 was 100 times stronger than the earthquake in Haiti. How do we know? The magnitudes of earthquakes are measured on a scale known as the Richter Scale. The Haitian earthquake registered a 7.0 on the Richter Scale[footnote]http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010rja6/. Accessed 3/4/2013.[/footnote] whereas the Japanese earthquake registered a 9.0.[footnote]http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0001xgp/#details. Accessed 3/4/2013.[/footnote]

The Richter Scale is a base-ten logarithmic scale. In other words, an earthquake of magnitude 8 is not twice as great as an earthquake of magnitude 4. It is [latex]{10}^{8 - 4}={10}^{4}=10,000[/latex] times as great! In this lesson, we will investigate the nature of the Richter Scale and the base-ten function upon which it depends.

Our first topic will be about inverse functions, logarithmic functions are the inverse of an exponential functions, and sometimes understanding this helps us make sense of what a logarithm is.

Composite and Inverse Functions

Suppose we want to calculate how much it costs to heat a house on a particular day of the year. The cost to heat a house will depend on the average daily temperature, and in turn, the average daily temperature depends on the particular day of the year. Notice how we have just defined two relationships: The cost depends on the temperature, and the temperature depends on the day.

Explanation of C(T(5)), which is the cost for the temperature and T(5) is the temperature on day 5. Figure 1

Using descriptive variables, we can notate these two functions. The function [latex]C\left(T\right)[/latex] gives the cost [latex]C[/latex] of heating a house for a given average daily temperature in [latex]T[/latex] degrees Celsius. The function [latex]T\left(d\right)[/latex] gives the average daily temperature on day [latex]d[/latex] of the year. For any given day, [latex]\text{Cost}=C\left(T\left(d\right)\right)[/latex] means that the cost depends on the temperature, which in turns depends on the day of the year. Thus, we can evaluate the cost function at the temperature [latex]T\left(d\right)[/latex]. For example, we could evaluate [latex]T\left(5\right)[/latex] to determine the average daily temperature on the 5th day of the year. Then, we could evaluate the cost function at that temperature. We would write [latex]C\left(T\left(5\right)\right)[/latex]. By combining these two relationships into one function, we have performed function composition.

We read the left-hand side as [latex]"f[/latex] composed with [latex]g[/latex] at [latex]x,"[/latex] and the right-hand side as [latex]"f[/latex] of [latex]g[/latex] of [latex]x."[/latex] The two sides of the equation have the same mathematical meaning and are equal. The open circle symbol [latex]\circ [/latex] is called the composition operator. It is also important to understand the order of operations in evaluating a composite function. We follow the usual convention with parentheses by starting with the innermost parentheses first, and then working to the outside.   Explanation of the composite function. g(x), the output of g is the input of f. X is the input of g.

Example

Using the functions provided, find [latex]f\left(g\left(x\right)\right)[/latex] and [latex]g\left(f\left(x\right)\right)[/latex]. [latex-display]f\left(x\right)=2x+1[/latex-display] [latex-display]g\left(x\right)=3-x[/latex-display]

Answer: [latex-display]f\left(x\right)=2x+1[/latex-display] [latex-display]g\left(x\right)=3-x[/latex-display] Let’s begin by substituting [latex]g\left(x\right)[/latex] into [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex].[latex]\begin{array}f\left(g\left(x\right)\right)=2\left(3-x\right)+1\hfill \\ \text{ }=6 - 2x+1\hfill \\ \text{ }=7 - 2x\hfill \end{array}[/latex] Now we can substitute [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex] into [latex]g\left(x\right)[/latex].

[latex]\begin{array}g\left(f\left(x\right)\right)=3-\left(2x+1\right)\hfill \\ \text{ }=3 - 2x - 1\hfill \\ \text{ }=-2x+2\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

In the following video you will see another example of how to find the composition of two functions. https://youtu.be/r_LssVS4NHk

Inverse Functions

An inverse function is a function for which the input of the original function becomes the output of the inverse function. This naturally leads to the output of the original function becoming the input of the inverse function. The reason we want to introduce inverse functions is because exponential and logarithmic functions are inverses of each other, and understanding this quality helps to make understanding logarithmic functions easier. And the reason we introduced composite functions is because you can verify, algebraically, whether two functions are inverses of each other by using a composition.

Given a function [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex], we represent its inverse as [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)[/latex], read as [latex]"f[/latex] inverse of [latex]x.\text{"}[/latex] The raised [latex]-1[/latex] is part of the notation. It is not an exponent; it does not imply a power of [latex]-1[/latex] . In other words, [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)[/latex] does not mean [latex]\frac{1}{f\left(x\right)}[/latex] because [latex]\frac{1}{f\left(x\right)}[/latex] is the reciprocal of [latex]f[/latex] and not the inverse.

Just as zero does not have a reciprocal, some functions do not have inverses.

Inverse Function

For any one-to-one function [latex]f\left(x\right)=y[/latex], a function [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)[/latex] is an inverse function of [latex]f[/latex] if [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(y\right)=x[/latex].

The notation [latex]{f}^{-1}[/latex] is read [latex]\text{"}f[/latex] inverse." Like any other function, we can use any variable name as the input for [latex]{f}^{-1}[/latex], so we will often write [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)[/latex], which we read as [latex]"f[/latex] inverse of [latex]x."[/latex] Keep in mind that

[latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)\ne \frac{1}{f\left(x\right)}[/latex]

and not all functions have inverses.

In our first example we will identify an inverse function from ordered pairs.

Example

If for a particular one-to-one function [latex]f\left(2\right)=4[/latex] and [latex]f\left(5\right)=12[/latex], what are the corresponding input and output values for the inverse function?

Answer:

The inverse function reverses the input and output quantities, so if

[latex]\begin{array}{c}f\left(2\right)=4,\text{ then }{f}^{-1}\left(4\right)=2;\\ f\left(5\right)=12,{\text{ then f}}^{-1}\left(12\right)=5.\end{array}[/latex]

Alternatively, if we want to name the inverse function [latex]g[/latex], then [latex]g\left(4\right)=2[/latex] and [latex]g\left(12\right)=5[/latex].

Analysis of the Solution

Notice that if we show the coordinate pairs in a table form, the input and output are clearly reversed.

[latex]\left(x,f\left(x\right)\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(x,g\left(x\right)\right)[/latex]
[latex]\left(2,4\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(4,2\right)[/latex]
[latex]\left(5,12\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(12,5\right)[/latex]
In the following video we show an example of finding corresponding input and output values given two ordered pairs from functions that are inverses. https://youtu.be/IR_1L1mnpvw

How To: Given two functions [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex] and [latex]g\left(x\right)[/latex], test whether the functions are inverses of each other.

  1. Substitute [latex]g(x)[/latex] into [latex]f(x)[/latex]. The result must be x. [latex]f\left(g(x)\right)=x[/latex]
  2. Substitute [latex]f(x)[/latex] into [latex]g(x)[/latex]. The result must be x. [latex]g\left(f(x)\right)=x[/latex]

If [latex]f(x)[/latex] and  [latex]g(x)[/latex] are inverses, then  [latex]f(x)=g^{-1}(x)[/latex] and [latex]g(x)=f^{-1}(x)[/latex]

In our next example we will test inverse relationships algebraically.

Example

If [latex]f\left(x\right)=x^2-3[/latex], for [latex]x\ge0[/latex] and [latex]g\left(x\right)=\sqrt{x+3}[/latex], is g the inverse of f?  [latex]g={f}^{-1}?[/latex]

Answer: Substitute [latex]g(x)=\sqrt{x+3}[/latex] into [latex]f(x)[/latex], this means the new variable in [latex]f(x)[/latex] is [latex]\sqrt{x+3}[/latex] so you will substitute that expression where you see x.  Using parentheses helps keep track of things. [latex-display]\begin{array}{c}f\left(\sqrt{x+3}\right)={(\sqrt{x+3})}^2-3\hfill\\=x+3-3\\=x\hfill \end{array}[/latex-display] Our result implies that [latex]g(x)[/latex] is indeed the inverse of [latex]f(x)[/latex].

Answer

[latex-display]g={f}^{-1}[/latex], for [latex]x\ge0[/latex-display]

In the following video we use algebra to determine if two functions are inverses. https://youtu.be/vObCvTOatfQ We will show one more example of how to verify whether you have an inverse algebraically.

Example

If [latex]f\left(x\right)=\frac{1}{x+2}[/latex] and [latex]g\left(x\right)=\frac{1}{x}-2[/latex], is g the inverse of f?  [latex]g={f}^{-1}?[/latex]

Answer: Substitute [latex]g(x)=\frac{1}{x}-2[/latex] into [latex]f(x)[/latex], this means the new variable in [latex]f(x)[/latex] is [latex]\frac{1}{x}-2[/latex] so you will substitute that expression where you see x.  Using parentheses helps keep track of things.

[latex]\begin{array}{c} f\left(\frac{1}{x}-2\right)=\frac{1}{\left(\frac{1}{x}-2\right)+2}\hfill\\=\frac{1}{\frac{1}{x}}\hfill\\={ x }\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

Answer

[latex-display]g={f}^{-1}[/latex-display]

We will show one more example of how to use algebra to determine whether two functions are inverses of each other. https://youtu.be/hzehBtNmw08

 Domain and Range of a Function and It's Inverse

The outputs of the function [latex]f[/latex] are the inputs to [latex]{f}^{-1}[/latex], so the range of [latex]f[/latex] is also the domain of [latex]{f}^{-1}[/latex]. Likewise, because the inputs to [latex]f[/latex] are the outputs of [latex]{f}^{-1}[/latex], the domain of [latex]f[/latex] is the range of [latex]{f}^{-1}[/latex]. We can visualize the situation.
Domain and range of a function and its inverse. Domain and range of a function and its inverse In many cases, if a function is not one-to-one, we can still restrict the function to a part of its domain on which it is one-to-one. For example, we can make a restricted version of the square function [latex]f\left(x\right)={x}^{2}[/latex] with its range limited to [latex]\left[0,\infty \right)[/latex], which is a one-to-one function (it passes the horizontal line test) and which has an inverse (the square-root function).

Domain and Range of Inverse Functions

The range of a function [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex] is the domain of the inverse function [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)[/latex].

The domain of [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex] is the range of [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(x\right)[/latex].

In our last example we will define the domain and range of a function's inverse using a table of values, and evaluate the inverse at a specific value.

Example

A function [latex]f\left(t\right)[/latex] is given below, showing distance in miles that a car has traveled in [latex]t[/latex] minutes.

  1. Define the domain and range of the function and it's inverse.
  2. Find and interpret [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(70\right)[/latex].
[latex]t\text{ (minutes)}[/latex] 30 50 70 90
[latex]f\left(t\right)\text{ (miles)}[/latex] 20 40 60 70

Answer: 1.Domain and Range of the Original Function The domain of this tabular function, [latex]f\left(t\right)[/latex] , is all the input values, t in minutes: {30, 50, 70, 90} The range of this tabular function,[latex]f\left(t\right)[/latex],  is all the output values[latex]f\left(t\right)[/latex] in miles: {20, 40, 60, 70} Domain and Range of the Inverse Function

The domain for the inverse will be the outputs from the original, so the domain of  [latex]{f}^{-1}(x)[/latex] is the output values from [latex]f\left(t\right)[/latex]: {20, 40, 60, 70}

The range for the inverse will be the inputs from the original: {30, 50, 70, 90} This translates to putting in a number of miles and getting out how long it took to drive that far in minutes. 2. So in the expression [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(70\right)[/latex], 70 is an output value of the original function, representing 70 miles. The inverse will return the corresponding input of the original function [latex]f[/latex], 90 minutes, so [latex]{f}^{-1}\left(70\right)=90[/latex]. The interpretation of this is that, to drive 70 miles, it took 90 minutes.

Define Logarithmic Functions

In order to analyze the magnitude of earthquakes or compare the magnitudes of two different earthquakes, we need to be able to convert between logarithmic and exponential form. For example, suppose the amount of energy released from one earthquake were 500 times greater than the amount of energy released from another. We want to calculate the difference in magnitude. The equation that represents this problem is [latex]{10}^{x}=500[/latex], where x represents the difference in magnitudes on the Richter Scale. How would we solve for x?

We have not yet learned a method for solving exponential equations. None of the algebraic tools discussed so far is sufficient to solve [latex]{10}^{x}=500[/latex]. We know that [latex]{10}^{2}=100[/latex] and [latex]{10}^{3}=1000[/latex], so it is clear that x must be some value between 2 and 3, since [latex]y={10}^{x}[/latex] is increasing. We can examine a graph to better estimate the solution.
Graph of the intersections of the equations y=10^x and y=500. Figure 2

Estimating from a graph, however, is imprecise. To find an algebraic solution, we must introduce a new function. Observe that the graph above passes the horizontal line test. The exponential function [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex] is one-to-one, so its inverse, [latex]x={b}^{y}[/latex] is also a function. As is the case with all inverse functions, we simply interchange x and y and solve for y to find the inverse function. To represent y as a function of x, we use a logarithmic function of the form [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex]. The base b logarithm of a number is the exponent by which we must raise b to get that number.

We read a logarithmic expression as, "The logarithm with base b of x is equal to y," or, simplified, "log base b of x is y." We can also say, "b raised to the power of y is x," because logs are exponents. For example, the base 2 logarithm of 32 is 5, because 5 is the exponent we must apply to 2 to get 32. Since [latex]{2}^{5}=32[/latex], we can write [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{2}32=5[/latex]. We read this as "log base 2 of 32 is 5."

We can express the relationship between logarithmic form and its corresponding exponential form as follows:

[latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)=y\Leftrightarrow {b}^{y}=x,\text{}b>0,b\ne 1[/latex]

Note that the base b is always positive. Think b to the y equals x.

Because logarithm is a function, it is most correctly written as [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex], using parentheses to denote function evaluation, just as we would with [latex]f\left(x\right)[/latex]. However, when the input is a single variable or number, it is common to see the parentheses dropped and the expression written without parentheses, as [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}x[/latex]. Note that many calculators require parentheses around the x.

We can illustrate the notation of logarithms as follows: logb (c) = a means b to the A power equals C.

Notice that, comparing the logarithm function and the exponential function, the input and the output are switched. This means [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] and [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex] are inverse functions.

Definition of the Logarithmic Function

A logarithm base b of a positive number x satisfies the following definition.

For [latex]x>0,b>0,b\ne 1[/latex],

[latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)\text{ is equivalent to }{b}^{y}=x[/latex]

where,

  • we read [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] as, "the logarithm with base b of x" or the "log base b of x."
  • the logarithm y is the exponent to which b must be raised to get x.

Also, since the logarithmic and exponential functions switch the x and y values, the domain and range of the exponential function are interchanged for the logarithmic function. Therefore,

  • the domain of the logarithm function with base [latex]b \text{ is} \left(0,\infty \right)[/latex].
  • the range of the logarithm function with base [latex]b \text{ is} \left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex].
In our first example we will convert logarithmic equations into exponential equations.

Example

Write the following logarithmic equations in exponential form.

  1. [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{6}\left(\sqrt{6}\right)=\frac{1}{2}[/latex]
  2. [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{3}\left(9\right)=2[/latex]

    Answer:

    First, identify the values of b, y, and x. Then, write the equation in the form [latex]{b}^{y}=x[/latex].

    1. [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{6}\left(\sqrt{6}\right)=\frac{1}{2}[/latex]

      Here, [latex]b=6,y=\frac{1}{2},\text{and } x=\sqrt{6}[/latex]. Therefore, the equation [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{6}\left(\sqrt{6}\right)=\frac{1}{2}[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]{6}^{\frac{1}{2}}=\sqrt{6}[/latex].

    2. [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{3}\left(9\right)=2[/latex]

      Here, b = 3, y = 2, and x = 9. Therefore, the equation [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{3}\left(9\right)=2[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]{3}^{2}=9[/latex].

In the following video we present more examples of rewriting logarithmic equations as exponential equations. https://youtu.be/q9_s0wqhIXU

How To: Given an equation in logarithmic form [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)=y[/latex], convert it to exponential form.

  1. Examine the equation [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}x[/latex] and identify b, y, and x.
  2. Rewrite [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}x=y[/latex] as [latex]{b}^{y}=x[/latex].

Think About It

Can we take the logarithm of a negative number? Re-read the definition of a logarithm and formulate an answer.  Think about the behavior of exponents.  You can use the textbox below to formulate your ideas before you look at an answer.

[practice-area rows="1"][/practice-area]

Answer:

No. Because the base of an exponential function is always positive, no power of that base can ever be negative. We can never take the logarithm of a negative number. Also, we cannot take the logarithm of zero. Calculators may output a log of a negative number when in complex mode, but the log of a negative number is not a real number.

 Convert from exponential to logarithmic form

To convert from exponents to logarithms, we follow the same steps in reverse. We identify the base b, exponent x, and output y. Then we write [latex]x={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(y\right)[/latex].

Example

Write the following exponential equations in logarithmic form.

  1. [latex]{2}^{3}=8[/latex]
  2. [latex]{5}^{2}=25[/latex]
  3. [latex]{10}^{-4}=\frac{1}{10,000}[/latex]

    Answer:

    First, identify the values of b, y, and x. Then, write the equation in the form [latex]x={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(y\right)[/latex].

    1. [latex]{2}^{3}=8[/latex]

      Here, b = 2, x = 3, and y = 8. Therefore, the equation [latex]{2}^{3}=8[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(8\right)=3[/latex].

    2. [latex]{5}^{2}=25[/latex]

      Here, b = 5, x = 2, and y = 25. Therefore, the equation [latex]{5}^{2}=25[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{5}\left(25\right)=2[/latex].

    3. [latex]{10}^{-4}=\frac{1}{10,000}[/latex]

      Here, b = 10, x = –4, and [latex]y=\frac{1}{10,000}[/latex]. Therefore, the equation [latex]{10}^{-4}=\frac{1}{10,000}[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]{\text{log}}_{10}\left(\frac{1}{10,000}\right)=-4[/latex].

In our last video we show more examples of writing logarithmic equations as exponential equations. https://youtu.be/9_GPPUWEJQQ

Evaluate Logarithms

Knowing the squares, cubes, and roots of numbers allows us to evaluate many logarithms mentally. For example, consider [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{2}8[/latex]. We ask, "To what exponent must 2 be raised in order to get 8?" Because we already know [latex]{2}^{3}=8[/latex], it follows that [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{2}8=3[/latex].

Now consider solving [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{7}49[/latex] and [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{3}27[/latex] mentally.

  • We ask, "To what exponent must 7 be raised in order to get 49?" We know [latex]{7}^{2}=49[/latex]. Therefore, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{7}49=2[/latex]
  • We ask, "To what exponent must 3 be raised in order to get 27?" We know [latex]{3}^{3}=27[/latex]. Therefore, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{3}27=3[/latex]

Even some seemingly more complicated logarithms can be evaluated without a calculator. For example, let’s evaluate [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{\frac{2}{3}}\frac{4}{9}[/latex] mentally.

  • We ask, "To what exponent must [latex]\frac{2}{3}[/latex] be raised in order to get [latex]\frac{4}{9}[/latex]? " We know [latex]{2}^{2}=4[/latex] and [latex]{3}^{2}=9[/latex], so [latex]{\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)}^{2}=\frac{4}{9}[/latex]. Therefore, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{\frac{2}{3}}\left(\frac{4}{9}\right)=2[/latex].
In our first example we will evaluate logarithms mentally.

Example

Solve [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{4}\left(64\right)[/latex] without using a calculator.

Answer:

First we rewrite the logarithm in exponential form: [latex]{4}^{y}=64[/latex]. Next, we ask, "To what exponent must 4 be raised in order to get 64?"

We know
[latex]{4}^{3}=64[/latex]

Therefore,

[latex]\mathrm{log}{}_{4}\left(64\right)=3[/latex]

In our first video we will show more examples of evaluating logarithms mentally, this helps you get familiar with what a logarithm represents. https://youtu.be/dxj5J9OpWGA In our next example we will evaluate the logarithm of a reciprocal.

Example

Evaluate [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{3}\left(\frac{1}{27}\right)[/latex] without using a calculator.

Answer:

First we rewrite the logarithm in exponential form: [latex]{3}^{y}=\frac{1}{27}[/latex]. Next, we ask, "To what exponent must 3 be raised in order to get [latex]\frac{1}{27}[/latex]"?

We know [latex]{3}^{3}=27[/latex], but what must we do to get the reciprocal, [latex]\frac{1}{27}[/latex]? Recall from working with exponents that [latex]{b}^{-a}=\frac{1}{{b}^{a}}[/latex]. We use this information to write

[latex]\begin{array}{3}^{-3}=\frac{1}{{3}^{3}}\hfill \\ =\frac{1}{27}\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

Therefore, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{3}\left(\frac{1}{27}\right)=-3[/latex].

How To: Given a logarithm of the form [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex], evaluate it mentally.

  1. Rewrite the argument x as a power of b: [latex]{b}^{y}=x[/latex].
  2. Use previous knowledge of powers of b identify y by asking, "To what exponent should b be raised in order to get x?"

 Natural logarithms

The most frequently used base for logarithms is e. Base e logarithms are important in calculus and some scientific applications; they are called natural logarithms. The base e logarithm, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{e}\left(x\right)[/latex], has its own notation, [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)[/latex].

Most values of [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)[/latex] can be found only using a calculator. The major exception is that, because the logarithm of 1 is always 0 in any base, [latex]\mathrm{ln}1=0[/latex]. For other natural logarithms, we can use the [latex]\mathrm{ln}[/latex] key that can be found on most scientific calculators. We can also find the natural logarithm of any power of e using the inverse property of logarithms.

A General Note: Definition of the Natural Logarithm

A natural logarithm is a logarithm with base e. We write [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{e}\left(x\right)[/latex] simply as [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)[/latex]. The natural logarithm of a positive number x satisfies the following definition.

For [latex]x>0[/latex],

[latex]y=\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)\text{ is equivalent to }{e}^{y}=x[/latex]

We read [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)[/latex] as, "the logarithm with base e of x" or "the natural logarithm of x."

The logarithm y is the exponent to which e must be raised to get x.

Since the functions [latex]y=e{}^{x}[/latex] and [latex]y=\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)[/latex] are inverse functions, [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left({e}^{x}\right)=x[/latex] for all x and [latex]e{}^{\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)}=x[/latex] for x > 0.

In the next example, we will evaluate a natural logarithm using a calculator.

Example

Evaluate [latex]y=\mathrm{ln}\left(500\right)[/latex] to four decimal places using a calculator.

Answer:

  • Press [LN].
  • Enter 500, followed by [ ) ].
  • Press [ENTER].

Rounding to four decimal places, [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left(500\right)\approx 6.2146[/latex]

In our next video, we show more examples of how to evaluate natural logarithms using a calculator. https://youtu.be/Rpounu3epSc

Common logarithms

Sometimes we may see a logarithm written without a base. In this case, we assume that the base is 10. In other words, the expression [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}[/latex] means [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{10}[/latex]  We call a base-10 logarithm a common logarithm. Common logarithms are used to measure the Richter Scale mentioned at the beginning of the section. Scales for measuring the brightness of stars and the pH of acids and bases also use common logarithms.

Definition of Common Logarithm: Log is an exponent

A common logarithm is a logarithm with base 10.  We write [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{10}(x)[/latex]  simpliy as [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(x)[/latex].  The common logarithm of a positive number, x, satisfies the following definition: For [latex]x\gt0[/latex]

[latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{}(x)[/latex] is equivalent to [latex]10^y=x[/latex]

We read [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(x)[/latex] as " the logarithm with base 10 of x" or "log base 10 of x".

The logarithm y is the exponent to which 10 must be raised to get x.

Example

Evaluate [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(1000)[/latex] without using a calculator.

Answer: We know 10^3=1000, therefore [latex-display]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(1000)=3[/latex-display]

Example

Evaluate [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{}(321)[/latex] to four decimal places using a calculator.

Answer:

  • Press [LOG].
  • Enter 321, followed by [ ) ].
  • Press [ENTER].
Rounding to four decimal places, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(321)\approx2.5065[/latex]

In our last example we will use a logarithm to find the difference in magnitude of two different earthquakes.

Example

The amount of energy released from one earthquake was 500 times greater than the amount of energy released from another. The equation [latex]10^x=500[/latex] represents this situation, where x is the difference in magnitudes on the Richter Scale. To the nearest thousandth, what was the difference in magnitudes?

Answer: We begin by rewriting the exponential equation in logarithmic form.

[latex]10^x=500[/latex]

[latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(500)=x[/latex]

Next we evaluate the logarithm using a calculator:

  • Press [LOG].
  • Enter 500 followed by [ ) ].
  • Press [ENTER].
  • To the nearest thousandth, [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{}(500)\approx2.699[/latex] log(500)≈2.699. log(500)≈2.699.">

Graphs of Logarithmic Functions

Before working with graphs, we will take a look at the domain (the set of input values) for which the logarithmic function is defined.

Recall that the exponential function is defined as [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex] for any real number x and constant [latex]b>0[/latex], [latex]b\ne 1[/latex], where

  • The domain of y is [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex].
  • The range of y is [latex]\left(0,\infty \right)[/latex].

In the last section we learned that the logarithmic function [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] is the inverse of the exponential function [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex]. So, as inverse functions:

  • The domain of [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] is the range of [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex]:[latex]\left(0,\infty \right)[/latex].
  • The range of [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] is the domain of [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex]: [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex].

How To: Given a logarithmic function, identify the domain.

  1. Set up an inequality showing the argument greater than zero.
  2. Solve for x.
  3. Write the domain in interval notation.
In our first example we will show how to identify the domain of a logarithmic function.

Example

What is the domain of [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x+3\right)[/latex]?

Answer:

The logarithmic function is defined only when the input is positive, so this function is defined when [latex]x+3>0[/latex]. Solving this inequality,

[latex]\begin{array}{c}x+3>0\hfill & \text{The input must be positive}.\hfill \\ x>-3\hfill & \text{Subtract 3}.\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

The domain of [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x+3\right)[/latex] is [latex]\left(-3,\infty \right)[/latex].

Here is another example of how to identify the domain of a logarithmic function.

Example

What is the domain of [latex]f\left(x\right)=\mathrm{log}\left(5 - 2x\right)[/latex]?

Answer:

The logarithmic function is defined only when the input is positive, so this function is defined when [latex]5 - 2x>0[/latex]. Solving this inequality,

[latex]\begin{array}{c}5 - 2x>0\hfill & \text{The input must be positive}.\hfill \\ -2x>-5\hfill & \text{Subtract }5.\hfill \\ x<\frac{5}{2}\hfill & \text{Divide by }-2\text{ and switch the inequality}.\hfill \end{array}[/latex]

The domain of [latex]f\left(x\right)=\mathrm{log}\left(5 - 2x\right)[/latex] is [latex]\left(-\infty ,\frac{5}{2}\right)[/latex].

 Graph logarithmic functions

Creating a graphical representation of most functions gives us another layer of insight for predicting future events. How do logarithmic graphs give us insight into situations? Because every logarithmic function is the inverse function of an exponential function, we can think of every output on a logarithmic graph as the input for the corresponding inverse exponential equation. In other words, logarithms give the cause for an effect.

To illustrate, suppose we invest $2500 in an account that offers an annual interest rate of 5%, compounded continuously. We already know that the balance in our account for any year t can be found with the equation [latex]A=2500{e}^{0.05t}[/latex].

But what if we wanted to know the year for any balance? We would need to create a corresponding new function by interchanging the input and the output; thus we would need to create a logarithmic model for this situation. By graphing the model, we can see the output (year) for any input (account balance). For instance, what if we wanted to know how many years it would take for our initial investment to double? Figure 1 shows this point on the logarithmic graph.
A graph titled, Figure 1

Now that we have a feel for the set of values for which a logarithmic function is defined, we move on to graphing logarithmic functions. The family of logarithmic functions includes the parent function [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] along with all its transformations: shifts, stretches, compressions, and reflections.

We begin with the parent function [latex]y={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex]. Because every logarithmic function of this form is the inverse of an exponential function with the form [latex]y={b}^{x}[/latex], their graphs will be reflections of each other across the line [latex]y=x[/latex]. To illustrate this, we can observe the relationship between the input and output values of [latex]y={2}^{x}[/latex] and its equivalent [latex]x={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(y\right)[/latex] in the table below.

x –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3
[latex]{2}^{x}=y[/latex] [latex]\frac{1}{8}[/latex] [latex]\frac{1}{4}[/latex] [latex]\frac{1}{2}[/latex] 1 2 4 8
[latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(y\right)=x[/latex] –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3

Using the inputs and outputs from the table above, we can build another table to observe the relationship between points on the graphs of the inverse functions [latex]f\left(x\right)={2}^{x}[/latex] and [latex]g\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x\right)[/latex].

[latex]f\left(x\right)={2}^{x}[/latex] [latex]\left(-3,\frac{1}{8}\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(-2,\frac{1}{4}\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(-1,\frac{1}{2}\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(0,1\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(1,2\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(2,4\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(3,8\right)[/latex]
[latex]g\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(\frac{1}{8},-3\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(\frac{1}{4},-2\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(\frac{1}{2},-1\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(1,0\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(2,1\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(4,2\right)[/latex] [latex]\left(8,3\right)[/latex]

As we’d expect, the x- and y-coordinates are reversed for the inverse functions. The figure below shows the graph of f and g.

Graph of two functions, f(x)=2^x and g(x)=log_2(x), with the line y=x denoting the axis of symmetry.

 Notice that the graphs of [latex]f\left(x\right)={2}^{x}[/latex] and [latex]g\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x\right)[/latex] are reflections about the line y = x.

Observe the following from the graph:

  • [latex]f\left(x\right)={2}^{x}[/latex] has a y-intercept at [latex]\left(0,1\right)[/latex] and [latex]g\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x\right)[/latex] has an x-intercept at [latex]\left(1,0\right)[/latex].
  • The domain of [latex]f\left(x\right)={2}^{x}[/latex], [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex], is the same as the range of [latex]g\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x\right)[/latex].
  • The range of [latex]f\left(x\right)={2}^{x}[/latex], [latex]\left(0,\infty \right)[/latex], is the same as the domain of [latex]g\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{2}\left(x\right)[/latex].

A General Note: Characteristics of the Graph of the Parent Function, f(x) = logb(x)

For any real number x and constant b > 0, [latex]b\ne 1[/latex], we can see the following characteristics in the graph of [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex]:

  • one-to-one function
  • vertical asymptote: x = 0
  • domain: [latex]\left(0,\infty \right)[/latex]
  • range: [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex]
  • x-intercept: [latex]\left(1,0\right)[/latex] and key point [latex]\left(b,1\right)[/latex]
  • y-intercept: none
  • increasing if [latex]b>1[/latex]
  • decreasing if 0 < b < 1
Figure 3 shows how changing the base b in [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex] can affect the graphs. Observe that the graphs compress vertically as the value of the base increases. (Note: recall that the function [latex]\mathrm{ln}\left(x\right)[/latex] has base [latex]e\approx \text{2}.\text{718.)}[/latex]
Graph of three equations: y=log_2(x) in blue, y=ln(x) in orange, and y=log(x) in red. The y-axis is the asymptote. Figure 4. The graphs of three logarithmic functions with different bases, all greater than 1.
In our first example we will graph a logarithmic function of the form [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex].

Example

Graph [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{5}\left(x\right)[/latex]. State the domain, range.

Answer:

Before graphing, identify the behavior and key points for the graph.

  • Since b = 5 is greater than one, we know the function is increasing. The left tail of the graph will approach the vertical line x = 0, and the right tail will increase slowly without bound.
  • The x-intercept is [latex]\left(1,0\right)[/latex].
  • The key point [latex]\left(5,1\right)[/latex] is on the graph.
  • We plot and label the points, and draw a smooth curve through the points.
Graph of f(x)=log_5(x) with labeled points at (1, 0) and (5, 1). The y-axis is the asymptote.

Figure 5. The domain is [latex]\left(0,\infty \right)[/latex], the range is [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex].

How To: Given a logarithmic function with the form [latex]f\left(x\right)={\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)[/latex], graph the function.

  1. Plot the x-intercept, [latex]\left(1,0\right)[/latex].
  2. Plot the key point [latex]\left(b,1\right)[/latex].
  3. Draw a smooth curve through the points.
  4. State the domain, [latex]\left(0,\infty \right)[/latex], the range, [latex]\left(-\infty ,\infty \right)[/latex].

Summary

The inverse of a function can be defined for one-to-one functions.  If a function is not one-to-one, it can be possible to restrict it's domain to make it so. The domain of a function will become the range of it's inverse.  The range of a function will become the domain of it's inverse.  Inverses can be verified using tabular data as well as algebraically. The base b logarithm of a number is the exponent by which we must raise b to get that number. Logarithmic functions are the inverse of Exponential functions, and it is often easier to understand them through this lens. We can never take the logarithm of a negative number, therefore [latex]{\mathrm{log}}_{b}\left(x\right)=y[/latex] is defined for [latex]b>0[/latex]. Knowing the squares, cubes, and roots of numbers allows us to evaluate many logarithms mentally because the logarithm is an exponent.  Logarithms most commonly sue base 10, and often use base e. Logarithms can also be evaluated with most kinds of calculator. To define the domain of a logarithmic function algebraically, set the argument greater than zero and solve. To plot a logarithmic function, it is easiest to find and plot the x-intercept, and the key point[latex]\left(b,1\right)[/latex].

Earthquake!

Image of A 2x6 plank driven through a ten-ply tire by the tsunami in Whittier. A 2x6 plank driven through a ten-ply tire by the tsunami in Whittier, AK.
Joan's grandpa comes over for dinner every Sunday.  Grandpa loves to talk, but it's really hard to understand him. Also, as he gets older his hearing has been getting worse. Usually Joan tries to find an excuse to be out after dinner on Sundays, but since she had food poisoning on Saturday night, this week she wasn't feeling like leaving the house. Grandpa was feeling extra chatty this week and since Joan was a captive audience, she got the full force of his attention. His stories started with the neighbor's dog who won't stop barking, then on to his arthritis. "Joanie, do you know that I think I have arthritis in my ankles because of an earthquake injury?" says Grandpa. Grandpa went on to tell Joan the story of when he lived in Anchorage, Alaska in the 60's and lived through the Good Friday earthquake. The 1964 Alaskan earthquake, also known as the Great Alaskan earthquake, occurred at 5:36 p.m. AST on Good Friday, March 27. Across south-central Alaska, ground fissures, collapsing structures, and earthquake-created tsunamis caused about 139 deaths, some of them being friends of Joan's grandpa. Lasting four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, the magnitude 8.5 (Richter scale) [footnote]"Facts About the 1964 Alaska Earthquake." LiveScience. Accessed August 18, 2016. http://www.livescience.com/44412-1964-alaska-earthquake-facts.html.[/footnote]megathrust earthquake was the most powerful recorded in North American history, and the second most powerful recorded in world history. Soil liquefaction, fissures, landslides, and other ground failures caused major structural damage in several communities and much damage to property. Post-quake tsunamis severely affected numerous Alaskan communities, as well as people and property in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California. Tsunamis also caused damage in Hawai'i and Japan. Evidence of motion directly related to the earthquake was reported from all over the world. Surviving the quake inspired Joan's grandpa to study Geology in college.  Joan had heard of the Richter scale before, but didn't really understand what it meant, so she asked her grandpa.
Photo of Charles Richter Charles Richter
He explained that the Richter scale magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions. For example, a magnitude 5.3 might be computed for a moderate earthquake, and a strong earthquake might be rated as magnitude 6.3. Because of the logarithmic basis of the scale, he said, each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude. For example, Grandpa explained, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake corresponds to the release of about 31 times more energy than a magnitude 5.3.[footnote]"Measuring the Size of an Earthquake." Measuring the Size of an Earthquake. Accessed August 05, 2016. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/measure.php.[/footnote] Joan really enjoyed the conversation she had with her grandpa. She had never asked him about his work as a geologist, and she could tell it made him really happy that she did. At least something good emerged out of Joan's disastrous date and food poisoning fiasco from the night before. "1964 Quake: The Great Alaska Earthquake" is an eleven minute video created as part of USGS activities acknowledging the fifty year anniversary of the quake on March 27, 2014. The video features USGS geologist George Plafker, who, in the 1960s, correctly interpreted the quake as a subduction zone event. This was a great leap forward in resolving key mechanisms of the developing theory of plate tectonics. The extreme loss of life and destruction from this earthquake and accompanying tsunamis inspired the NOAA Tsunami Warning Centers and the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. https://youtu.be/lE2j10xyOgI

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  • Ex 1: Determine if Two Functions Are Inverses. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com) for Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • Ex 2: Determine if Two Functions Are Inverses. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com) for Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution.
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